With only two Secret Rares in the entire 120-card set, a graded OP-14 Mihawk or Crocodile carries genuine weight among competitive players and collectors alike.
Here's what first-time submitters should know before sending either card in for grading.
None of this requires prior grading experience to follow.
Centering and surface quality matter most when deciding whether either card is worth submitting.
Given there are only two Secret Rares across the entire set, both Mihawk's and Crocodile's versions carry inherent scarcity that supports the cost of grading. A high grade on either card meaningfully increases its resale value compared to an ungraded copy.
Their strong character popularity adds an extra layer of demand beyond just competitive relevance, which tends to support consistently strong grading outcomes.
Checking a card under strong, even lighting for centering issues before submitting can save a costly surprise later, since off-center Secret Rares are a common way an otherwise strong card grades lower than expected. Surface quality from handling since the pull also matters significantly for these premium cards.
A magnified inspection for any print lines or factory defects specific to modern TCG printing is worth doing before committing to a submission.
Submitting shortly after a set's release, while interest is fresh, can be a reasonable strategy for cards with strong early demand like these two. Waiting until secondary market prices stabilize is the more conservative approach for collectors uncertain about long-term value.
Neither timing is universally correct — it depends on how confident you are in sustained demand for either character.
Different grading companies carry different reputations, turnaround times, and fee structures, and comparing them before committing to a submission is worth the extra research time. Some companies specialize in faster turnaround at a premium, while others offer slower but more affordable standard service.
Checking recent community feedback on a grading company's consistency and turnaround reliability gives a more current picture than relying on reputation alone, since service levels can shift over time. This is especially relevant for a fresh Secret Rare where submission volume tends to spike right after release.
Bundling multiple submissions together, when a grading company offers volume discounts, is a practical way to reduce per-card cost if you're sending in both Secret Rares at once.
For collectors whose Secret Rare submissions represent significant financial value, looking into collectibles insurance is worth considering, particularly if the card will be displayed or transported regularly. Standard homeowner's or renter's insurance often doesn't adequately cover individual collectible items above a certain value.
Documenting a valuable card with photos and any grading certification, kept separately from the card itself, is a simple practice that supports both insurance claims and resale down the line.
Occasionally, popular characters receive reprinted or alternate versions in later sets, which can affect long-term scarcity and value for the original Secret Rare printing.
Staying aware of future set announcements involving either character helps anticipate any market shifts before they happen.
A card intended for genuinely long-term holding benefits from storage solutions built for archival stability, not just everyday handling protection.
Researching acid-free, UV-resistant storage options is worth the extra effort for a Secret Rare you plan to hold for years rather than months.
A little extra care in storage planning protects your investment for years to come.
Small, consistent preservation habits do more for long-term condition than any single dramatic step.
These small habits add up to meaningfully better outcomes over the life of a valuable collection.
Worth keeping in mind for future submissions too.
A card headed for grading needs protection that keeps it submission-ready. EVORETRO's Graded Card Sleeves are built for exactly this purpose.
Once a card comes back graded, EVORETRO's Card Display Stand gives it a proper showcase.
Dracule Mihawk and Crocodile, the set's only Secret Rares.
Yes, both cards benefit from strong crossover fan interest.
Centering under even lighting and surface quality from handling.
Either shortly after release for early demand, or after prices stabilize for a safer approach.
A strong grading candidate deserves careful handling before it ever ships out. Browse EVORETRO's toploaders and sleeves collection to get ready.
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