The month of February witnessed a significant surge in the card grading industry, with over 1.6 million cards authenticated across various grading entities. This spike in activity marks a notable 25% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a vibrant and robust market for trading card collectors and investors.
Among the key players driving this surge in card grading were the dynamic duo of Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. These two athletes captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts, leading the charts in terms of the most submitted cards for grading. Ohtani, known for his versatility and skill both on the mound and at the plate, made waves with his transition to the Dodgers, sparking increased interest in his trading cards. Similarly, CJ Stroud’s breakout NFL season elevated his rookie cards’ appeal, resulting in a substantial number of submissions for grading.
The grading landscape in February was dominated by PSA, the leading grading company, which processed a staggering 1.24 million cards during the month. Baseball cards emerged as the most graded category, with over 293,000 cards making their way through the authentication process. Ohtani and Stroud’s cards were prominently featured in PSA’s workload, with 26,800 cards attributed to Ohtani and 16,400 cards to Stroud, showcasing the widespread interest in these budding sports stars.
While PSA took the lion’s share of grading volume, other grading entities such as SGC, ISA Grading, and Beckett Grading also experienced a surge in submissions. The 2023 sports season saw a significant influx of modern cards, particularly in football and baseball, with iconic players like Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud commanding attention in the graded player lists. Beckett Grading notably highlighted the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue, further underscoring the diverse range of cards entering the grading process.
This uptrend in card grading activity underscores the dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, where emerging talents like Ohtani and Stroud play a pivotal role in shaping collector interest. The blend of modern and vintage sports cards continues to captivate enthusiasts, hinting at a promising future for the hobby. With record numbers of cards being authenticated and graded, the fervor surrounding trading card collections shows no signs of slowing down, setting the stage for an exciting era in the world of sports memorabilia.