The world of trading card grading experienced a whirlwind of activity in February, with a staggering 1.6 million cards undergoing authentication. This surge, although slightly lower than January’s numbers, represented a remarkable 25% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The breakdown between sports cards and Trading Card Games (TCG) like Pokemon and Magic The Gathering revealed a clear preference, with 55.5% of the authenticated cards falling under the sports category, indicating the enduring popularity of sports cards among collectors.
PSA emerged as the leader in card grading volume, processing a whopping 1.24 million cards. Baseball cards took center stage with over 293,000 cards graded, showcasing the unwavering love for America’s favorite pastime. Among the plethora of submissions, two names stood out prominently – Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. Both athletes captured the hearts of collectors and investors, with PSA handling a substantial 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 for Stroud within the month alone.
The grading frenzy extended beyond PSA, with other grading companies like SGC also reporting a significant influx of modern cards from the 2023 sports season, particularly in the realms of football and baseball. The graded player roster at SGC boasted a mix of legends and up-and-coming stars, with luminaries like Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud commanding considerable attention. Additionally, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading found themselves navigating through a substantial number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue, further underscoring the fervor surrounding the hobby.
This surge in card grading exemplifies the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market, with emerging talents such as Ohtani and Stroud garnering widespread interest among collectors and investors alike. The escalating numbers in grading activities indicate a growing fascination with both modern and vintage sports cards, foreshadowing an exciting and promising future for this beloved hobby.
