In the world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been an exciting year. Trading card grading companies PSA and ISA have continued their dominance in the industry, attracting collectors and investors from around the world. Recently, PSA released the list of the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and the results were nothing short of intriguing.
Leading the list of the most submitted athletes to PSA in 2023 is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently signed a monumental $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has captured the attention of sports fans and collectors alike. His cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become highly sought after in the market. Ohtani’s dominance in the grading submissions makes him the undeniable leader in the card industry this year. Impressively, he holds four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani takes the crown, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card continues to be a collector’s favorite, showcasing his iconic image and capturing the essence of his greatness on the court. It’s no surprise that Jordan secures a spot in the top 10 athletes for 2023.
Joining Ohtani and Jordan on the list of the top 10 athletes with the most card submissions are:
1. Shohei Ohtani
2. Michael Jordan
3. Julio Rodriguez
4. Trevor Lawrence
5. Joe Burrow
6. Tom Brady
7. Kobe Bryant
8. LeBron James
9. Ken Griffey Jr.
10. Patrick Mahomes II
The diversity in this list reflects the universal appeal and popularity of various sports and athletes.
Now, let’s dive into the most graded sports cards of 2023. Unsurprisingly, Shohei Ohtani shows his dominance once again, as several of his cards make it into the top 10. The 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 are particularly sought after by collectors. The unique talents possessed by Ohtani on both the pitching and hitting fronts have made his cards valuable and highly desirable.
Among the notable cards that earned their place in the list of most graded sports cards of 2023 are the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 featuring Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie. These cards capture moments in sports history and carry sentimental value for collectors.
In the realm of football card submissions, there are two rising stars to watch out for. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen an astonishing 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year. Fields’ dynamic style of play and potential for success in the NFL have sparked immense interest among collectors. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who boasts a 98% increase in submissions. Lawrence’s highly anticipated entrance into the NFL has undoubtedly fueled the excitement surrounding his cards.
It’s also worth mentioning that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce experienced significant growth in submissions. While his on-field performance has undoubtedly played a part, his public relationship with pop star Taylor Swift may also have increased his card’s popularity.
Rookie cards remain a hot commodity in the sports card industry, and 2023 was no exception. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama emerged as the top rookie card submissions. These promising young players have captured the attention of collectors who see their potential for future stardom. In the football realm, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy claimed the top spots for most submitted rookie cards, showcasing the interest in up-and-coming talent in the NFL. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman were the standout rookies, with their cards proving to be highly sought after among collectors.
As the landscape of sports card collecting continues to evolve, it’s clear that the passion for collecting and trading these cards remains strong. PSA and ISA have played key roles in shaping the industry, providing a platform for collectors and investors to authenticate and grade their cards. With Shohei Ohtani leading the pack, and rising stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence gaining momentum, the sports card industry is experiencing an exciting era filled with endless possibilities.
