The month of February proved to be a bustling period in the world of trading card grading, as collectors and enthusiasts engaged in a frenzy of over 1.6 million card submissions for authentication. This surge in activity marked a significant 25% increase from the same period last year, signaling a growing passion for the hobby.
Amidst the sea of cards being authenticated, two athletes stood out prominently in the grading charts – Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. Both athletes, representing different sports realms with Ohtani in baseball and Stroud in football, captured the attention of collectors and investors, leading to an influx of their cards for grading.
The trading card grading landscape was dominated by the renowned grading entity PSA, which processed a staggering 1.24 million cards during the month. Among the plethora of cards graded, baseball cards took center stage with over 293,000 submissions. Shohei Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers and CJ Stroud’s impressive NFL season fueled the demand for their graded cards, with PSA handling 26,800 and 16,400 submissions for Ohtani and Stroud, respectively.
While PSA led the charge in card grading volume, other grading companies such as SGC also experienced a surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. Notable names like Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, and CJ Stroud graced the graded player list at SGC, showcasing the diverse appeal of sports memorabilia across generations. Additionally, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading saw a significant number of submissions, with Beckett highlighting the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue.
The escalating enthusiasm for card grading underscores the dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, where emerging talents like Ohtani and Stroud are swiftly gaining traction among collectors. Whether it’s the allure of modern sports cards or the nostalgia of vintage collectibles, the hobby continues to attract a wide range of enthusiasts, hinting at a promising future for the industry.
As the numbers from February’s grading surge reveal, the passion for sports memorabilia transcends mere collecting – it embodies a shared enthusiasm for sports history, talent appreciation, and the thrill of the chase for that one prized card. In a landscape where legends meet rising stars, the world of trading card grading continues to evolve, offering a vibrant and compelling space for all who partake in its excitement.