The month of February witnessed a surge in activity within the trading card grading industry, as over 1.6 million cards were authenticated by the four principal grading entities. This figure marked a significant 25% increase compared to the same period last year, showcasing the growing interest in card collecting and authentication processes. While slightly lower than January’s numbers, the February figures remain robust, indicating a strong and active market.
The distribution between sports cards and Trading Card Games (TCG) like Pokemon and Magic The Gathering leaned heavily towards sports cards, accounting for 55.5% of the total submissions. This preference underscores the enduring popularity of sports cards among collectors, with baseball cards emerging as the frontrunners in terms of grading volume. Over 293,000 baseball cards were processed, reflecting the strong presence of this category within the grading landscape.
Among the standout athletes whose cards dominated the grading charts were Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers and Stroud’s impressive NFL season contributed to the high submission rates of their cards. PSA, the leading grading entity, handled a substantial number of submissions for both players, grading 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 cards for Stroud throughout the month. The popularity of these athletes reflects the evolving preferences of collectors and investors in the market.
While PSA led in card grading volume, other grading companies such as SGC also reported a significant influx of modern cards from the 2023 sports season, particularly in football and baseball categories. The graded player list showcased a mix of legendary figures like Michael Jordan alongside rising stars such as Ohtani and Stroud. ISA Grading and Beckett Grading also processed a considerable number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue.
The surge in card grading activity demonstrates the vibrant and dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, with new talents like Ohtani and Stroud gaining traction among collectors and investors. The increasing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards signals a promising future for the hobby, as enthusiasts and investors alike continue to engage with the evolving market trends. The card grading landscape remains a reflection of the ever-changing dynamics of the sports collectibles industry, with stars like Ohtani and Stroud leading the way into an exciting era of card collecting.
