The month of February brought a whirlwind of card grading activity in the trading card world, with a remarkable surge in authenticated cards totaling over 1.6 million. This uptick in numbers showcased a substantial 25% increase compared to the same period last year, signifying a growing interest in the collector’s market.
While the figures dipped slightly from January’s statistics, the enthusiasm for card grading remained palpable. Sports cards reigned supreme, accounting for 55.5% of the total submissions, reaffirming the enduring popularity of this segment among collectors. The landscape was bustling with activity, as trading card grading entities like PSA, SGC, ISA Grading, and Beckett Grading processed a myriad of cards, catering to the diverse interests of collectors.
PSA emerged as a frontrunner in grading volume, handling a whopping 1.24 million cards, with a significant portion dedicated to baseball cards. Among the standout athletes whose cards dominated the grading charts were none other than the dynamic duo of Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers and Stroud’s stellar NFL season propelled their cards to the forefront, with PSA processing 26,800 and 16,400 cards for Ohtani and Stroud, respectively.
The grading frenzy extended beyond PSA, with SGC and other grading companies also witnessing a surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season in football and baseball. The graded player roster at SGC featured a mix of established legends and emerging stars, with the likes of Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, and CJ Stroud garnering substantial attention from collectors and enthusiasts.
ISA Grading and Beckett Grading were not left behind in the grading marathon, managing a considerable influx of submissions. Beckett, in particular, noted the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue, further underscoring the diverse range of cards making their way into the grading process.
The rise in card grading activity serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, where new talents like Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud are making waves and capturing the imagination of collectors and investors alike. The increasing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards indicates a promising outlook for the hobby, fueling excitement and anticipation for what the future holds in the ever-evolving world of trading cards.
