The month of February witnessed a dynamic surge in the world of card grading, with a staggering 1.6 million cards authenticated by the four principal grading entities. This significant increase, compared to the same period last year, showcases the thriving nature of the trading card market. Among the standout athletes driving this surge are Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, whose cards have captured the attention of collectors and investors, propelling them to the top of the grading charts.
Despite a slight decrease from January’s figures, the overall 25% year-on-year increase in card grading activity signals a flourishing market. 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 graded cards falling under the sports category. This continued popularity of sports cards underscores the enduring appeal of collecting in this segment.
Leading the charge in card grading volume is PSA, processing a whopping 1.24 million cards in February. Within this massive volume, baseball cards emerged as the frontrunners, with over 293,000 cards receiving authentication. Notably, the spotlight shone brightly on Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, with their cards being among the most submitted for grading. Ohtani’s switch to the Dodgers and Stroud’s impressive NFL season played significant roles in their grading prominence, with PSA handling 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 for Stroud within the month.
However, the grading frenzy was not confined to PSA alone, as other grading companies like SGC also reported a surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. The graded player list at SGC featured a mix of legends and emerging stars, with the likes of Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud garnering considerable attention. Additionally, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading experienced a substantial influx of submissions, with Beckett specifically grading the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue.
This surge in card grading activity underlines the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market. With rising stars like Ohtani and Stroud captivating collectors and investors alike, the interest in both modern and vintage sports cards continues to soar. This trend not only reflects the current vibrancy of the hobby but also hints at an exciting future ahead for collectors diving into the world of trading cards.
