The world of card grading experienced a whirlwind of activity in February, with a staggering 1.6 million cards making their way through the authentication process. This surge marked a substantial uptick from the previous year, indicating a robust 25% increase in volume. While the figures dipped slightly from January, the overall trend showcased a flourishing market for trading cards, both in sports and Trading Card Games (TCG).
As the numbers unraveled, it became evident that sports cards held a dominant position, accounting for 55.5% of the authenticated cards. The allure of sports memorabilia continued to reign supreme, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among the plethora of athletes in the spotlight, two names shone the brightest – Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud.
The grading landscape was abuzz with the names of Ohtani and Stroud, who emerged as the top contenders for card submissions. With PSA leading the charge in grading volume, Ohtani and Stroud’s cards flooded the market, mirroring their escalating popularity. Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers and Stroud’s stellar NFL season fueled a surge in submissions, with PSA processing a substantial 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 for Stroud in February alone.
While PSA took the lion’s share of the grading pie, other key players in the industry, such as SGC, also witnessed a significant influx of cards from the 2023 sports season. The roster of graded players at SGC boasted a mix of seasoned legends and emerging stars, with the likes of Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, and CJ Stroud stealing the spotlight. Across the board, grading companies like ISA Grading and Beckett Grading navigated through a wave of submissions, underscoring the broad appeal of sports cards across various platforms.
The surge in card grading activity serves as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market. With rising stars like Ohtani and Stroud capturing the imagination of collectors and investors, the future looks promising for the hobby. Whether it’s the timeless charm of vintage cards or the allure of modern collectibles, the fervor surrounding sports memorabilia continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. As the industry marches forward, one thing remains certain – the passion for collecting transcends time, making each graded card a piece of history in its own right.