The world of trading card grading witnessed a whirlwind of activity in the month of February, with the authentication of over 1.6 million cards showcasing a substantial increase compared to the same period last year. While this figure slightly dipped from January’s numbers, the overall trend pointed towards a 25% surge, underlining the growing interest in the hobby.
Within this bustling landscape, two athletes stood out among the rest, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Shohei Ohtani, the versatile baseball sensation, and CJ Stroud, the rising NFL star, dominated the grading charts with their cards being among the most submitted for authentication. The allure of Ohtani’s anticipated transition to the Dodgers and Stroud’s impressive debut NFL season only added to their grading prominence, with the renowned grading company PSA processing a staggering 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 for Stroud in February alone.
While PSA led the charge with a whopping 1.24 million cards graded, the grading frenzy extended beyond its walls to encompass other prominent entities like SGC and additional grading companies. The influx of modern cards from the 2023 sports season, particularly in football and baseball, kept collectors and graders busy, with a diverse mix of legends and emerging stars garnering attention. From the iconic Michael Jordan to the dynamic duo of Ohtani and Stroud, the graded player list at SGC epitomized the eclectic mix of talent defining the current sports card landscape.
Amidst this surge in card grading, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading also navigated through a substantial number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the coveted 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue. This upsurge in grading activity not only underscores the vibrancy of the sports memorabilia market but also highlights the evolving taste and preferences of collectors, who are increasingly drawn to both modern releases and classic vintage cards.
The robust numbers and escalating interest in talents like Ohtani and Stroud paint a vivid picture of the ever-evolving nature of the hobby. As the grading figures reflect a growing fascination with sports cards across different genres and eras, one can’t help but anticipate the promising future awaiting this dynamic and engaging pastime.
