The month of February saw a whirlwind of activity in the trading card grading world, with an impressive 1.6 million cards making their way through the authentication process. This surge in grading marked a significant leap from the same period last year, demonstrating a 25% increase in overall card submissions that left collectors and investors buzzing with excitement.
Among the standout athletes in this grading frenzy were none other than Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, whose cards dominated the charts with their escalating popularity in the collector’s market. The dynamic duo’s cards were among the most sought-after for grading, reflecting their immense appeal and rising star status in the sports world.
Leading the charge in card grading volume was the renowned grading entity PSA, with a whopping 1.24 million cards processed during the month. Baseball cards took center stage with over 293,000 cards graded, showcasing the enduring love for this classic segment of sports memorabilia. Within this vast pool of graded cards, Ohtani and Stroud stood tall, with PSA handling an impressive 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 for Stroud during the month.
The grading frenzy wasn’t limited to PSA alone, as other grading companies like SGC also experienced a surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. Notable names like Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud featured prominently in the graded player list at SGC, bridging the gap between legendary icons and fresh faces making waves in the sports world. Additionally, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading navigated through a significant number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the highly anticipated 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue.
This surge in card grading activity paints a vivid picture of the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market. New talents like Ohtani and Stroud are not only capturing the hearts of collectors but also drawing the attention of savvy investors looking to capitalize on the growing demand for their cards. The continued interest in both modern and vintage sports cards signals a promising future for the hobby, fueling excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in this dynamic and thriving industry.
