In the realm of graded trading cards, the year 2023 has witnessed the continued dominance of card-grading companies PSA and ISA in the sports card industry. PSA, in particular, has unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and at the top of the list sits none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a hot commodity among collectors. Particularly in demand are his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching cards, catapulting him to the position of the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. Interestingly, Ohtani holds not one, but four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
The legendary Michael Jordan continues to be a significant force in card submissions, as his 1990 Fleer card remains a favorite among collectors. Rounding out the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 are Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
Delving into the realm of the most graded sports cards of 2023, Shohei Ohtani’s presence is palpable. Alongside his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, his 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards are highly sought after. Among the other notable cards on the list are the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
When it comes to football card submissions, Bears quarterback Justin Fields has experienced a remarkable 119% increase compared to 2022. Following closely behind is Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence, who has seen a noteworthy 98% increase. Another player who has caught the attention of collectors is Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose submissions have surged, possibly influenced by his public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to hold sway and domination over graded submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack as the most submitted rookie cards. In the football realm, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy take center stage with their highly sought-after rookie cards. Baseball enthusiasts have shown great interest in rookies Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman, with their cards being among the most submitted in the sport.
As the world of graded trading cards continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, the reign of Shohei Ohtani stands strong, with his cards delivering remarkable value and grabbing the attention of sports card aficionados. With rising stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence making their presence felt alongside the ever-popular Michael Jordan, the allure of graded trading cards shows no signs of waning. As we anticipate what the future holds for this thriving industry, one thing is certain – the excitement surrounding these cherished pieces of sporting history will only continue to grow.
