The month of February witnessed a flurry of activity in the card grading industry, with a total of over 1.6 million cards being authenticated by the four major grading entities. This figure, although slightly fewer than January’s tally, marked a substantial 25% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a growing trend in card grading.
Sports cards took the lead in the authentication race, making up 55.5% of the total submissions, while Trading Card Games (TCG) like Pokemon and Magic The Gathering also contributed significantly to the overall numbers. Among the grading entities, PSA stood out as the frontrunner, processing a whopping 1.24 million cards. Within this category, baseball cards reigned supreme, with over 293,000 cards undergoing the grading process.
Two standout athletes, Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, captured the spotlight in the grading world during February. Both players saw a surge in submissions of their cards, reflecting their increasing popularity among collectors and investors. Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers and Stroud’s remarkable NFL performance were key factors that propelled their cards to the top of the grading charts. PSA reported handling 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 cards for Stroud during the month, solidifying their status as fan favorites.
While PSA led in grading volume, other grading companies like SGC also experienced a significant influx of modern cards from the 2023 sports season, particularly in football and baseball. The graded player list at SGC featured a mix of legends and rising stars, with names like Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud garnering substantial attention from collectors. ISA Grading and Beckett Grading were also kept busy with a high number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most requested issue.
The surge in card grading activity not only underscores the dynamism of the sports memorabilia market but also highlights the growing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards. Talents like Ohtani and Stroud are paving their way into the hearts of collectors, signaling a promising future for the hobby. The evolving landscape of card grading promises enthusiasts an exciting journey ahead as new stars emerge and classics retain their allure.
