The month of February was nothing short of spectacular in the world of card grading, with more than 1.6 million cards authenticated across the leading grading entities. This significant figure marked a notable 25% increase from the same period in the previous year, showcasing the ever-growing enthusiasm for trading cards among collectors and investors.
As the numbers rolled in, it became evident that sports cards continued to reign supreme, with a majority of 55.5% of the authenticated cards leaning towards this category. The enduring popularity of sports cards was further solidified by the robust performance in grading volume, with baseball cards emerging as the frontrunners among the various genres in the market.
Leading the charge in the card grading frenzy was the renowned grading company PSA, processing a staggering 1.24 million cards during the month. Among the plethora of cards graded, the spotlight undeniably fell on two standout athletes – Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. The charismatic duo’s cards were among the most sought-after submissions for grading, with PSA handling an impressive 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 cards for Stroud within the month.
The grading fervor extended beyond PSA, as other prominent grading entities such as SGC and Beckett also reported a significant surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. The graded player roster at SGC featured a mix of legendary figures and rising stars, with iconic names like Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, and CJ Stroud garnering substantial attention from collectors and enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading were not far behind in the grading race, navigating through a substantial influx of submissions to meet the escalating demands of the market. Beckett notably marked the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue, further underscoring the diverse range of cards being processed during the grading surge.
This surge in card grading activities serves as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, where emerging talents like Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud are quickly captivating the hearts of collectors and investors alike. With a growing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards, the future of the hobby looks promising and exciting, brimming with endless possibilities for enthusiasts to explore and indulge in their passion for collecting.
