The feverish frenzy of trading card grading is showing no signs of slowing down, as the month of February witnessed a surge in activity with over 1.6 million cards authenticated. This marked a significant 25% increase from the same period last year, showcasing the enduring allure of sports memorabilia among collectors and investors alike.
The leading athletes making waves in the card grading landscape were none other than Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud. These two stars dominated the charts, reflecting their growing popularity in the collector’s market. With PSA processing a staggering 1.24 million cards, baseball cards emerged as the most sought-after category, with over 293,000 cards graded during the month.
Shohei Ohtani, known for his exceptional skills on the baseball diamond, saw a whopping 26,800 of his cards submitted for grading in February. The buzz around Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers fueled a surge in interest, translating into a significant number of submissions. On the other hand, CJ Stroud, following his remarkable NFL season, had 16,400 of his cards processed by PSA, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the sports world.
While PSA led the charge in card grading, other entities like SGC and ISA Grading also experienced a robust influx of submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. The graded player list at SGC boasted a mix of legends and fresh talents, with the likes of Michael Jordan, Shohei Ohtani, and CJ Stroud garnering considerable attention from collectors.
In the dynamic world of card grading, Beckett Grading stood out with its handling of the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker, which emerged as the most submitted issue during the month. This further underscores the diverse range of cards making their way through the grading process, from established stars to promising rookies, creating a vibrant ecosystem within the sports memorabilia market.
The surge in card grading activity serves as a testament to the evolving nature of the hobby, with new talents like Ohtani and Stroud injecting fresh excitement into the collecting landscape. The interest in both modern and vintage sports cards continues to grow, painting a promising picture for the future of card grading and the broader sports memorabilia market. As collectors and investors alike seek out the next big star or hidden gem, the allure of card grading shows no signs of waning, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey ahead.
