In an unexpected twist of fate—or perhaps a triumph of nostalgia—the world obsessed with collectibles has once again proven its voracious appetite, this time setting a new benchmark that reflects both enthusiasm and high stakes. June 2025 will be remembered in the annals of trading card history as the month when over $305 million was spent on sports and trading cards across leading marketplaces and auction houses. This impressive sum, as reported by Card Ladder, has marked the largest single month of sales in the trading card industry, surpassing the previous record of $303.22 million set in March.
The numbers are staggering and speak volumes about the growing fervor within the trading card community. The digital bazaar, eBay, remains the principal marketplace, significantly contributing to this surge with sales exceeding $245 million. Meanwhile, Goldin added another feather to the industry’s cap with transactions totaling $32 million, and Fanatics Collect wasn’t far behind, selling around $27 million worth of cards.
What powers this collecting storm, you might ask? June’s card mania was partly spurred by outstanding individual sales that made headlines in the community. Goldin, for example, witnessed the top sale of the month – a 2009-10 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logoman card graced by the legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. This card commanded a princely sum of $1.16 million, being the solitary seven-figure card sale in June. It’s curious how a piece of cardboard can fetch a small fortune, but then again, this isn’t just any cardboard. It’s a blend of history, craftsmanship, and the revered image of two basketball titans.
The high-dollar market isn’t limited to iconic basketball cards, either. The diversity of collectibles reaching sky-high prices is remarkable. In June alone, six cards exceeded sales of $500,000, another 68 crossed the $100,000 threshold, and a whopping 239 cards topped $50,000. These statistics indicate not only the monetary value of high-end cards but also their enduring allure as unique artifacts of sports history.
Grading activity, the meticulous evaluation process judging condition and authenticity, also surged to unprecedented levels. GemRate revealed that an astonishing 12.4 million cards have been graded in the initial half of 2025—a notable 25% increase compared to the preceding year. Within this flurry of grading, it’s intriguing to note that Pokémon cards prominently feature, with 7.2 million TCG and non-sports cards making up a significant chunk of this activity. It’s as if the little pocket monsters have unleashed their fury upon the world again, captivating collectors and evoking nostalgia while firmly maintaining their status as collectibles.
More good news for Pokémon fans: it’s reported that among the top 100 most graded cards at PSA in the current year, 97 are Pokémon. Yes, you read that right — Pikachu and his gang continue to emblazon themselves in the world of collectibles with the vigor one might only expect from a Thunderbolt attack.
This record-breaking month is not just a fleeting moment in time but part of a broader trend capturing the heart and wallet of collectors worldwide. It caps off a robust first half of 2025 for the trading card industry, suggesting potential for future growth across sports, Trading Card Games (TCGs), and beyond. The momentum appears unstoppable and only seems to gather more steam with each passing day. Whether this surge is powered by a boom in personal investments, the thrill of competition, or simply heartfelt nostalgia, one thing’s for certain: it’s boding well for hobbyists and investors alike.
As we venture into the second half of 2025, one can only wonder what fresh records will be set, what new cards will join the pantheon of high-value collectibles, and how the market will continue to evolve. Will there be more seven-figure sales? Will Pokémon continue its reign as king of the graded cards? Only time will tell. But if June is any indication, the trading card hobby is thriving, showing no signs of fading away like a long-lost relic. Instead, it’s revving up for more action, enticing enthusiasts new and old to join the chase in this exhilarating blend of art, history, and passion.
