In 2023, the world of sports card collecting experienced a resurgence of interest in vintage cards from the 1950s to the 1980s. Leading authentication and grading companies such as PSA, ISA, BGS, and SGC reported a significant surge in submissions of cards from these eras, indicating a growing fascination among collectors for the rich history of sports memorabilia.
At the forefront of this vintage revival was the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card. As a cornerstone of baseball card collecting, this card saw nearly 14,000 new graded copies in 2023, surpassing any other sports card from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s. With a total of almost 161,000 graded copies now in existence, the Griffey card has solidified its place as a must-have for sports card enthusiasts.
The 1980s era in baseball was further defined by the 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card, which saw over 7,800 new graded copies, bringing its total to nearly 51,000. Basketball, another major sport in the card collecting world, was dominated by the legendary Michael Jordan. All five of the most graded basketball cards from the 1980s featured Jordan, with his 1989 Hoops card leading the way with 5,130 new grades.
Mickey Mantle, an icon of the 1950s and 60s baseball card scene, was represented by four of the top ten cards from these decades. His 1966 Topps card alone was graded 2,845 times. In football, Jim Brown led the way for cards from the same era with his 1958 Topps rookie card and 1959 Topps card being highly sought after. The 1970s witnessed the rise of Walter Payton’s 1976 rookie card in football and George Brett’s 1975 rookie card in baseball, earning them a prominent spot among the most graded cards.
Surprisingly, the 1950s basketball cards, though scarce in number, garnered a significant number of grades for Bill Russell’s rookie card and his Celtics teammate, Bob Cousy. Hockey, not to be left out, featured Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card as the most graded, surpassing the Topps version.
However, it wasn’t just the most popular names that received attention through grading. Other notable cards from the 1950s to the 1980s that saw a high number of grades included the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/Jerry Koosman rookie card, the 1968 Topps Johnny Bench rookie card, and the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card in baseball. In basketball, the 1972-73 Topps Julius Erving rookie card and the 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor (later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) rookie card were highly sought after. Hockey also witnessed several vintage cards being graded over 1,000 times, indicating a growing interest in the sport’s memorabilia.
This resurgence of interest in vintage sports cards goes beyond a mere trend. It reflects the nostalgia and historical significance that these cards hold. They serve as a tangible connection to the past, to the heroes and legends of the sports world. For collectors, these cards are not just pieces of cardboard; they are valuable pieces of history that keep the legacy of athletes and memorable moments alive.
The increasing number of graded vintage cards also highlights a growing awareness of their value, both monetarily and sentimentally. As more collectors seek to authenticate and preserve these treasures, the sports card collecting hobby continues to evolve, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Looking back on 2023, it becomes evident that the year marked a significant chapter in the story of sports card collecting. It was a year that witnessed the revitalization of vintage cards, as they garnered heightened attention and appreciation. It was a year that celebrated and cherished the pastimes of previous generations. This resurgence serves as a reminder that sports cards are more than just collectibles; they are a means for us to connect with the history of sports, to remember the greats of the game, and to keep their legacy alive for future generations.