The fervor surrounding card grading reached new heights in February, with enthusiasts and investors alike submitting over 1.6 million cards for authentication. This surge in activity marked a substantial 25% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating the growing interest in sports memorabilia and collectibles.
Among the standout athletes driving this surge in card grading were Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, whose popularity soared in the collector’s market. Ohtani, known for his dual prowess as a pitcher and hitter, captured the imagination of fans as he made a high-profile move to the Dodgers. His cards were in high demand, with PSA processing an impressive 26,800 submissions for the baseball phenom.
On the football front, CJ Stroud’s meteoric rise in the NFL fueled a surge in submissions for his cards as well. With 16,400 cards graded by PSA in February, Stroud’s breakout season resonated with collectors looking to invest in the promising quarterback’s memorabilia.
The grading landscape was dominated by PSA, with a massive 1.24 million cards authenticated by the industry giant. Baseball cards took the lead in terms of grading volume, with over 293,000 cards processed, underscoring the enduring popularity of the sport in the collecting community.
While PSA led the charge, other grading companies like SGC also reported a significant uptick in submissions, particularly for modern cards from the 2023 sports season. Icons like Michael Jordan, along with new stars like Ohtani and Stroud, garnered attention from collectors seeking to add these coveted cards to their collections.
ISA Grading and Beckett Grading were not left behind in the grading frenzy, with a substantial number of submissions flowing through their authentication processes. Beckett notably highlighted the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue, showcasing the diversity of cards making their way through the grading pipeline.
The surge in card grading reflects the dynamic nature of the sports memorabilia market, where new talents like Ohtani and Stroud are reshaping the landscape of collectibles. The increasing interest in both modern and vintage cards hints at a promising future for the hobby, as collectors and investors continue to fuel the growth of this thriving industry.