The world of card grading experienced a surge of activity in February, with an impressive 1.6 million cards undergoing authentication. This dynamic landscape showcased a significant increase compared to the same period last year, indicating a growing interest in the collector’s market. Leading the charge were two standout athletes, Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud, whose cards dominated the grading charts, reflecting their rising popularity among collectors and investors.
In February, major card grading companies reported the authentication of over 1.6 million cards, with a strong emphasis on sports cards. While this figure slightly decreased from January, it marked a substantial 25% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the enduring appeal of card collecting. The breakdown between sports cards and Trading Card Games (TCG) revealed a clear preference, with sports cards accounting for 55.5% of the total submissions, underscoring the continued popularity of this segment.
PSA emerged as the leader in card grading volume, processing a staggering 1.24 million cards during the month. Among these, baseball cards took the spotlight, with over 293,000 cards graded by the company. Notably, the cards of Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud garnered significant attention, with PSA handling 26,800 and 16,400 cards for the respective athletes. Ohtani’s anticipated transition to the Dodgers and Stroud’s impressive NFL season were key factors contributing to their prominence in the grading arena.
The grading frenzy extended beyond PSA, with other grading entities like SGC also reporting a considerable influx of modern cards from the 2023 sports season, particularly in football and baseball. The player list at SGC reflected a mix of legends and emerging stars, with renowned names like Michael Jordan, Ohtani, and Stroud capturing the interest of collectors. Additionally, grading companies such as ISA Grading and Beckett Grading saw a significant number of submissions, with Beckett notably grading the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker as its most submitted issue.
This surge in card grading activity underscores the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market. Rising talents like Ohtani and Stroud have cemented their places as sought-after figures in the collecting world, attracting both seasoned collectors and new investors. The growing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards signals an exciting future for the hobby, promising continued enthusiasm and engagement among enthusiasts.
