In 2023, the sports card collecting world witnessed a remarkable trend, as collectors developed a renewed interest in vintage cards from the 1950s to the 1980s. Leading authentication and grading companies such as PSA, ISA, BGS, and SGC observed a significant surge in submissions of cards from these eras, indicating a growing fascination with the rich history of sports memorabilia.
One notable card that led the vintage revival was the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card. A hallmark 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 cornerstone of sports card collecting.
In baseball, the 1980s era 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 were of Jordan, with his 1989 Hoops card leading the way with 5,130 new grades.
The 1950s and 60s baseball card scene saw the presence of Mickey Mantle, with four of his cards making it to the top ten most graded cards from these decades. His 1966 Topps card alone received 2,845 grades. Football cards from the same era were led by Jim Brown, with his 1958 Topps rookie card and 1959 Topps card garnering the most submissions. In the 1970s, Walter Payton’s 1976 rookie card in football and George Brett’s 1975 rookie card in baseball joined the ranks of the most graded cards.
It is interesting to note that despite their limited number, the 1950s basketball cards still received a significant number of grades, particularly for Bill Russell’s rookie card and his Celtics teammate, Bob Cousy. Hockey, too, had its presence felt, with Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card being the most graded, outpacing the Topps version.
The grading of vintage cards did not only encompass the most popular names. Other notable cards from the 1950s to the 1980s that received 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 rookie card were also prominent. Hockey saw several vintage cards graded over 1,000 times, a testament to the growing interest in this sport’s memorabilia.
This resurgence of interest in vintage sports cards goes beyond being just a passing trend; it is a reflection of the nostalgia and historical significance that these cards hold. They serve as a connection to the past, allowing collectors to relive the experiences and celebrate the heroes and legends of the sports world. These cards are not just pieces of cardboard; they are pieces of history, serving as a tangible link to the athletes and moments that have shaped the world of sports.
The increasing number of vintage cards being graded also indicates a growing awareness of their value, both monetarily and sentimentally. As more collectors strive to authenticate and preserve these treasures, the sports card collecting hobby continues to evolve, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
In conclusion, 2023 marked a significant chapter in the story of sports card collecting. It was a year that witnessed vintage cards garnering a new level of attention and appreciation, a year where the pastimes of previous generations were celebrated and cherished anew. This resurgence reminds us that sports cards are more than just collectibles; they are a way for us to connect with the history of sports, remember the greats of the game, and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
