In the dynamic world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been dominated by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and ISA (Independent Sports Authenticator). These card-grading companies are known for their meticulous assessment of trading cards, and they continue to influence trends and demand within the sports card industry. Recently, PSA released its list of the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, providing an intriguing snapshot of the market.
At the forefront of the list stands Shohei Ohtani, the multi-talented MLB superstar who recently inked a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s exceptional skills both on the mound and at the plate have garnered immense attention, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. Among his prized possessions, his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card stands out as a collector’s gem, fueling the intense demand surrounding Ohtani’s cards.
Surpassing all other athletes in submissions, Ohtani impressively secures four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023. It’s not just baseball that attracts enthusiasts, as another legendary figure enters the fray—Michael Jordan. The iconic basketball player remains a perennial favorite among collectors, with his 1990 Fleer card maintaining its allure. In the list of top submissions, following Ohtani and Jordan, are athletes like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
The compilation of the 10 most graded sports cards of 2023 showcases Ohtani’s dominance once again, with his 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 cards being highly sought after. Other noteworthy additions include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card, which further adds to the excitement.
While Ohtani continues to captivate the trading card market, the surge of interest in football submissions cannot be ignored. A standout in this domain is none other than Justin Fields, the talented quarterback for the Chicago Bears, whose card submissions have experienced an astounding 119% increase compared to 2022. Another prominent football figure gaining momentum is Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback, with a remarkable 98% increase in submissions. Notably, the charismatic Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has also observed significant growth, which could partially be attributed to his publicized relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
Among the various trading card categories, rookie cards have undoubtedly stolen the spotlight. Across basketball, the emerging talents of Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama have sparked excitement among collectors, as their rookie cards receive a surge in submissions. Football aficionados have their eyes on Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy, whose rookie cards dominate the grading submissions. Meanwhile, in the world of baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman’s rookie cards reign supreme, further reinforcing the trend of rookie card fever.
As the year progresses, the sports card industry continues to exude its vibrant energy, fueled by the timeless appeal of veteran athletes like Ohtani and Jordan, as well as the emergence of promising rookies in various sports. With PSA and ISA taking the lead in determining authenticity and value, collectors eagerly await the next wave of submissions and grading results, perpetuating the passion that lies within the fascinating world of sports card collecting.
