In the world of sports card grading, PSA and ISA have once again asserted their dominance in 2023. Recently, PSA announced the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and it’s no surprise that MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani takes the lead.
Ohtani, who recently signed a groundbreaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a hot commodity in the sports card industry. One of his most coveted cards is the 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, which has made him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. In fact, Ohtani holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani reigns supreme, basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to make his mark as a prominent figure in card submissions. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card remains a favorite among collectors, solidifying his spot in the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023.
Joining Ohtani and Jordan in the top 10 are Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II. These athletes have consistently garnered attention and significantly contributed to the card grading frenzy.
Taking a closer look at the most graded sports cards of 2023, it’s no surprise that Ohtani’s cards dominate the list. The 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 are among his highly sought-after cards. Other notable entries include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 featuring Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie.
Moving on to football, there have been some notable shifts in card submissions. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to 2022, establishing himself as a rising star in the football card market. Right behind Fields is Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, who has generated a 98% increase in submissions. Both Fields and Lawrence’s popularity among collectors is skyrocketing, hinting at a promising future in the hobby.
Another football player who has seen a surge in submissions is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. His relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift has likely influenced the interest in his cards. Kelce’s growing popularity among collectors is evident as his submissions continue to grow.
Rookie cards remain a favorite among collectors and continue to dominate grading submissions across all sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama are leading the pack with their highly anticipated rookie cards. Meanwhile, in football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy are capturing the attention of collectors with their promising rookie cards. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman are at the forefront, solidifying their presence in the trading card scene.
As the year progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these trends evolve and which athletes and cards will continue to make waves in the sports card industry. Whether it’s the electrifying Shohei Ohtani, the legendary Michael Jordan, or the rising stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, the world of sports cards is undeniably full of excitement and anticipation for collectors and enthusiasts alike.