In the world of sports card grading, PSA and ISA have once again established their dominance in the industry. PSA recently unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year 2023. At the forefront of this list is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the MLB superstar who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani, who has been making waves in the world of baseball with his exceptional talent both as a pitcher and a hitter, has seen his cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, become highly sought after. As a result, he emerges as the most submitted athlete to PSA in 2023, claiming four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of the year.
Although he retired from basketball years ago, Michael Jordan continues to maintain a significant presence in card submissions. His 1990 Fleer card remains a favorite among collectors, solidifying his position as one of the most popular athletes in the sports card market. The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023, alongside Ohtani and Jordan, include the likes of Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
As for the most graded sports cards of 2023, Ohtani’s cards once again take the spotlight. His 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 are among the top 10 most graded cards. Joining Ohtani are other notable names such as Elly De La Cruz’s 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 and Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Upper Deck #1 Star Rookie card. These cards showcase the enduring popularity of legendary players and the rising stars of the modern era.
The world of football card grading is not to be overlooked, as it has seen some remarkable increases in submissions for certain players. Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, stands out with a remarkable 119% increase in card submissions compared to the previous year. Following closely is Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 98% increase. Another notable mention goes to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose submissions have significantly grown, possibly influenced by his public relationship with pop-sensation Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the way as the most submitted rookie cards. Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy emerge as the top submissions in football, showcasing the excitement surrounding these promising young players. In the world of baseball, the rookie cards of Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman dominate the submissions, capturing the attention of collectors.
The sports card industry continues to thrive as avid collectors and enthusiasts seek out the most sought-after players and rookie cards. As the year 2023 unfolds, it will be intriguing to witness how the market evolves, which players rise to prominence, and which cards become the most coveted treasures in the world of sports collectibles.
