In the ever-growing world of sports card collecting, grading companies PSA and ISA have maintained their position as industry leaders in 2023. Recently, PSA released a list of the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, with MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani claiming the number one spot.
Ohtani, who recently signed a groundbreaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a hot commodity in the trading card market. His 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, in particular, is highly sought after, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. In fact, Ohtani holds an impressive four positions in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani’s dominance is undeniable, basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to attract collectors with his 1990 Fleer card, which remains a fan favorite. Jordan takes the second spot on the list of the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023.
Other notable names on the list include Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, and Tom Brady, all of whom have seen significant interest from collectors. The list also features basketball icons Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, as well as baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. and football superstar Patrick Mahomes II.
Taking a closer look at the most graded sports cards of 2023, Ohtani continues his reign with multiple entries. His 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 cards have been heavily graded and are highly coveted by collectors. Additionally, the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz card and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card have garnered a lot of attention.
In the world of football card submissions, there has been a surge of interest in Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who has experienced an impressive 119% increase compared to the previous year. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has seen a notable 98% increase. It’s worth mentioning that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has also witnessed a significant growth in card submissions, potentially influenced by his public relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to be a driving force in the grading submissions across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack as the most submitted rookie cards. Football enthusiasts have shown a keen interest in rookie cards of Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy. As for baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman are the top contenders for most submitted rookie cards.
As the sports card industry continues to thrive, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await new releases and seek out the most sought-after cards. With athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and emerging stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, the trading card market is sure to remain a dynamic and exciting space for years to come.
