In the fast-paced world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been no exception to the dominance of card-grading companies like PSA and ISA. The year has seen a surge in submissions, with notable athletes and their cards taking center stage. PSA recently unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, revealing the continued popularity of baseball, basketball, and football trading cards.
Leading the list of the most submitted athletes is none other than MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a hot commodity in the trading card market. His cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become highly sought after by collectors. Ohtani’s popularity is clearly reflected in the fact that he holds four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani takes the top spot, basketball legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions. Collectors still can’t get enough of his iconic 1990 Fleer card, making it a must-have for enthusiasts. The remaining spots in the top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 include rising stars like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II.
Taking a closer look at the most graded sports cards of 2023, it comes as no surprise that Shohei Ohtani features prominently. Alongside his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, collectors have been clamoring for his 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 cards. Other notable cards that have captured collectors’ attention include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 featuring Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie card.
In the realm of football card submissions, there have been some remarkable increases in popularity. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has witnessed an astounding 119% rise in submissions compared to 2022. Hot on his heels is Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence, with a notable 98% increase. Chief’s tight end Travis Kelce has also experienced significant growth in submissions, possibly due to his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards, as always, continue to dominate grading submissions across sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack for most submitted rookie cards. Meanwhile, football enthusiasts have shown their enthusiasm for rookies like Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy. In baseball trading cards, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman have emerged as top contenders, captivating collectors with their rookie cards.
As the sports card industry continues to thrive, PSA and ISA play a vital role in providing enthusiasts with graded and authenticated cards. Whether it’s the allure of a legendary athlete, the excitement surrounding a rising star, or the thrill of owning a coveted rookie card, the year 2023 has proven to be an exciting and competitive time for sports card collectors across the globe.
