In the world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been an exciting year filled with standout players and highly sought-after cards. Once again, card-grading companies PSA and ISA have dominated the industry, with PSA recently revealing the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year.
Leading the list is none other than MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently signed a colossal $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, holds the top spot as the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. His cards, particularly his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, have become extremely coveted among collectors. Ohtani’s popularity continues to soar, as he also secures four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
Surprisingly, NBA legend Michael Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions, with his 1990 Fleer card retaining its status as a collector’s favorite. Jordan’s enduring appeal and iconic status in the basketball world have contributed to his consistent presence in the trading card market.
The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 encompass a diverse range of sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. Aside from Ohtani and Jordan, other notable names on the list include Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II. These athletes have all captured the attention of collectors and contributed to the vibrant trading card landscape.
When analyzing the most graded sports cards of 2023, it is evident that Ohtani’s impact extends beyond just one card. His 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 cards both make their way onto this prestigious list, solidifying his dominance in the trading card market. Additionally, cards such as the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie add variety and excitement to collectors’ portfolios.
Football card submissions have also experienced notable shifts in popularity. Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to 2022. Fields’ electrifying playing style and potential for future success have attracted collectors’ attention, making his cards highly sought after. Another rising star in the football world, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, follows closely behind Fields with a 98% increase in submissions. Lawrence’s talent and sky-high potential have made his cards a hot commodity among collectors. Additionally, tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs has seen a significant increase in submissions, possibly influenced by his public relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In basketball, talents like Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama have caught collectors’ eyes with their impressive skills and potential for greatness. Meanwhile, in football, Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy lead the charge as the most submitted rookie cards. In the world of baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman shine as the top choices for collectors seeking rookie cards.
As the trading card industry continues to evolve and grow, the popularity of certain athletes and their cards fluctuates. With athletes like Shohei Ohtani, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide, it’s clear that the passion for sports card collecting is stronger than ever. Whether it’s the allure of iconic figures like Michael Jordan or the excitement of discovering new and emerging talents, the trading card market remains a dynamic and captivating arena for collectors of all kinds.
