In 2023, the world of sports card collecting witnessed a remarkable trend – a renewed interest in vintage cards from the 1950s to the 1980s. This resurgence in popularity was reflected in the significant surge of submissions to authentication and grading companies such as PSA, ISA, BGS, and SGC, indicating a growing fascination among collectors with the rich history of sports memorabilia.
Leading the pack in this vintage revival was the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card. Revered as a hallmark of baseball card collecting, this card saw nearly 14,000 new graded copies in 2023, surpassing any other sports card from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s. With a total of almost 161,000 graded copies now in existence, the Griffey card has firmly established its place as a cornerstone of sports card collecting.
The 1980s era in baseball was further defined by the 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card, which saw over 7,800 new graded copies, bringing its total to nearly 51,000. Basketball, another major sport in the card collecting world, was dominated by the legendary Michael Jordan. All five of the most graded basketball cards from the 1980s were of Jordan, with his 1989 Hoops card leading the way with 5,130 new grades.
Mickey Mantle, an icon of the 1950s and 60s baseball card scene, was represented by four of the top ten cards from these decades. His 1966 Topps card alone received 2,845 grades. In the football arena, Jim Brown led the way with his 1958 Topps rookie card and 1959 Topps card garnering the most submissions. The 1970s were marked by Walter Payton’s 1976 rookie card in football and George Brett’s 1975 rookie card in baseball, both joining the ranks of the most graded cards.
Notably, the 1950s basketball cards, although few in number, saw a significant number of grades for Bill Russell’s rookie card and his Celtics teammate, Bob Cousy. In the world of hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card received the most grades, surpassing the Topps version.
The increasing number of grades for these vintage cards extends beyond the most popular names. Other notable cards from the 1950s to the 1980s that saw a high number of grades included the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/Jerry Koosman rookie card, the 1968 Topps Johnny Bench rookie card, and the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card in baseball. In basketball, the 1972-73 Topps Julius Erving rookie card and the 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor rookie card also stood out. Hockey enthusiasts were not left behind, as a few vintage cards received more than 1,000 grades, a testament to the growing interest in the sport’s memorabilia.
This resurgence of interest in vintage sports cards is more than just a passing trend; it reflects the nostalgia and historical significance these cards hold. They provide a connection to the past, reminding collectors of the heroes and legends who shaped the world of sports. These cards are not merely pieces of cardboard, but tangible links to athletes and moments that have left an indelible mark on the sporting world.
The increasing number of graded vintage cards also highlights a growing awareness of their value, both monetarily and sentimentally. As more collectors seek to authenticate and preserve these treasures, the sports card collecting hobby continues to evolve, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Looking back on 2023, it becomes clear that the year marked a significant chapter in the story of sports card collecting. Vintage cards garnered a new level of attention and appreciation, as the pastimes of previous generations were celebrated and cherished once again. This resurgence serves as a reminder that sports cards are more than mere collectibles – they provide a way for us to connect with the history of sports, remember the greats of the game, and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
