The world of trading cards continues to thrive in 2023, with card-grading companies PSA and ISA leading the pack. PSA has revealed the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and it’s no surprise to see MLB sensation Shohei Ohtani taking the top spot. Ohtani, who recently signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a coveted figure in the sports card industry. His cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, are highly sought after, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. In fact, Ohtani holds four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023, solidifying his dominance in the market.
While Ohtani reigns supreme, basketball legend Michael Jordan continues to hold a prominent place in card submissions. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card remains a collectors’ favorite and secures him a high-ranking spot on the list. Joining Ohtani and Jordan are other notable athletes such as 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, Ohtani steals the spotlight once again. His 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards stand out among the competition. Not to be overlooked, the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie cards also make waves as highly graded cards.
In the realm of football card submissions, it’s clear that the rise of young quarterbacks is capturing collectors’ attention. Bears quarterback Justin Fields has witnessed a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to last year, showcasing his growing popularity. Following closely behind is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has seen a 98% increase in card submissions. Both Fields and Lawrence hold great promise in the NFL, and collectors are taking notice of their potential.
Another player who has seen significant growth in card submissions is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his popularity, it’s hard to ignore the possible influence of his public relationship with music superstar Taylor Swift. Kelce’s submissions have seen a notable rise, indicating a fusion of sports and pop culture in the trading card world.
Rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions, across various sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama are leading the pack with their highly sought-after rookie cards. Meanwhile, football enthusiasts are submitting cards of Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy, both showcasing promising rookie seasons. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman top the list for the most submitted rookie cards, as collectors recognize their potential impact in the sport.
As the year progresses, it will be exciting to see how the trading card market evolves. With Ohtani’s continued dominance, the rise of young football stars like Fields and Lawrence, and the everlasting appeal of icons like Jordan, the world of sports trading cards remains a captivating realm for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
