In the world of sports card collecting, 2023 has been a year dominated by the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and a new generation of rising stars. PSA and ISA, the leading card-grading companies, have released their list of the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, revealing some intriguing trends and surprises.
Leading the pack is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the MLB superstar who recently inked a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s popularity knows no bounds, and this is evident in the sheer number of submissions his trading cards have received. His 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, in particular, has become highly sought-after by collectors, making Ohtani the most submitted athlete to PSA in 2023. In fact, he holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of the year.
Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, continues to capture the hearts of collectors with his iconic 1990 Fleer card. Despite his retirement, Jordan remains a prominent figure in card submissions, solidifying his status as a collector’s favorite.
The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 also include the promising young talents of Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow. Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II round out the list, showcasing the enduring popularity of these sports icons.
When it comes to the most graded sports cards of 2023, Shohei Ohtani once again steals the spotlight. His 2018 Bowman #49 and 2018 Topps Update US285 cards are among the most coveted by collectors. However, it’s not just Ohtani who dominates this list. Other notable cards include the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie, showcasing the continued demand for cards featuring these legendary athletes.
While basketball and baseball may be leading the pack in overall submissions, football is not to be overlooked. Bears quarterback Justin Fields has seen a remarkable 119% increase in card submissions compared to 2022, showcasing his growing popularity among collectors. Following closely behind is Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence, whose impressive performances on the field have translated into a 98% increase in trading card submissions. Another notable mention goes to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, whose public relationship with Taylor Swift may have contributed to the significant growth in submissions featuring him.
As always, rookie cards continue to dominate the grading submissions across all sports. In basketball, Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama lead the pack as the most submitted rookie cards. Meanwhile, football sees the rising stars of Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy taking the spotlight. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman shine as the top choices for rookie card collectors.
In conclusion, 2023 has been an exciting year for the sports card industry, with Shohei Ohtani, Michael Jordan, and a new generation of athletes capturing the attention of collectors worldwide. The dominance of Ohtani in both overall submissions and graded cards is a testament to his exceptional talent and market appeal. Meanwhile, the rise of young football stars like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence further adds to the excitement and dynamism of the hobby. As the year unfolds, one thing is certain – the world of sports card collecting will continue to evolve and captivate collectors with its rich history and promising future.
