In the world of sports trading cards, the year 2023 has seen PSA and ISA, two leading card-grading companies, continue their dominance. PSA recently unveiled the top 10 athletes and cards based on submissions for the year, and it comes as no surprise that MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani is leading the pack. Ohtani, who recently signed a groundbreaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a force to be reckoned with in the trading card industry.
Ohtani’s cards, especially his 2018 Topps #700 Pitching card, are highly sought after by collectors, making him the most submitted athlete to PSA this year. Not only does Ohtani claim the top spot on the list of most graded athletes, but he also holds an impressive four spots in the top 10 most graded sports cards of 2023.
While Ohtani reigns supreme, basketball legend Michael Jordan proves that his popularity is timeless. Jordan’s 1990 Fleer card continues to be a collector’s favorite and secures him the second spot on the list of most graded athletes.
The top 10 athletes in card submissions for 2023 span across various sports. Alongside Ohtani and Jordan, we have rising stars like Julio Rodriguez, Trevor Lawrence, and Joe Burrow. The list also includes established legends like Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Ken Griffey Jr., and Patrick Mahomes II. These names continue to captivate collectors and drive high submission rates.
When it comes to the most graded sports cards of 2023, Ohtani takes center stage once again. His 2018 Bowman #49 and the 2018 Topps Update US285 are among the top 10 most graded cards. However, other notable cards on the list are the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz and the 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie, showcasing the enduring appeal of these players.
In the world of football card submissions, new and exciting talent is making waves. Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, has experienced a remarkable 119% increase in submissions compared to last year. Following closely behind is Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, with a 98% increase. The phenomenal performances of these young quarterbacks have not gone unnoticed by collectors.
Another player who has gained traction in card submissions is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Interestingly, his public relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift may have influenced the growing interest in his cards. Kelce’s submissions have seen significant growth, indicating his growing popularity among collectors.
When it comes to the types of cards dominating submissions, rookie cards continue to take the spotlight across basketball, football, and baseball. In basketball, rookies Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama are leading the pack in submissions. Football submissions are headlined by Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy, showcasing the excitement surrounding these young players. In baseball, Elly De La Cruz and Adley Rutschman are the top choices for rookie card submissions as collectors eagerly anticipate their future success.
The trading card industry continues to thrive as collectors and enthusiasts eagerly seek out the most prized cards. Shohei Ohtani’s dominance, along with the rising popularity of players like Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence, keeps the excitement alive. As rookie cards lead the way in submissions, collectors can only imagine the future value and appeal these cards hold.
