The month of February proved to be a bustling period in the card grading realm, with a staggering 1.6 million cards undergoing authentication across the four major grading entities. Although this number represented a slight dip from January, it marked a significant 25% surge from the same timeframe last year, indicating a robust and flourishing market for sports collectibles.

Within this vast pool of graded cards, a notable trend emerged as athletes like Shohei Ohtani and CJ Stroud made their mark on the grading charts. Their escalating popularity in the sports memorabilia world was unmistakable, as collectors and investors clamored to have their cards authenticated and graded for optimal value in the market.

Among the grading companies, PSA stood out as a powerhouse, processing a whopping 1.24 million cards during the month. Baseball cards took the lead in terms of volume, with over 293,000 cards making their way through the grading process. It was within this sea of cards that the names of Ohtani and Stroud stood out prominently, with PSA handling a substantial 26,800 cards for Ohtani and 16,400 cards for Stroud, underscoring their immense appeal among card enthusiasts.

The grading frenzy was not limited to PSA alone, as other grading companies like SGC also reported a surge in submissions, particularly from the 2023 sports season. The graded player roster at SGC boasted a mix of legendary figures like Michael Jordan and rising stars such as Ohtani and Stroud, reflecting the diverse interests of collectors within the hobby. Additionally, ISA Grading and Beckett Grading witnessed a steady stream of submissions, with Beckett’s grading of the 2023 Topps NOW Connor Bedard rookie sticker emerging as a standout issue for the month.

This spike in card grading activity serves as a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the sports memorabilia market. The growing interest in both modern and vintage sports cards, coupled with the emergence of new talents like Ohtani and Stroud, points towards an exciting future for collectors and investors alike. As the figures indicate, the allure of sports collectibles continues to captivate enthusiasts, promising a dynamic and engaging journey ahead in the world of card grading.

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