The sports card grading industry experienced an unprecedented surge in June, with over 1.5 million cards being graded.
This remarkable activity was driven in part by the popularity of Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s top draft pick, whose cards topped the grading charts.
The overall increase in grading volume reflects a significant rise in interest from both collectors and investors, highlighting the growing value and demand for sports memorabilia.
The boom in card grading underscores a larger trend in the sports card market.
With more collectors seeking to authenticate and preserve their cards, the grading process has become a crucial step in determining the market value of these collectibles.
The massive number of cards graded in June alone points to a vibrant and expanding market.
Victor Wembanyama’s ascent to the top of the grading lists is a testament to his rising stardom and the excitement surrounding his entry into the NBA.
Collectors are eager to secure and grade his rookie cards, anticipating their potential future value as his career progresses.
Wembanyama’s cards have quickly become some of the most sought-after items in the market.
The record-breaking grading activity in June is not just a fleeting phenomenon but a signal of sustained interest in sports cards as both a hobby and an investment. The influx of new collectors, coupled with the growing perception of sports cards as valuable assets, has propelled the market to new heights.
This trend is expected to continue, with more collectors turning to grading services to authenticate and preserve their prized possessions.
June’s record of over 1.5 million graded sports cards marks a significant milestone in the sports memorabilia industry. Led by the enthusiasm for Victor Wembanyama’s cards, the surge reflects broader market dynamics that point to the increasing value and appeal of sports cards.
As the industry continues to grow, collectors and investors alike remain keen on the potential of their collections, ensuring that the market for graded cards remains robust.
About 1.8% of PSA submissions were from the 1950s and earlier–a figure that would account for around 13,000 total cards or about 433 cards per day.
SGC Numbers Up with Heavy Sports Focus
Among the four companies, SGC did grade the highest percentage of vintage cards compared to modern, with about 30% of its volume dating from the 1950s-80s and nearly 11% from the 1950s and earlier.
Michael Jordan was the most graded player at SGC last month. The company graded about 4,300 Jordan cards in June, followed by Wembanyama (3,400), Shohei Ohtani (2,300), CJ Stroud and Elly De La Cruz (2,000). The 2024 Bowman De La Cruz was SGC’s most graded card last month.
Overall CGC Numbers Rise Over 100% vs June 2023
CGC joined PSA as the only grading firms that have processed more than one million trading cards so far in 2024.
The company graded about 15,000 sports cards in June and 178,000 total. Their overall numbers were more than double what the company graded in June of last year.
CGC graded about 123,000 sports cards during the first half of this year, down about 33% from the first six months of 2023.
Beckett graded around around 180,000 sports cards from January through June–down about 9% from last year. Graders there saw about 52,000 cards last month, down 32% from June 2023. About 42% of the cards graded there were sports cards. Football (6,500) and basketball (6,100) were the top sports last month. Topps NOW cards of Caleb Williams and Shohei Ohtani were graded most often.
