In 2023, sports card collectors around the world witnessed a remarkable trend in the industry – a renewed interest in vintage cards from the 1950s to the 1980s. Authentication and grading companies like PSA, ISA, BGS, and SGC observed a significant surge in submissions of cards from these eras, indicating a growing fascination with the rich history of sports memorabilia.
One card that led this vintage revival was the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card. Considered a hallmark of baseball card collecting, this card saw nearly 14,000 new graded copies in 2023, surpassing any other sports card from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, or 80s. With a total of almost 161,000 graded copies now in existence, the Griffey card has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of sports card collecting.
The 1980s era of baseball was further defined by the 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card, which saw over 7,800 new graded copies, bringing its total to nearly 51,000. In the world of basketball cards, the legendary Michael Jordan dominated. All five of the most graded basketball cards from the 1980s were of Jordan, with his 1989 Hoops card leading the way with 5,130 new grades.
Mickey Mantle, an icon of the 1950s and 60s baseball card scene, had four of the top ten cards from these decades. His 1966 Topps card alone was graded 2,845 times. In the football realm, Jim Brown led the submissions with his 1958 Topps rookie card and 1959 Topps card. The 1970s were marked by Walter Payton’s 1976 rookie card in football and George Brett’s 1975 rookie card in baseball, with each joining the ranks of the most graded cards.
Even the lesser-known vintage cards saw significant grading. Cards such as the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/Jerry Koosman rookie card, the 1968 Topps Johnny Bench rookie card, and the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card garnered a high number of grades in baseball. In basketball, the 1972-73 Topps Julius Erving rookie card and the 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor rookie card stood out. Hockey cards also saw a rise in interest, with the Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card grading the highest, surpassing the Topps version.
This resurgence in interest for vintage sports cards is more than just a trend; it is a reflection of the nostalgia and historical significance these cards hold. They symbolize a connection to the past, a link to the heroes and legends of the sports world. For collectors, these cards hold more value than just mere pieces of cardboard; they represent pieces of history and serve as a tangible link to the athletes and moments that have shaped the world of sports.
The increasing number of graded vintage cards also demonstrates a growing awareness of their value, both monetarily and sentimentally. As more collectors seek to authenticate and preserve these treasures, the hobby of sports card collecting continues to evolve, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Looking back on 2023, it becomes evident that the year marked a significant chapter in the story of sports card collecting. It was a year where vintage cards received a new level of attention and appreciation, where the pastimes of previous generations were celebrated and cherished anew. This resurgence serves as a reminder that sports cards go beyond being mere collectibles; they provide a way for us to connect with the history of sports, to remember the greats of the game, and to keep their legacy alive for future generations.
