Interested in the top 10 cards sent for PSA grading over the past 12 months? Here’s what you need to know about the most popular cards that were slabbed by PSA in 2023.
PSA is one of the most popular grading services on the planet, with some of the highest sale prices and a strong reputation within the hobby.
Curious about the cards that dominated the PSA grading scene in 2023? Join us as we take a closer look at the standout players and memorable moments that led collectors to submit their most prized cards for PSA grading.
From rookies making waves to iconic athletes leaving their mark, we’ve got the inside scoop on the cards that defined the year in sports collecting. Get ready to uncover the stories behind the grades in our comprehensive breakdown of the top PSA graded cards of 2023.
This also includes a roundup of the top five RCs sent to the grading company by sport.
Top 10 PSA Card Submissions 2023: Per Card
We’ve listed the top 10 PSA sports card submissions, relating to the most graded players sent to PSA over the past 12 months. These athletes span across various sports, reflecting the diverse interests within the sports card collecting community. We’ve also looked at their most expensive PSA card sales via eBay:
1. 2018 Bowman 49 Shohei Ohtani (eBay)
Shohei Ohtani is most definitely the biggest star in 2023 when it comes to PSA grading. His 2018 Bowman RC has been sent off more than any other, so expect an abundance of cards to hit sites like eBay in 2024. It’s no surprise that a base RC leads the list, while PSA 10 grades are currently selling for over $100. Prices begin to drop off for anything other than a pristine grade. (For example, PSA 10 copies can be found for $40.)
As for why he makes the list, Ohtani is undeniably the best player in MLB, and there’s a large market for graded copies of his cards. In 2023, he was selected as The Associated Press’ male athlete of the year for the second time in three years.
Check out the best Shohei Ohtani rookie cards here.
2. 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects BCP50 Elly De La Cruz (eBay)
Sticking with the baseball theme, this 2022 Bowman Chrome Elly De La Cruz prospect card is valued highly due to the addition of the 1st Bowman logo in the top right corner. BCP cards are always seen as one of the best to collect when looking at the earlier stages of a player’s career.
De La Cruz has the potential to be the biggest star in baseball, with incredible speed, power, and a 6’5 frame that you wouldn’t normally expect from a shortstop.
In 2023, De La Cruz batted .324 with an .887 OPS over his first 30 games after his call up on June 6. His numbers plummeted in the second half of the season as he batted .191 with a .627 OPS over 68 games.
3. 1989 Upper Deck 1 Ken Griffey Jr. Star Rookie (eBay)
Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the more popular players of all time, and the same goes for his famous Upper Deck 1989 rookie card.
The Star Rookies subset is included in the landmark 1989 Upper Deck set, with a collection of 26 cards to be found. Among them is the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. RC. It features a close-up of the player as he smiles at the camera with a bat in hand. Our roundup notes:
“Many have retained little to no value, but demand does exceed supply if you’re looking at pristine PSA 10 graded copies.”
As such, it’s no surprise to learn that collectors are still sending them off to PSA in droves, in the hopes of an elusive PSA 10 grade.
Check out the best Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards here.
4. 2023 Topps Now Draft D1 Victor Wembanyama (eBay)
One of two NBA cards to make the list, the Topps Now set records some of the more memorable moments throughout a specific season. Rookie Victor Wenbamyama is included as the first draft pick in 2023, whilst wearing a distinctive green suit. The 7’4 phenomenon has put up great numbers during his rookie season in the NBA.
PSA 10 copies of the 2023 Topps Now Draft Victor Wembanyama RC can currently be found for roughly $50.
5. 2022 Bowman Paper Prospects BP50 Elly De La Cruz (eBay)
A second appearance for De La Cruz, this time it’s the Paper Prospects version of the card listed in second. It’s a more affordable option compared to the BCP release, which does lead to lower values when looking at pristine versions.
Once again, De La Cruz is featured in a batting pose, sharing the same design as the Bowman Chrome Prospects card.
6. 2018 Topps Update US285 Shohei Ohtani (eBay)
It’s another appearance for the most popular player within the hobby for 2023. Our Ohtani RC article notes:
“A set predominantly focusing on rookies, 2018 Topps Update Series Baseball is a solid pick if you don’t mind the lack of an autograph. The Ohtani RC can still be one of the more valuable options when looking at parallels, while the Gold version (limited to 2,018) is always popular with collectors.”
Check out the best Shohei Ohtani rookie cards here.
7. 2018 Topps Update US1 Shohei Ohtani Pitching In Red Jersey (eBay)
Sticking with Shohei Ohtani and the 2018 Topps Update set, the next card sees the player pitching in a red jersey. The set has a premium feel, and pristine copies of the ‘Pitching In Red Jersey’ RC can be found for $100. That price drops down to $45 for a PSA 9 grade, so it’s attainable for any baseball card collectors.
Check out the best Shohei Ohtani rookie cards here.
8. 2022 Topps Update US44 Julio Rodriguez (eBay)
Julio Rodriguez is on fire, as the only player in MLB history to have at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in his first two seasons. The 2022 Topps Update RC has been sent to PSA in high numbers over the past 12 months, to the point where PSA 10 copies can be found for as little as $25. Anything less than a pristine 10 is likely to be cheaper than the cost of sending the card off for grading with PSA.
Check out the best Julio Rodriguez rookie cards here.
9. 2018 Topps 700 Shohei Ohtani Pitching (eBay)
Showing Ohtani takes up a pitching stance in this 2018 Topps release, with a coveted RC logo found in the top right corner. Once again, even base cards have been deemed worthy of being sent off for grading, so expect to see lots of copies making it to market during the beginning of 2024.
You’ll be able to find PSA 10 graded copies for roughly $150 as of December 2023. Given the lack of a hard border, the full bleed design makes it harder to find pristine versions.
Check out the best Shohei Ohtani rookie cards here.
10. 1990 Fleer 26 Michael Jordan (eBay)
Rather than the illustrious 1986 RC, the 1990 Michael Jordan Fleer card has been sent off to PSA in high numbers, sneaking into the top 10 at the last opportunity. Most early Jordan cards are worth it for the nostalgic value, while they’re a cheaper option compared to anything closer to his rookie year. PSA 10 copies of this 1990 Jordan card can be found for roughly $200 at the current time of writing.
Check out the best Michael Jordan rookie cards here.
Most Graded PSA Card Athletes 2023: Thoughts
Four of the top 10 most-graded sports cards in 2023 featured Shohei Ohtani. He’s joined by a number of big names, with the likes of Michael Jordan sneaking into the exclusive ranks.
Of the top 10 most-graded sports cards in 2023, Shohei Ohtani has undeniably secured his dominance, with four entries, solidifying his status as a heavyweight in the collecting world. His unparalleled skills on the baseball field and the inherent appeal of his cards have driven a significant portion of the grading frenzy.
Joining Ohtani in this elite group are other luminaries of the sports world, each contributing to the diverse and compelling tapestry of the most-graded cards. The ever-iconic Michael Jordan makes a notable appearance, showcasing the enduring allure of his cards that transcend eras and captivate collectors with every slam dunk and fadeaway.
Adding to the star-studded lineup is the rising sensation Julio Rodriguez, whose performance on the field has translated into heightened interest in his graded cards. The inclusion of Victor Wenbamyama and Elly De La Cruz further underscores the global reach of the sports card collecting community, with players from various backgrounds captivating enthusiasts worldwide.
In the mix, the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. continues to hold his ground, proving that his appeal spans multiple generations. Despite the potential for overproduction in the past, Griffey Jr.’s cards, especially those boasting a pristine PSA 10 grade, remain a steadfast investment for collectors seeking both nostalgia and long-term value.
Most Trending Rookies By Sport:
Are you more interested in the top rookies sent to PSA in 2023? Here’s a roundup of the top five RCs sent to the grading company by sport, including a number of names which weren’t able to make the list above:
Top 10 PSA Card Submissions 2023: Basketball RCs
A number of hyped NBA rookies have made the cut:
- Paolo Banchero
- Victor Wembanyama
- Cade Cunningham
- Jalen Green
- Chet Holmgren
Top 10 PSA Card Submissions 2023: Football RCs
The same goes for football, when looking at the players sent off for grading the most in 2023:
- Kenny Pickett
- Brock Purdy
- Desmond Ridder
- Garrett Wilson
- Sam Howell
Top 10 PSA Card Submissions 2023: Baseball RCs
Here are the stats for the top PSA baseball RCs in 2023:
- Elly De La Cruz
- Adley Ruschman
- Corbin Carroll
- Anthony Volpe
- Gunnar Henderson
(Source: PSA)
Top 10 PSA Card Submissions 2023: Summary
There are no real surprises when looking at the most graded PSA cards in 2023. Shohei Ohtani is making a major impact on the hobby, but it’s good to be aware that there’s an influx of PSA cards that are going to enter the market over the next few months.
The growing availability of PSA-graded cards presents an intriguing dynamic for enthusiasts. On the one hand, this surge offers an opportunity for collectors to secure rookie cards at a more accessible price point, encapsulated in the coveted PSA slab. This influx potentially widens the accessibility of the hobby, allowing more enthusiasts to own a piece of their favorite player’s rookie legacy.
Yet, it’s essential to exercise a discerning eye within this expanded market. While the increased availability may make it easier to obtain rookie cards at a lower cost, it’s crucial to recognize that the true value lies in the upper echelons of grading. Only those cards boasting the highest PSA grades will command significant amounts in the market. In this scenario, the pursuit of the finest-conditioned cards becomes a quest for rarity, ensuring that collectors remain vigilant in seeking out the cream of the crop within the burgeoning landscape of graded cards.
(Images sourced via PSA)
- Read More: Top 10 PSA Player Submissions: 2023
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