In 2023, a remarkable trend took hold in the world of sports card collecting – a renewed interest in vintage cards from the 1950s to the 1980s. This revival was evident as authentication and grading companies, including industry giants like PSA, ISA, BGS, and SGC, saw a significant surge in submissions of cards from these eras. It became clear that collectors were captivated by the rich history and sentimental value associated with these timeless pieces of sports memorabilia.
Leading the charge in this vintage revival was the iconic 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card. Considered a cornerstone of baseball card collecting, this card saw nearly 14,000 new graded copies in 2023, outpacing 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 solidified its place as a true gem in the world of sports card collecting.
The 1980s era, particularly in baseball, was further defined by the surge in popularity of the 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie card. With over 7,800 new graded copies, the card’s total now stands at nearly 51,000. Basketball, another major sport in the card collecting world, was dominated by the legendary Michael Jordan. 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.
The 1950s and 60s baseball card scene saw the enduring presence of Mickey Mantle, who was represented by four of the top ten graded cards from these decades. His 1966 Topps card alone received 2,845 grades. In football, Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps rookie card and 1959 Topps card led the submissions from the same era. The 1970s were marked by Walter Payton’s 1976 rookie card in football and George Brett’s 1975 rookie card in baseball, both joining the ranks of the most graded cards.
Basketball cards from the 1950s saw a significant number of grades for Bill Russell’s rookie card and his Celtics teammate, Bob Cousy. Hockey, not to be left out, had Wayne Gretzky’s 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee rookie card as the most graded, surpassing the Topps version.
However, the surge in grading vintage cards did not solely focus on the popular names. Other notable cards from the 1950s to the 1980s that received a high number of grades included the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan/Jerry Koosman rookie card, the 1968 Topps Johnny Bench rookie card, and the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card in baseball. In basketball, the 1972-73 Topps Julius Erving rookie and the 1969-70 Topps Lew Alcindor rookie also stood out. Hockey, too, saw vintage cards receiving more than 1,000 grades, a testament to the growing interest in this sport’s memorabilia.
This surge of interest in vintage sports cards transcends mere trend status. It is a reflection of the powerful nostalgia and historical significance these cards hold. They represent a tangible link to the past, serving as a way for collectors to connect with the heroes and legends of the sports world. Beyond their status as mere pieces of cardboard, these cards are cherished artifacts of history, preserving the memory of the athletes and moments that have shaped the world of sports.
The increased number of graded vintage cards also reflects a growing awareness of their value, both in terms of monetary worth and sentimental attachment. As more collectors seek to authenticate and preserve these treasures, the hobby of sports card collecting continues to evolve and bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Looking back on 2023, it becomes clear that the year marked a significant chapter in the story of sports card collecting. It was a year where vintage cards received a newfound level of attention and appreciation, a year in which the pastimes of previous generations were celebrated and cherished anew. This resurgence serves as a powerful reminder that sports cards hold more than just collectible value; they are a gateway to connecting with the history of sports, allowing us to remember and honor the greats of the game while keeping their legacy alive for future generations.