October '24 Grading Recap
Published November 2nd, 2024
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Overall grading activity was ⬆ 23% in October compared to September and ⬆ 12% YoY.
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Grading activity reached a new record high for the fourth time in 2024, with 1.87 million cards graded in October.
The October total is 4% higher than the previous mark [August].
- PSA graded 1.45m cards - ⬆ 23% vs September, ⬆ 21% YoY.
Another record high, the fourth set in 2024.
- CGC graded 207k cards - ⬆ 43% vs September, ⬇ 24% YoY.
- SGC graded 165k cards - ⬆ 12% vs September, ⬆ 28% YoY.
- Beckett graded 50k cards - ⬆ 8% vs September, ⬇ 33% YoY.
- Overall grading activity was ⬆ 23% in October compared to September and ⬆ 12% YoY.
-
Grading activity reached a new record high for the fourth time in 2024, with 1.87 million cards graded in October.
The October total is 4% higher than the previous mark [August].
- PSA graded 1.45m cards - ⬆ 23% vs September, ⬆ 21% YoY. Another record high, the fourth set in 2024.
- CGC graded 207k cards - ⬆ 43% vs September, ⬇ 24% YoY.
- SGC graded 165k cards - ⬆ 12% vs September, ⬆ 28% YoY.
- Beckett graded 50k cards - ⬆ 8% vs September, ⬇ 33% YoY.
October Grading Summary
October Grading Summary - Sports
October Grading Summary - TCG+
Items Graded - by Month
Items Graded - by Month - Excluding PSA
Category Comparison
TCG Cards Graded at PSA
Items Graded by Era
Gem Rate Breakdown by Era
October 2024 PSA Grading Recap
- PSA graded 1,452,673 items during October; total output increased by 23% vs September and was up 21% year-over-year.
- PSA graded 1,452,673 items during October; total output increased by 23% vs September and was up 21% year-over-year.
Category Summary
TCG, basketball, and baseball had the largest impact in October
- TCG was 35% of cards graded in October (vs from 32% in September and 37% in August).
Set Summary - Sports & Other
2023 Donruss Optic football retains the top spot
Set Summary - TCG+
Japanese Pokemon 151 maintains healthy lead over English 151
Player Summary - Sports & Other
Wembanyama grading is still dominating; Jordan activity spikes
Subject Summary - TCG
Charizard's lead over Pikachu narrows
Card Summary - Sports & Other
The top cards showcase a broader mix
Card Summary - TCG
Shrouded Fable Greninja finally knocks Van Gogh Pikachu from the top of the list
What's Next for PSA?
- PSA results set another record high in October thanks to TCG regaining momentum and a strong month across most sports. This is the fourth time PSA has set a new record high for grading activity in 2024.
- Based on year-to-date trends, PSA is on track to grade approximately 1.3 to 1.4 million cards in November and December. Given this pace, PSA is projected to grade around 15.5 to 16 million cards in 2024. We'll be keeping an eye on whether PSA's holiday promotions can push them toward the higher end of that range.
October 2024 SGC Grading Recap
- SGC graded 165,536 items during October; total output increased by 12% vs September and was up 28% year-over-year.
- SGC graded 165,536 items during October; total output increased by 12% vs September and was up 28% year-over-year.
Category Summary
Football outperformed again in October
Set Summary
2024 Topps Chrome held onto the top spot
Player (& Subject) Summary
Ohtani moves above Wembanyama and Jordan
Card Summary
Topps Now promotion changes up the leaderboard
What's Next for SGC?
- SGC's momentum improved after a modest pullback in September. SGC has often been able to generate short-term, incremental momentum through promotional activity, and that appears to be the case again in October. For instance, Topps Now grading activity roughly doubled thanks to SGC's latest promotion in October.
- Activity in November and December 2023 dipped slightly during the holiday season, which is not unexpected. We'll be watching to see if that trend continues in 2024 or if SGC introduces a promotion to boost year-end momentum.
Other Graders - CGC
Category Summary
Set Summary
Card Summary
What's Next for CGC?
- CGC results improved meaningfully in October. That said, CGC has been making some updates and improvements to their pop report, making it more challenging to pinpoint what's driving the improvement.
- November and December results will provide a clearer picture of whether CGC's October results were a one-off or the start of a new trend.
Other Charts - Beckett
Category Summary
Card Summary - Sports
Card Summary - TCG
What's Next for Beckett?
- Beckett results saw a modest improvement in October following a dip in September. The recent sweet spot for Beckett’s audience has been an increased focus on Black Labels as a differentiator for high-quality cards, particularly evident in TCG (One Piece and Japanese Pokémon) and Topps Now.