TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey collectors generated more than 150,000 online searches for sports trading cards in the past year, ranking the state among the most active markets in the country as demand—and prices—continue to climb.
A new study by DuelBits places New Jersey ninth nationwide, with 156,600 annual searches tied to sports cards, reflecting sustained interest in both vintage icons and modern stars.
Mickey Mantle leads demand in Garden State
Among collectors in New Jersey, interest is heavily concentrated around a handful of legendary names.
Mickey Mantle cards top the list with an average of 10,560 searches annually, followed by Honus Wagner at 8,640 and Michael Jordan at 7,080. Rounding out the top five are Mike Trout and Aaron Judge, highlighting a mix of historic and current-era appeal.
The demand reflects both nostalgia and investment potential, particularly as rare cards continue to fetch record-breaking prices at auction.
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Key Points
• New Jersey ranks 9th nationwide with 156,600 annual sports card searches
• Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner, and Michael Jordan lead demand among collectors
• Booming market sees individual cards sell for more than $12 million
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Booming market fueled by record-breaking sales
The sports trading card industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar market, now valued at approximately $13.5 billion globally.
Recent high-profile sales underscore the surge. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded 9.5 sold for $12.6 million, while a dual autograph card featuring Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant reached nearly $13 million in 2025.
Other major sales include a 2013 Bowman Chrome Aaron Judge Superfractor Autograph card that fetched $5.2 million, and a historic Honus Wagner card that sold for more than $5.1 million earlier this year.
These prices have helped fuel both collector enthusiasm and speculative investment, drawing new participants into the market.
How New Jersey compares nationally
While New Jersey ranks ninth in total search volume, its ranking shifts when adjusted for population.
The state places 23rd nationwide with 16,483 searches per one million residents, suggesting strong overall interest but less concentration compared to smaller or more niche collector markets.
California leads the nation with more than 568,000 searches, followed by Texas and New York. Pennsylvania, a regional neighbor, also ranks in the top five, reflecting strong interest across the Northeast.
Events and local collector activity
The study highlights upcoming events that could further drive engagement in New Jersey’s collector community.
Shows such as the Dallas Card Show at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison and a sports memorabilia event in Ocean City later in April give hobbyists opportunities to buy, sell, and trade cards in person.
These gatherings often serve as key marketplaces for high-value transactions and networking among collectors.
Risks as popularity grows
With rising prices comes increased risk, particularly for newer buyers entering the market.
A spokesperson for DuelBits warned that counterfeit or altered cards are becoming more common, urging collectors to rely on trusted sellers and professional grading services to verify authenticity.
The warning reflects broader concerns across the hobby as demand accelerates and high-value transactions move online.
What it means for collectors
New Jersey’s strong showing signals a healthy and growing collector base, even as the market evolves into a high-stakes investment space.
As interest continues to climb, both seasoned collectors and newcomers face a landscape shaped by record prices, increased competition, and the need for careful verification.
The study’s findings position New Jersey as a consistent player in the national trading card boom, with demand expected to remain strong as major events and auctions continue throughout the year.