Loading Quest…
Celebrated on 02/24/2026
National Trading Card Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in October. It was created in 2019 by the Sports Card Collectors Association to honor the hobby of collecting trading cards, which dates back to the late 19th century.
National Trading Card Day was established in 2019 by the Sports Card Collectors Association (SCCA) to celebrate the hobby of collecting trading cards, including sports cards, trading card games, and non-sport cards. The date was chosen as the first Saturday in October to coincide with the fall season, when many card shows and conventions take place. The holiday aims to encourage collectors to share their passion, attend events, and introduce new people to the hobby.
Since its inception, National Trading Card Day has grown in popularity, with card shops, online retailers, and collectors hosting special events, sales, and giveaways. Social media plays a key role, with hashtags like #NationalTradingCardDay used to showcase collections and connect enthusiasts. The holiday now also highlights the booming market for rare cards, such as the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which sold for $12.6 million in 2022.
The most expensive trading card ever sold is a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which fetched $12.6 million in 2022. The trading card market was valued at over $15 billion in 2023, driven by sports cards and Pokémon cards. * The first trading cards were baseball cards included in cigarette packs in the late 1800s, later becoming a standalone collectible.
Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.