Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure in the dynamic market of collectibles, captivating collectors in 2023. The recent Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcased a range of rare vintage cards, with some fetching record-breaking prices.
The auction’s highlight was the sale of a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive price of $378,997. Not only does this card signify the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history, but it also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
In addition to the Mickey Mantle rookie card, Mile High Card Company’s auction featured other noteworthy sales. A standout was the 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, with a blank back and graded PSA 7, which sold for an astonishing $104,302. This marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, reflecting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Moreover, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
It wasn’t just individual legends that garnered attention at the auction; cards featuring Hall of Famer Willie Stargell also set new records. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, sold for an impressive $30,674, greatly surpassing its previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards from 1966 and 1973 Topps also achieved record prices.
The auction set new records with sales of various other vintage cards as well. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (graded PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (graded PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (graded PSA 9) for $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company wasn’t limited to baseball cards; it also showcased other sought-after items. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for baseball heroes of that era. Classic cards like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
In addition to cards, memorabilia items featured prominently in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, selling for $40,486. Notable memorabilia pieces included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. As the auction results show, vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
