REA’s May Encore Auction held on a recent Sunday evening marked a significant chapter in the world of sports card collecting. The auction showcased a fervor for set building, with collectors flocking toward complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. These sets, sought after for their rarity and impeccable condition, dominated the sales charts, indicating a prevailing trend in premium set building within the collectibles market.
The highlight of the auction was the sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, which commanded an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a stellar GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the lofty standards collectors uphold for such compilations. Following closely was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, which sold for $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, fetched $72,000.
The auction didn’t just focus on modern classics; it also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities that captivated bidders and set new records. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, was a highly anticipated lot that achieved $54,000, establishing a new record for its specific grade and back combination. Another standout sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which sold for $30,000, setting a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
In total, over 3,600 items were put up for auction, amassing nearly $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids. Some of the other top-selling items included a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, that sold for $52,800, a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, which achieved $36,000, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, that garnered $29,400.
Notable sales continued with Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, going for $25,200, a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, each fetching $24,600. An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookies, was sold for $17,400. Additionally, a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG+ 3.5, sold for $15,600, and a 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, was purchased for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed satisfaction with the auction’s success, acknowledging the strong results and emphasizing the renewed interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer expressed optimism about future events, mentioning, “This is a very positive sign of great things to come in our upcoming auctions and the industry overall.”
Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, which is set to commence on June 13, followed by the larger Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. Coinciding with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, REA will have a prominent presence at Booth #6032, where collectors and enthusiasts can anticipate more stunning offerings in the world of sports card collecting.
