REA’s May Encore Auction, presented on a recent Sunday, showcased a tapestry of vintage baseball treasures and collectibles that ignited significant buzz within the industry. The auction witnessed a flurry of activity, particularly in the realm of classic baseball sets from the 1950s and pre-war rarities, ultimately culminating in record-breaking sales and enthusiastic bidding.
A prevailing trend that emerged during the auction was the fervent attraction towards complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. Collectors and enthusiasts alike exhibited a keen interest in these sets, known for their rarity, impeccable condition, and historical significance within the collectibles market. The exceptional sales figures underscored the unwavering allure of high-grade set building in the realm of sports memorabilia collection.
Taking center stage was the sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, which elicited substantial attention and commanded an impressive price tag of $126,000. This set, ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, epitomizes the meticulous standards that collectors uphold for these coveted compilations. Following closely behind was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with an identical GPA of 8.00, which fetched $99,000. The lineup continued with a 1959 Topps complete set, occupying the #29 spot on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, realizing a final sale price of $72,000.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, captivating the audience and setting new records in the process. A prime example was the sale of a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card featuring the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which achieved a remarkable price of $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and corresponding back combination. Additionally, a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card commanded $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
The sheer breadth of the auction was staggering, with over 3,600 items going under the hammer and resulting in nearly $1.8 million in sales stemming from a staggering 63,000 bids. Notable mentions among the top sellers included a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition, which was sold for $52,800, and a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, also in PSA NM-MT 8 condition, achieving a sale price of $36,000. The auction fervor extended to a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition, fetching $29,400, while Mickey Mantle’s iconic 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card in PSA EX 5 condition was acquired for $25,200.
Closing the list of top sellers were noteworthy cards such as a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, both in PSA NM-MT 8 condition, each selling for $24,600. An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards spotlighting rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson garnered $17,400, while a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition fetched $15,600, and a 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition closed at $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed satisfaction with the auction’s success, acknowledging the robust outcomes and emphasizing the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building among collectors. Dwyer remains optimistic about the future, foreseeing continued momentum in upcoming events and across the broader industry. As the auction curtains close, anticipation is high for REA’s forthcoming June Encore Auction, commencing on June 13, and the grand Summer Catalog Auction set to kick off on July 23. Coinciding with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, REA will make a prominent presence at Booth #6032, promising more exhilarating discoveries and opportunities for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
