The fervor of collectors and enthusiasts reached a peak at REA’s June Encore Auction, as the event unveiled a treasure trove of high-end complete graded sets and vintage staples that set the stage on fire. With a dazzling array of 3,278 lots up for grabs, the auction raked in over $1.7 million in sales, ignited by over 67,300 bids that kept the excitement levels soaring.
Set building emerged as a dominant theme, with six complete graded sets making their mark in the top ten list of items sold. The cream of the crop included the prestigious Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching jaw-dropping prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets stand tall among the finest on the PSA Set Registry, showcasing the enduring allure of these vintage gems.
A standout gem that stole the spotlight was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10, a rare find with only two examples graded at this elite level. The card commanded a record-setting price of $54,000, shattering previous benchmarks and underscoring the timeless appeal of basketball memorabilia. The sale of this card took on special significance following the recent passing of the iconic Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who holds a hallowed place in the NBA’s history as the inspiration behind its iconic logo.
The auction also witnessed a flurry of notable sales, including the historic 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5, reaching a record price of $38,400 for its grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also commanded a significant price of $38,400, reflecting the enduring popularity of baseball legends among collectors.
From the hardwood, the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, featuring the rookie year of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, captured collectors’ hearts and wallets with a final price of $18,600. Meanwhile, the presence of iconic names like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in items like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth and the 1933 R319 Goudey cards further fueled the frenzied bidding, with prices reaching $16,200 and $13,200 respectively.
REA President Brian Dwyer shared his insights on the auction, noting the strong results for top-quality graded sets and the consistent demand for vintage rarities. With the Summer Catalog Auction on the horizon, set to commence on July 23, collectors can look forward to an exciting array of items that promise to keep the momentum going and delight enthusiasts worldwide.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, collectors can secure their catalogs through the REA website and gear up for a thrilling showcase of coveted collectibles. For a deeper dive into REA’s auction schedule and to explore captivating consignor stories from past and future events, enthusiasts can visit the REA website for a comprehensive experience.
