Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the year in style, amassing an astonishing $7.1 million in sales. The event showcased a plethora of coveted vintage sports cards and memorabilia, captivating collectors worldwide and driving spirited bidding wars.
Babe Ruth stood tall as the star of the auction, with three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 leading the charge and commanding a combined nearly $700,000. The standout was the #149 card with a striking red background, fetching an impressive $316,736. An exceptional rare advertising card from around 1920 featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, fetched a notable $95,860. Additionally, a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5 found a new home for $52,102, while a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5 sold for $48,508.
Joe Jackson’s presence was strongly felt with a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 card graded PSA 7 setting a new grade record at $173,794. This card was part of a set break that collectively raked in over $850,000 in sales.
The allure of the 1952 Topps cards was undeniable, with three cards graded PSA 8 crossing the six-figure mark. Leading the pack was an Eddie Mathews high-number card fetching $123,484, followed by Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards that also drew substantial bids.
Mickey Mantle’s cards continued to draw significant interest, with highlights including a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 selling for $33,586 and a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieving $18,575. Four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1966 collectively brought in close to $50,000. Other notable Mantle sales included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM at $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 at $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 at $16,886.
In addition to baseball, the auction featured highlights from other sports. A 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie hockey card, graded PSA 10, garnered $72,455, delighting hockey collectors. Notable football card sales included a 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 at $31,558, a 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 at $19,018, and a 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 at $20,432.
The auction also showcased unique memorabilia finds that captured the attention of bidders, such as a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s selling for $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription fetching $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also at $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s going for $16,121.
Overall, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction set a thrilling tone for 2025 with record-breaking sales and extraordinary offerings, promising collectors an exciting year ahead filled with the opportunity to own pieces of sports history.
