Memory Lane, a renowned platform for vintage sports cards and memorabilia, kicked off the year in style with its Winter Rarities Auction. The event was a massive hit, recording total sales exceeding $7.1 million. Collectors worldwide were drawn to the auction’s offerings, resulting in a flurry of competitive bidding on some of the most sought-after items in the industry.
Babe Ruth, the legendary baseball icon, took center stage at the auction, with his cards commanding significant attention and fetching impressive prices. Three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 stole the show, collectively selling for nearly $700,000. Among them, the #149 card featuring a striking red background stood out, securing a remarkable $316,736. An exceptionally rare advertising card from around 1920, showcasing Ruth alongside Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, sparked intense bidding and ultimately sold for $95,860.
Other notable Babe Ruth highlights included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which sold for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, realizing $48,508. These impressive sales underscored the enduring popularity and value of Ruth’s memorabilia in the collectibles market.
Not to be outshined, the 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, set a new record for its grade by fetching $173,794. As part of a larger set break, the card contributed to a total sales figure exceeding $850,000, showcasing the enduring allure of vintage baseball cards among enthusiasts.
The iconic 1952 Topps cards also made a splash at the auction, with three PSA 8 graded cards crossing the six-figure mark. The Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, commanding $123,484, while the Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also garnered significant interest from collectors.
Mickey Mantle, another beloved figure in the sports memorabilia world, continued to draw strong interest at the auction. A rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetched $33,586, while a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieved $18,575. Additionally, four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from varying years collectively brought in close to $50,000, highlighting the enduring appeal of the legendary Yankees player.
The auction featured a wide array of baseball and multi-sport highlights, including a 1957 Topps Willie Mays card graded PSA 9 selling for $58,961 and a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card graded PSA 10 fetching $72,455, much to the delight of hockey enthusiasts. Football cards also garnered considerable attention, with notable sales such as the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 for $31,558 and the 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 for $20,432.
Beyond cards, the auction showcased unique memorabilia finds that stirred excitement among 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, and a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also realizing $20,934. A Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s rounded out the diverse offerings, selling for $16,121.
With record-breaking sales and exceptional items on display, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction has set a high standard for the year ahead. Collectors are eagerly anticipating future opportunities to add iconic pieces of sports history to their collections, building on the success of this landmark event.
