In the world of sports card collecting, few names carry the weight and prestige of Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. So, when a rare T206 Ty Cobb card with a tobacco advertisement back hit the auction block at the recent Heritage Spring Sports Card Auction, collectors and enthusiasts alike held their breath. And they were not disappointed.
The T206 Ty Cobb card, known for its association with Cobb’s tobacco brand and featuring a unique “King of the Smoking Tobacco World” back, emerged as the star of the show, commanding a staggering $432,000 price tag. With only approximately 25 known to exist, this particular card’s scarcity and glossy finish set it apart from the rest, making it a coveted treasure for any discerning collector.
Not to be outdone, the auction also showcased a sought-after M101-5 Sporting News Blank Back Babe Ruth rookie card, which fetched an impressive $348,000. The allure and value of vintage sports memorabilia were on full display as bidders vied for these iconic pieces of history.
Among the other standout items that crossed the auction block were a PSA 4 graded Babe Ruth rookie card from the M101-5 series, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for $204,000, and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, which commanded a price of $210,000. The total sales for the auction soared past the $10 million mark, driven by the fervor of over 2,450 bidders from across the globe.
One of the most remarkable sales of the event was the auction of a signed 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card, a rare gem with only 31 signed copies known to exist, which fetched an impressive $126,000. The interest in vintage sports memorabilia extended beyond cards, with unopened materials like a 1967 Topps Football cello box and a 1970 Topps baseball (Mixed Series) cello box each selling for $81,000. Additionally, a Jackie Robinson UCLA football debut ticket stub exceeded expectations, selling for $22,800.
A particularly intriguing highlight of the auction was the discovery of eight 1914 Lawrence Semon issue postcards, including a card featuring Ty Cobb, which turned a modest $400 investment into a jaw-dropping $50,370 payout. This remarkable find underscored the hidden treasures that can lurk within the vintage card market, waiting to be unearthed by astute collectors.
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of sports card collecting and explore the full breadth of auction results, Heritage Auctions provides a comprehensive overview on their website. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the allure of rare and iconic pieces like the T206 Ty Cobb card and Babe Ruth rookie card continues to captivate enthusiasts and set the stage for future auctions filled with excitement and anticipation.
