At REA’s June Encore Auction, complete graded sets stole the spotlight, with six of them making it to the top ten sales list. The event was a collector’s dream, showcasing the allure of set building with a touch of vintage nostalgia. The top three best-selling items were complete Topps Baseball sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive amounts of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets hold prestigious ranks on the PSA Set Registry, adding to their desirability among collectors. Moreover, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball also drew significant attention, each selling for $37,200.
With a total of 3,278 lots up for grabs, the auction raked in over $1.7 million from a whopping 67,300 bids, showcasing the fervor and passion of the collector community.
One of the standout highlights of the auction was the sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, which fetched $54,000. This particular card, graded as one of only two in existence at this level, set a remarkable record for any grade of the card. This sale held special significance as it coincided with the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, known for inspiring the iconic NBA logo.
Several other remarkable sales made waves at the auction, including the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which set a new record for its grade at $38,400. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 card also fetched the same price, resonating with enthusiasts of baseball’s golden era. The 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year sold for $18,600, adding a touch of nostalgia for basketball aficionados.
The auction further featured treasures such as the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 card, sold for $16,200, and the 1933 R319 Goude cards of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, each fetching $13,200. A notable addition to the sales was the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring Ty Cobb Batting Rookie, authenticated by PSA, which went for $11,700. Collectors also vied for modern gems, like the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs card of Aaron Judge, which sold for $10,200.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction results, highlighting the strong demand for top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. Dwyer also teased collectors with a glimpse into the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction in July, promising a plethora of exciting items to captivate enthusiasts.
Anticipation is already building for the Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to kick off on July 23. Collectors eager to explore the upcoming offerings can request a catalog through the REA website. Additionally, REA will be present at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, presenting a curated selection of the Summer Auction items for enthusiasts to peruse.
For collectors keen on staying updated with REA’s auction schedule and exploring consignor stories, a visit to the REA website is highly recommended. Get ready to embark on a journey through vintage treasures and exceptional collectibles at REA’s upcoming events.
