REA’s June Encore Auction wrapped up with a whirlwind of bidding excitement, emphasizing the appeal of collecting complete graded sets and iconic vintage cards. With over 3,200 lots on the block, the auction saw a total of $1.7 million in sales, driven by more than 67,300 bids.
The star attractions of the auction were undeniably the complete graded sets, with six sets claiming spots in the top ten highest-selling items. Topping the charts were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, highly coveted by collectors, are renowned for their exceptional grades on the PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball commanded prices of $37,200 each.
A standout sale that caught the attention of bidders was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, which sold for $54,000. This sale not only set a new record for the card in any grade but also held sentimental value as it coincided with the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer at the age of 86.
Notable sales continued with the likes of the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, fetching $38,400, a record price for its grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 card also commanded the same price, demonstrating the enduring popularity of baseball’s iconic figures. The auction further featured a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, captivating collectors with its promise of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year, which sold for $18,600.
Additional highlights included the sale of a 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 card for $16,200, and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 card, as well as the 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth SGC VG 3 card, both selling for $13,200 each. The auction also drew attention with unique pieces such as the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic, which fetched $11,700, and the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor #18/50 PSA GEM MINT 10 card, selling for $10,200.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed excitement over the auction results, noting the consistent demand for high-quality graded sets and rare vintage cards. Looking ahead, REA announced its upcoming Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23, promising a plethora of exciting items that are sure to captivate collectors. Interested bidders can request a catalog through the REA website and also explore the showcased items at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland.
As anticipation builds for the next auction, REA continues to be a beacon for collectors, offering a diverse range of collectibles and sharing captivating consignor stories on their website. The legacy of vintage cards and complete sets lives on, drawing enthusiasts into the vibrant world of sports memorabilia collecting.
