Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction set the stage for a thrilling year in the world of sports collecting, as the event raked in an impressive total of over $7.1 million in sales. The auction, featuring a treasure trove of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, drew enthusiastic collectors from all corners of the globe, resulting in intense bidding wars and jaw-dropping final prices that left many in awe.
Babe Ruth took center stage at the auction, with three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 stealing the spotlight and collectively fetching nearly $700,000. The #149 card, distinguished by its striking red background, commanded a staggering $316,736, showcasing Ruth’s enduring popularity among collectors. An exceedingly rare advertising card from around 1920, showcasing Ruth alongside Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, fetched an impressive $95,860 after sparking intense competition among bidders.
Not to be outdone, other Ruth memorabilia proved equally enticing, with a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5 selling for $52,102 and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5 finding a new home for $48,508.
In a record-breaking sale, a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card graded PSA 7 shattered expectations by commanding an astounding $173,794, setting a new benchmark for its grade. The card was part of a larger set break that collectively amassed over $850,000, underscoring the enduring appeal of vintage sports cards among collectors.
1952 Topps favorites also shone brightly at the auction, with three cards graded PSA 8 crossing the six-figure mark. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, clinching an impressive $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also drew significant interest from eager bidders.
Mickey Mantle’s legendary status in the collecting world remained unchallenged, with 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, fetching $18,575. Notable sales included four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from various years, collectively bringing in close to $50,000. Other Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM card selling for $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back graded PSA 8.5 achieving $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle card graded SGC 9 going for $16,886.
Baseball and multi-sport enthusiasts found plenty to cheer about, with standout sales including a 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 9 card fetching $58,961, a 1957 Topps Whitey Ford graded PSA 10 selling for $56,153, and a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card graded PSA 10 commanding $72,455, delighting hockey collectors. Football cards also made their mark, with notable sales such as the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie card graded PSA 10 selling for $31,558, the 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie card graded PSA 10 going for $19,018, and the 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie card graded PSA 10 achieving $20,432.
The auction also featured a range of unique memorabilia finds that added an extra layer of excitement for bidders. Noteworthy items included 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 selling for $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s bringing in $16,121.
With record-breaking sales, exceptional items, and fierce bidding wars, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction proved to be a resounding success, setting a high standard for sports collectors in 2025. The anticipation grows for the next opportunity to acquire iconic pieces of sports history as enthusiasts eagerly await forthcoming auctions.
