REA’s May Encore Auction was a whirlwind of excitement, with collectors eagerly vying for vintage baseball sets and rare cards in the bustling world of collectibles. The auction showcased an array of remarkable pieces, setting new records and solidifying REA’s status as a premier destination for high-end sports memorabilia.
One of the standout sales of the event was the remarkable 1958 Topps near-complete set, nearly flawless except for one missing card, that fetched an impressive $126,000. This set, boasting a GPA of 8.00 and ranking #13 on the PSA Set Registry, exemplifies the meticulous standards collectors uphold for their prized compilations. Following closely behind was the equally impressive 1957 Topps complete set, coming in at #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, which commanded a price tag of $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 with a GPA of 8.01, found a new home for $72,000.
Not to be overshadowed, the auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities that captivated bidders and shattered records. The highly anticipated 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, set a new record at $54,000, showcasing the enduring allure of vintage treasures. Furthermore, the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card soared to new heights, fetching $30,000 and establishing a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction amassed a staggering $1.8 million in sales, fueled by a staggering 63,000 bids. Among the other top sellers were iconic cards like the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8, sold for $52,800, and the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8, achieving $36,000. Noteworthy mentions include the rare 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie in SGC FAIR 1.5, which garnered $29,400, along with Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card in PSA EX 5, fetching $25,200.
REA’s President, Brian Dwyer, expressed his delight at the auction’s success, emphasizing the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building within the collector community. Dwyer’s optimistic outlook bodes well for the future, hinting at even greater things to come in upcoming events and across the industry as a whole.
As the dust settles on the May Encore Auction, REA is already setting its sights on the future, gearing up for the June Encore Auction launching on June 13, followed closely by the expansive Summer Catalog Auction beginning on July 23. Marking the latter event is the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, beckoning enthusiasts to indulge in the thrill of collecting and the magic of vintage memorabilia.
