REA’s May Encore Auction was a whirlwind of excitement and frenzy as collectors vied for coveted vintage treasures, resulting in record-breaking sales that left enthusiasts in awe. The auction, which concluded on a recent Sunday night, showcased a plethora of rare baseball collectibles that set the market abuzz.
The star of the show was the 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card, which commanded a staggering $126,000. This set, boasting a remarkable GPA of 8.00 and ranking #13 on the PSA Set Registry, exemplifies the dedication and discerning standards that collectors uphold in their pursuit of perfection. Following closely was the 1957 Topps complete set, securing $99,000 with a GPA of 8.00, earning its place at #24 on the PSA Set Registry. Rounding out the top sales was the 1959 Topps complete set, fetching $72,000 and boasting a GPA of 8.01, clinching the #29 spot on the PSA Set Registry.
The auction also shone the spotlight on pre-war rarities, drawing fervent interest and setting new records. A highlight was the sale of a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card featuring the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which sold for a remarkable $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and back combination. Additionally, the auction witnessed the sale of a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card for $30,000, a record price for its grade of VG-EX 4.
With over 3,600 items going under the gavel, the auction amassed nearly $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids. Among the top sellers were iconic pieces like the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card in a PSA NM-MT 8 grade, which sold for $52,800, and the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, also in a PSA NM-MT 8 grade, bringing in $36,000. Notably, a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition fetched $29,400, while Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card in a PSA EX 5 grade went for $25,200.
Other notable sales included a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card in a PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 grade and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card in a PSA NM-MT 8 grade, each selling for $24,600. The auction also saw the 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card in a PSA NM-MT 8 grade selling for $24,000 and an unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookies going for $17,400. Furthermore, a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card in a PSA VG+ 3.5 grade fetched $15,600, while a 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card in a PSA NM-MT 8 grade was purchased for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s success, highlighting the strong results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building within the collectibles market. Dwyer’s optimism and enthusiasm bode well for the future, with upcoming events like the June Encore Auction opening on June 13, followed by the eagerly anticipated Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. Coinciding with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, REA is set to take center stage at Booth #6032, promising more thrills and excitement for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
