REA’s June Encore Auction saw a dazzling array of high-end complete sets and vintage treasures go under the hammer, setting the stage for a showcase of coveted collectibles. The event wrapped up with a bang, spotlighting the allure of set building and the enduring appeal of classic cards from bygone eras.
Six complete graded sets stole the spotlight, with the top three sellers commanding impressive figures. Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961 led the pack, fetching eye-watering prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, boasting top rankings on the PSA Set Registry, captivated collectors with their pristine condition and historical significance.
Not to be outdone, other complete sets also made waves at the auction. Sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each commanded substantial sums, with prices soaring to $37,200, adding to the exhilarating atmosphere of the bidding war.
The auction, featuring a whopping 3,278 lots, witnessed fierce competition among more than 67,300 bids, culminating in over $1.7 million in total sales. The event was a testament to the enduring passion and enthusiasm of the collecting community.
A standout highlight of the auction was the sale of a rare 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of just two examples graded at this exceptional level. The card fetched a record-breaking $54,000, marking a fitting tribute to the recently departed Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Several other notable sales added to the excitement of the auction, showcasing the breadth and depth of the offerings:
– 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition set a new record for the card at $38,400.
– A 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 condition sold for an impressive $38,400.
– An unopened 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year fetched $18,600.
– Rare gems like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth and iconic cards like the 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth continued to attract collectors, with prices reaching $16,200 to $13,200.
– The allure of rookie cards was evident with sales like the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays Rookie in PSA VG-EX 4 condition fetching $9,000.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed delight at the auction results, noting the strong performance of graded sets and the consistent demand for vintage classics and rare finds. The stage is now set for the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to kick off on July 23, promising a fresh array of captivating collectibles to enthrall enthusiasts.
Collectors eager for more excitement can request a catalog through the REA website and anticipate a thrilling lineup of items at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland. As the anticipation builds for the next auction, REA continues to delight collectors with its exceptional offerings and engaging consignor stories, creating a vibrant tapestry of the collecting world.
