Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure in the collectibles market, captivating collectors in 2023. The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcased a range of vintage cards, with record-breaking prices being achieved. The highlight of the auction was the sale of a prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive price of $378,997. This card not only represents the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
In addition to the Mickey Mantle rookie card, other noteworthy sales at the auction included a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, which sold for $104,302. This marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, reflecting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. A 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. The auction also saw a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieve a sale price of $72,084.
The auction was not limited to individual legends; it also saw record-setting prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, was sold for $30,674, significantly higher than the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company set new records with sales of various other vintage cards as well. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) for $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.
It’s worth noting that the auction featured not only baseball cards but also other memorabilia items. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for baseball heroes from that era. Classic cards such as a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items showcased in the auction included a Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball, which topped the memorabilia sales at $40,486. Additionally, a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign fetched $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, each fetching over $13,000. Other notable sales included a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey that sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, which went for $17,328. An interesting and unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcases the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards. The remarkable prices achieved by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell not only signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports but also highlight the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. Vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, attracting interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.