In an unprecedented event, Heritage Auctions’ Winter Sports Card Auction witnessed a series of historic sales that left collectors and enthusiasts in awe. The pinnacle of the auction was marked by the sale of a premiere 1916 M101-5 blank back Babe Ruth rookie card, graded 5.5 by SGC, which achieved a staggering price of $630,000. With only seven other known examples in SGC’s records, this rare card drew significant attention and bidding frenzy.
The entire auction amassed a total of over $11.1 million in sales, solidifying its position as a hallmark event in the sports card collecting community. Seven different items each exceeded a sale price of $100,000, including the buyer’s premium. Among these remarkable sales, a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 10 in gem mint condition, achieved the highest recorded sale price for a Gem Mint PSA graded copy since September 2021.
One of the highlights of the auction was the showcasing of vintage, still-sealed boxes, which tantalized collectors with the allure of untapped treasures. A particularly exceptional find was a 1965 Topps Baseball wax box, containing cards from the second, third, and fourth series. This box, belonging to the collection of Adolph “Herky” Rupp Jr., descendant of the renowned Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, commanded a sale price of $336,000. After being authenticated by BBCE, the box wowed collectors with the potential of unearthing rare and valuable cards. Rupp Jr.’s collection also featured a 1953 Topps Willie Mays card, graded PSA 8, which sold for an impressive $186,000.
Moreover, the auction unveiled several unopened boxes from a recently discovered collection, acquired towards the end of the previous year. These boxes ignited fierce bidding wars and shattered records. Notably, a 1970 Topps Baseball 6th series cello box sold for a record-breaking $105,000, a 1968 Topps Football 1st series 36-pack cello box set a new benchmark at $99,000, and a 1973 Topps Baseball 3rd series 500-count vending box found a buyer at $18,600. With the initial offerings from this collection fetching a notable $284,455, it is anticipated that the total sum will surpass seven figures as more items are sold in the coming months.
The auction also featured the sale of nearly two dozen vintage autographed cards, which drew substantial interest from collectors. An outstanding piece was the 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson card, graded 1.5 with an impressive autograph grade of 8, which reached the top spot with a sale price of $117,000. Another noteworthy sale was a similarly graded signed Roy Campanella card from the same set, which fetched $69,000.
Individual card sales were robust as well, with notable prices achieved for iconic players. A T206 Ty Cobb Green portrait card, graded PSA 6 with a Piedmont advertising back, sold for an impressive $105,000. A 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9, fetched $80,533, while a 1962 Topps Manager’s Dream card featuring both Mantle and Mays sold for an equally impressive $75,000.
Complete sets also attracted significant attention and found eager buyers. The highest-rated set of 1909-1912 Colgan’s chips discs sold for a commendable $54,000, highlighting the enduring appeal of these vintage collectibles. The 16th-ranked 1969-70 Topps Basketball set garnered $93,000, and an all-PSA 8 1952 Bowman baseball set, known for its pristine condition, was acquired for an impressive $84,000.
In conclusion, Heritage Auctions’ Winter Sports Card Auction made history with its record-breaking sales and rare finds. The auction proved that the allure of vintage sports cards continues to captivate collectors, and the market for these prized memorabilia remains strong and vibrant. With the success of this event, anticipation builds for future auctions that are sure to delight collectors and enthusiasts alike.