Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the year in spectacular fashion, raking in an impressive total of over $7.1 million in sales. The auction was a treasure trove of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, attracting collectors from all corners of the globe to engage in spirited bidding wars.
The undisputed star of the show was the legendary Babe Ruth, whose presence loomed large over the auction floor. Three 1933 Goudey cards bearing the iconic figure of Ruth, graded PSA NM/MT 8, collectively fetched a staggering sum of nearly $700,000. Among these, the #149 card adorned with a vibrant red background stole the spotlight, commanding a remarkable $316,736 from a keen bidder.
An exceedingly rare advertising card dating back to around 1920, featuring Ruth alongside Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, ignited fierce competition among collectors, ultimately selling for an impressive $95,860. Additional Ruth memorabilia that stirred excitement included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which sold for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, fetching $48,508.
While Ruth dominated the auction, other sporting legends also made their mark. A 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, achieved a record-breaking sale of $173,794, standing out as the highest-grossing non-Ruth item. Part of a set break that amassed over $850,000 in sales, the Jackson card was a standout success.
1952 Topps favorites captured the hearts of bidders, with three PSA 8 graded cards crossing the six-figure threshold. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, selling for an impressive $123,484, while cards featuring Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays also drew significant interest.
Mickey Mantle, a perennial favorite among collectors, continued to command attention with his coveted cards. A rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetched $33,586, while a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle secured $18,575. Notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM selling for $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 for $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle graded SGC 9 for $16,886.
Beyond baseball, the auction featured highlights from other sports, such as a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito hockey rookie card graded PSA 10, which went for $72,455. Football enthusiasts also had their share of excitement, with standout sales including a 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 for $31,558, a 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 for $19,018, and a 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 for $20,432.
The auction wasn’t just about cards – it also showcased unique memorabilia that had collectors buzzing. Noteworthy items included a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s selling for $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription for $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also bringing in $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s reaching $16,121.
With record-breaking sales and extraordinary finds, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction set a lofty standard for the year ahead. Collectors are eagerly anticipating the chance to add more iconic pieces of sports history to their prized collections.