REA’s June Encore Auction wrapped up on Sunday, leaving collectors buzzing over the impressive array of high-end vintage sports cards and complete sets that found new homes. With set building taking center stage, the auction saw remarkable sales of six complete graded sets featuring iconic baseball cards.
Topping the charts were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets, highly coveted for their condition and rarity, are prized possessions for serious collectors and valued assets on the PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each commanded a notable $37,200.
The auction, comprising a total of 3,278 lots, amassed over $1.7 million in sales, with more than 67,300 bids pouring in from eager collectors looking to snag their dream pieces.
A standout item that captured the spotlight was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of only two examples graded as such, selling for an impressive $54,000. This sale marked a new record for the card in any grade, coming at a poignant time following the recent passing of the iconic Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who inspired the NBA logo.
Noteworthy sales included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, reaching a record price of $38,400 at that grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 condition also fetched the same price. An unopened 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year grabbed attention, selling for $18,600.
Collectors were also drawn to iconic pieces like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition, which sold for $16,200, and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig and #149 Babe Ruth cards, each fetching $13,200. The 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring Ty Cobb’s rookie batting pose in PSA Authentic condition sold for $11,700.
With modern cards also making a splash, the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor card in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition fetched $10,200, highlighting the enduring appeal of rookie cards in pristine condition.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed enthusiasm over the auction results, noting the robust demand for top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. Looking ahead, Dwyer teased the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction set to commence on July 23, promising a fresh lineup of exciting items to captivate collectors.
Collectors eager to get their hands on the next batch of coveted sports memorabilia can request a catalog through the REA website. For those attending The National in Cleveland, REA will be at booth #6032, showcasing a select portion of its Summer Auction items.
For further details on REA’s future auction schedule and compelling consignor stories, enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the REA website for more information.