REA’s May Encore Auction concluded on a recent Sunday night with a resounding crescendo of excitement, as collectors and enthusiasts alike gathered online to witness history in the making. The buzz surrounding this event was palpable, fueled by a fervent interest in high-grade set building and a thirst for vintage treasures that define the essence of baseball collectibles.
A defining feature of this auction was the overwhelming interest in complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. The bidding war reached new heights as collectors vied for these rare compilations, known for their scarcity and impeccable condition. The sales chart was dominated by these sets, reflecting a clear trend in the market towards high-grade set building.
Leading the pack was the remarkable sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, which fetched a staggering $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the pinnacle of perfection that collectors aspire to achieve in their acquisitions. Not far behind was the sale of a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, also boasting a GPA of 8.00, which commanded an impressive $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, found a new home at $72,000.
The auction also cast a spotlight on pre-war rarities, capturing the imagination of bidders and setting new records in the process. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched $54,000, establishing a record price for its grade and back combination. Another standout lot was the sale of a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which realized $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items auctioned, the event generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from an impressive 63,000 bids. Among the other top sellers were iconic pieces such as the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, selling for $52,800, and the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, achieving $36,000. Noteworthy mentions include Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, which went for $25,200, and a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, selling for $24,600.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s success, emphasizing the robust results and the revival of interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer’s optimism for the future was evident as he hinted at the great things to come in the upcoming events and the industry as a whole.
Looking towards the horizon, the excitement continues to build as REA prepares for its June Encore Auction, commencing on June 13. The anticipation is palpable for the larger Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23, which coincides with the esteemed 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention. REA will be a prominent presence at Booth #6032, promising more thrills and exquisite finds for collectors and enthusiasts to discover.