Imagine rummaging through your attic and stumbling upon a box of baseball cards from 1968, only to find out they’re worth over a million dollars. This is virtually what happened at a Mile High Card Company auction recently, although the original owner likely had a keen idea of the treasure they possessed. The auction showcased a near-mint condition set of 1968 Topps baseball cards that drew eyes and opened wallets, fetching a whopping $1.1 million.
Back in 1968, when these cards were originally sold for just five cents a pack, no one could have predicted that decades later, they would command seven-figure sums. Each card in this set was meticulously graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and received a perfect score of 10, signifying their pristine condition—a collector’s dream.
The crown jewel of the set was a Mickey Mantle card, numbered 280, which alone commanded an astonishing $235,234. Mantle, an iconic figure in baseball, has cards that consistently draw major interest, and the flawless state of this particular card set the auction block alight. However, the sparkle didn’t fade after the Mantle card. Other significant cards included a Hank Aaron card, which went for $157,381, and a Johnny Bench rookie card, snagged for $64,028, showcasing the wide appeal of the set that spanned legends to lesser-known players.
The auction was not just a baseball card affair. It also saw fierce bidding on cards of Roberto Clemente and Willie Mays, along with other baseball greats, all of which drew significant interest and achieved record prices. For instance, a Roberto Clemente All-Star card previously valued at about $7,433 soared to $12,622, and a Carl Yastrzemski card increased from $9,420 to $10,683. Meanwhile, a Fergie Jenkins card remarkably doubled its previous record price, reaching $8,814.
The event highlighted the thriving interest and value in vintage sports memorabilia. Brian Drent, President and CEO of Mile High Card Company, pointed out the impactful results of this auction on the PSA Set Registry rankings, underlining the rarity and exceptional quality of the cards traded.
Beyond the diamond, the auction also catered to fans of other sports. A standout item was a 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems card featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan, which sold for $303,842 despite being graded PSA 5. This card is from a highly sought-after series and its relatively low grade did not deter bidders, emphasizing the strong market for Michael Jordan memorabilia.
Additionally, the auction included items like a Jim Brown 1964 Philadelphia Gum card, which fetched $117,585, and a Wilt Chamberlain card from 1961, which sold for $77,829. These pieces attest to the robust interest across sports genres, from basketball to football.
Historical sports memorabilia also had its moment in the spotlight. A 1910s photograph of the American League “All-Star” team and various other Topps baseball sets from the 1960s and 1970s were among the high-ticket items that underscored the enduring fascination with sports history.
The auction showcased over 2,000 lots, offering something for every collector and enthusiast to appreciate and perhaps dream about. The full set of results is available, providing a treasure trove of information for those interested in sports collectibles, their values, and their storied pasts. The event was not just an auction; it was a celebration of sports history, a testament to the meticulous care of collectors, and a reminder of how childhood pastimes can turn into valuable investments.
