REA’s June Encore Auction saw a flurry of bidding activity culminating in over $1.7 million in total sales. The auction showcased the enduring appeal of set building and vintage collectibles, with complete graded sets and rare cards commanding top prices.
Leading the pack were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, which emerged as the highest sellers, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets, highly regarded on the PSA Set Registry, garnered significant interest from collectors seeking to enhance their collections. Joining them were complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball, each fetching a notable $37,200.
Among the standout items was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of only two graded at this level and sold for $54,000, establishing a new record for the card across all grades. This sale occurred shortly after the passing of the Basketball Hall of Famer, adding poignancy to the transaction.
Other notable sales included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 at $38,400, marking a record for the card in that grade, and the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also sold for the same amount. Additionally, collectors showed interest in a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year, which fetched $18,600.
Further highlights encompassed the sale of collectibles such as the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 for $16,200, the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 and the 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth SGC VG 3, each selling for $13,200. The auction also featured the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic card, exchanging hands for $11,700, and a 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs of Aaron Judge, the Blue Wave Refractor #18/50 PSA GEM MINT 10, which sold for $10,200.
In a nod to the past, the 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Seymour Portrait PSA VG-EX 4 with Cycle 460 Back, the highest graded in its category, fetched $9,900. Additionally, the 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA VG-EX 4 card found a new home for $9,000.
REA President Brian Dwyer remarked on the auction’s success, noting the robust demand for high-quality graded sets and sought-after vintage rarities. He anticipates that the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction will continue to captivate collectors and maintain these upward trends.
Collectors eagerly anticipating the next auction can mark their calendars for REA’s Summer Catalog Auction, commencing on July 23. Those interested can request a catalog via the REA website, with the company also showcasing a selection of items at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland. For more details on REA’s auction schedule and engaging consignor stories, visit their website for a comprehensive overview of past and future events.
