Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction set the sports memorabilia world abuzz with over $7.1 million in sales, attracting collectors from far and wide. The auction was a treasure trove of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, with some iconic pieces commanding staggering prices.
Babe Ruth took center stage at the event, with three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 stealing the show. The trio fetched nearly $700,000, led by the #149 card with a red background selling for an impressive $316,736. An advertising card from the 1920s featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, went under the hammer for $95,860, sparking fierce bidding.
Not to be outdone, a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, set a new record for its grade, selling for a staggering $173,794. The card was part of a set break that saw total sales exceed $850,000, emphasizing the enduring allure of vintage cards.
The 1952 Topps collection shone brightly, with three PSA 8 cards breaching the six-figure mark. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, fetching $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also garnered significant interest from bidders.
Mickey Mantle’s cards continued to command attention, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. A complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieved $18,575, showcasing the diverse appeal of Mantle memorabilia. Additional Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM card selling for $29,012 and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 card fetching $16,886.
Other notable sales included a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, which sold for $72,455, delighting hockey collectors. Football aficionados also had their share of excitement, with standout sales such as the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 card going for $31,558.
The auction wasn’t just about cards; rare memorabilia also captivated bidders. Items like the Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s selling for $30,463 and a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription fetching $20,934 added a unique dimension to the event.
Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off 2025 on a high note, setting a benchmark for the year ahead with its record-breaking sales and exceptional offerings. Collectors are already eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to own a piece of sporting history.
