REA’s May Encore Auction recently concluded with a bang as collectors flocked to bid on an array of vintage treasures and rare finds, setting new records and defining trends within the realm of high-grade set building. The auction, which saw over 3,600 items go under the hammer, generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from an impressive 63,000 bids.
One of the standout sales was the 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, which soared to an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplified the exacting standards collectors uphold for such compilations. Following closely was the 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, fetching $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, sold for $72,000, further highlighting the allure of these vintage collections.
Pre-war rarities also took center stage at the auction, with collectors eagerly vying for coveted pieces. Among the notable sales was a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which set a new record for its grade and back combination, selling for $54,000. The auction also featured a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which achieved a record price of $30,000 for its VG-EX 4 grade.
The auction’s top sellers included iconic rookie cards and sought-after collectibles:
– A 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, fetched $52,800.
– The 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, sold for $36,000.
– A rare 1907 Wolverine News Postcard showcasing a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, garnered $29,400.
– Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, graded PSA EX 5, went for $25,200.
– Two Babe Ruth cards, a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 and a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 PSA VG+ 3.5, each fetched $24,600.
– A 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, reached $24,600.
– The 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, brought in $24,000.
– An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookies sold for $17,400.
– A 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, was acquired for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed enthusiasm over the auction’s success, citing the robust results as a positive indicator for future events and the industry at large. As they gear up for the June Encore Auction starting on June 13 and the Summer Catalog Auction kicking off on July 23, REA looks forward to captivating collectors with more exceptional finds and unique treasures. Visit REA at Booth #6032 during the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention for a firsthand glimpse into the world of rare and remarkable collectibles.
