Vintage sports cards have once again shown their enduring allure and captivated collectors in the dynamic market of sports memorabilia. Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction showcased a range of vintage cards, with record-breaking sales highlighting the ongoing appeal of these collectibles.
The standout of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which sold for an impressive $378,997. This particular card not only represents the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company also saw other notable sales. One standout was a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, featuring a blank back and graded PSA 7, which fetched an astounding $104,302. This sale marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, highlighting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. Additionally, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, sold for $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. A 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084, further emphasizing the demand for vintage cards.
The auction also set new records for Hall of Famer Willie Stargell cards. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, fetched an impressive $30,674, significantly surpassing its previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, including those from the 1966 and 1973 Topps sets, also achieved record prices.
In addition to these standout sales, the auction featured various other vintage cards that set new records. Notable examples include a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) selling for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) going for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) fetching $10,665. A 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, reached an impressive $12,388.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company wasn’t limited to baseball cards alone. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, received a top bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for baseball heroes from that era. Other classic cards, like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items also played a prominent role in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball took the top spot in memorabilia sales, selling for $40,486. Other notable items included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia associated with these cards and memorabilia. The remarkable prices fetched by items connected to legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. As the auction results show, vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
