REA’s May Encore Auction, a treasure trove for collectors, came to a crescendo on a recent Sunday night, leaving enthusiasts in awe of the remarkable sales and vintage gems that defined the event. The spotlight was on the nostalgia-inducing classic baseball sets from the 1950s, drawing avid bidders into a frenzy of activity centered around complete and near-complete sets renowned for their rarity and pristine condition.
The auction’s crowning achievement was the staggering $126,000 sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card but boasting a stellar GPA of 8.00, landing it at #13 on the PSA Set Registry. Following closely was the $99,000 sale of a complete 1957 Topps set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with an identical GPA of 8.00. Not to be outdone, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, commanded a solid $72,000 in the bidding war.
Venturing into the realm of pre-war rarities, the auction set new benchmarks and captivated collectors with unprecedented sales. An iconic 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card featuring the elusive Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched a record-breaking $54,000, showcasing the allure of historical treasures. Also making waves was the $30,000 sale of the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, a testament to its rarity and coveted VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction raked in nearly $1.8 million from a staggering 63,000 bids, solidifying its status as a premier event in the collectibles market. Some other notable top sellers included the $52,800 transaction for a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition, and the $36,000 exchange for a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, also graded PSA NM-MT 8.
The auction also saw a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, graded SGC FAIR 1.5, garnering $29,400, while Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, in PSA EX 5, went for a solid $25,200. Additionally, a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card each fetched $24,600, capturing the essence of timeless sports memorabilia.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed delight at the auction’s resounding success, underscoring the robust results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building within the industry. Dwyer optimistically remarked, “This is a very positive sign of great things to come in our upcoming events and the industry as a whole.”
Looking towards the future, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, slated to commence on June 13, followed by the much-anticipated Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The latter coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, offering collectors a chance to indulge in the rich tapestry of sports memorabilia and vintage treasures.
