REA’s June Encore Auction wrapped up with a flurry of excitement and fierce bidding wars, showcasing a strong focus on set building and vintage treasures. The auction, totaling 3,278 lots, fetched over $1.7 million from a staggering 67,300 bids. Among the standout items were six complete graded sets that stole the spotlight, including iconic Topps Baseball sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, each fetching impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets are esteemed for their high rankings on the PSA Set Registry.
Noteworthy among the top sales was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball card featuring Jerry West (#160) in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, selling for a record-breaking $54,000. This sale came shortly after the passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, known for inspiring the iconic NBA logo. Other memorable items that drew significant attention included a 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb in SGC FAIR 1.5 grade, selling for a record $38,400, and a 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 grade, also fetching $38,400.
Additional highlights from the auction included a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box with 36 packs from the rookie year of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which sold for $18,600. A 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth in PSA VG+ 3.5 grade went for $16,200, while iconic baseball legends like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth saw cards sold for $13,200 each. The auction also featured rare finds such as a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard of Ty Cobb in PSA Authentic grade, selling for $11,700.
REA President Brian Dwyer commented on the auction’s success, noting the strong demand for top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. Dwyer expressed excitement for the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to begin on July 23. Collectors eagerly anticipating the event can request a catalog through the REA website. Moreover, REA will have a presence at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, showcasing a selection of items from the upcoming Summer Auction.
As REA gears up for their Summer Catalog Auction, the anticipation among collectors is palpable, with expectations high for more exceptional offerings that will undoubtedly captivate the collecting community. Stay tuned for further updates on REA’s upcoming events and auctions by visiting their website and exploring consignor stories that showcase the rich history of the items on offer.
