Vintage sports cards have once again made headlines in the world of collectibles, captivating collectors with their enduring allure. The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcased a range of vintage cards, including the highly sought-after 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, which fetched a record-breaking price.
The star of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive sale price of $378,997. This iconic card not only symbolizes the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also emphasizes the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company also featured other notable sales. A noteworthy card was the 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, with a blank back, which sold for an impressive $104,302. This sale marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, reflecting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Moreover, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction wasn’t just about individual legends; it also saw record-setting prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. One standout card was the 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, which sold for a remarkable $30,674, significantly surpassing the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from the 1966 and 1973 Topps sets, also achieved record prices.
In addition to these highlights, the auction set new records with sales of various other vintage cards. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) for $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company wasn’t limited to just baseball cards. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531. This sale reflects the deep nostalgia and respect for the baseball heroes of that era. Other classic cards, such as 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 were another highlight of the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, going 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 featured 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 the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, 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.
