Willie Mays, the legendary baseball player known for his incredible athleticism and hitting prowess, has once again hit a home run in the world of sports memorabilia. During the Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction, a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card stole the show by selling for an eye-popping $390,935. This sale set a new benchmark in the realm of baseball card collecting, leaving fans and collectors alike in awe of this historic moment.
The particular card that sparked the bidding frenzy was the highest-graded example to grace the auction block in over 15 years. With no PSA 10 Mays rookie cards in existence and only eight in a PSA 9, enthusiasts were eager to get their hands on this rare gem. A total of eleven determined bidders vied for the prized possession, but in the end, only one lucky collector emerged victorious, claiming the coveted cardboard treasure as their own.
To put the staggering sale price into perspective, a PSA 8 version of the same Mays card had recently sold for $207,400 at Goldin Auctions. This goes to show the immense popularity and value attached to Willie Mays’ rookie cards, which seem to be hotter than a scorching summer day at the ballpark.
Aside from making waves in the sports memorabilia world, the sale of the Willie Mays rookie card also carried a heartwarming twist. The proceeds from the auction will be channeled towards funding a college scholarship endowment, underscoring the positive impact that such historic artifacts can have on shaping the future of education.
The excitement didn’t stop with the Willie Mays card, as the Summer Catalog Auction proved to be a grand slam in its own right. Over $13.3 million was amassed from a staggering 82,000 bids spread across nearly 3,200 lots. Thirteen items managed to surpass the six-figure mark, with standout sales including a 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5 card that fetched an unprecedented $162,000—a record high for its grade.
Among the other notable sales were an autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie (PSA 3) with a PSA 9 signature grade, snatched up for $132,000, and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) that commanded $120,000.
Adding to the excitement, a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey raked in an impressive $114,000, setting a new benchmark for Dizzy Dean memorabilia items.
The auction also witnessed several other standout sales that left collectors buzzing with excitement. From a Babe Ruth PSA NM-MT 8 card to a Wayne Gretzky rookie card and rare memorabilia pieces, the event was a treasure trove for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Brian Dwyer, President of Robert Edward Auctions, expressed his gratitude to both the consignors and bidders who contributed to the success of the event. With a promise of more excitement on the horizon, the stage is set for the September Encore Auction, scheduled to take place from September 12-22. So, mark your calendars and get ready for another thrilling round of bidding action!
