REA’s June Encore Auction recently wrapped up with a resounding success, highlighting the enduring appeal of complete sets and vintage staples in the world of sports card collecting. The event, encompassing an impressive 3,278 lots, saw enthusiasts from around the globe engaging in spirited bidding wars, resulting in over $1.7 million in sales from a staggering 67,300 bids.
One of the standout themes of the auction was the prominence of complete graded sets among the top-selling items. Six complete sets found their way into the coveted top ten list of items sold, with the Topps Baseball sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961 leading the pack. These sets, meticulously curated and now residing among the highest-ranked on the PSA Set Registry, fetched impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. Additionally, sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball followed suit, each commanding a price of $37,200.
A noteworthy highlight of the auction was the exceptional sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West card in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition. This rare gem, one of only two examples graded at this pristine level, set a new record for the card at any grade, fetching an impressive $54,000. The sale of this iconic card holds sentimental value, coming shortly after the passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who inspired the renowned NBA logo, at the age of 86.
Several other notable sales captured the attention of avid collectors during the auction:
– 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 – $38,400 (a record in this grade)
– 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 – $38,400
– 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box (36 Packs) – BBCE – $18,600
– 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 – $16,200
– 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 – $13,200
– 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth SGC VG 3 – $13,200
– 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic – $11,700
– 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor PSA GEM MINT 10 – $10,200
– 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Seymour Portrait PSA VG-EX 4 – $9,900
– 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA VG-EX 4 – $9,000
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction results, noting the continued success of high-quality graded sets and the enduring demand for vintage rarities. Looking ahead, he teased the company’s upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to commence on July 23, which promises to feature a captivating array of items sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For those eager to explore more offerings from REA and stay informed about future auctions, a visit to the REA website provides a wealth of valuable information. Interested collectors can also request a catalog for the upcoming Summer Auction, while attendees of The National in Cleveland can look forward to visiting REA’s booth #6032 to witness a selection of the exciting items set to headline the event.
