REA’s May Encore Auction illuminated the collectibles market with a dazzling array of vintage treasures and record-breaking sales. Collectors and enthusiasts were treated to a showcase of high-grade set building and rare finds, setting the stage for future auctions.
The auction, which concluded on a recent Sunday night, witnessed a surge in interest in complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. Collectors were drawn to these sets for their rarity, condition, and historical significance, propelling them to the forefront of the sales chart.
The star of the auction was a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, that fetched an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the exacting standards collectors uphold for such compilations. Following closely was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, also with a GPA of 8.00, which sold for $99,000. The 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, commanded $72,000, further highlighting the allure of vintage sets.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, setting new records and captivating bidders. An exceptional 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, stole the show, selling for $54,000 and setting a new record for its grade and back combination. Additionally, a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card achieved a record price of $30,000 for its grade of VG-EX 4, further underscoring the demand for iconic collectibles.
With over 3,600 items on the auction block, the event generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids. Notable top sellers included the coveted 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, which fetched $52,800, and the iconic 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, which achieved $36,000. The 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, garnered $29,400, while Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, went for $25,200.
The auction also featured highlights such as a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, each selling for $24,600. An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards, showcasing rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, fetched $17,400, while a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG+ 3.5, went for $15,600. A 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, rounded out the top sellers, being purchased for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s success, highlighting the robust results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer expressed optimism for the upcoming events, predicting a bright future for both REA and the industry as a whole.
Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, set to open on June 13, followed by the prestigious Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The Summer Catalog Auction coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, promising more excitement and exceptional collectibles for enthusiasts to enjoy.
