The latest auction event by Robert Edward Auctions (REA) took place in March, leaving collectors and enthusiasts alike on the edge of their seats as record prices were achieved for a plethora of vintage cards. The March Encore sale was truly a spectacle, drawing the attention of bidders worldwide and ultimately raking in over $1.3 million in sales from a staggering total of more than 3,300 lots.
One of the most buzz-worthy sales at the auction was the jaw-dropping price fetched by a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card. The card, graded PSA EX-NM 6, commanded an impressive $32,400, setting a new benchmark for this particular collectible. This standout sale was just the beginning of a series of record-breaking transactions that would unfold throughout the event.
Not to be outdone, a 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb card in SGC POOR 1 condition and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card graded PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back, achieved remarkable prices of $28,000 and $27,600 respectively. These significant sales further underscored the enthusiasm and competitive spirit present among bidders vying for these coveted vintage treasures.
The diverse array of lots featured in the auction contributed to its success, with over 3,300 items up for grabs and a cumulative total of nearly 66,000 bids placed. Aside from the headline-grabbing Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb cards, other notable sales included a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson card in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, which sold for an impressive $30,000. Additionally, a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie card graded PSA MINT 9 fetched $25,200, while a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie card in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition closed at $23,400.
Among the standout sales were two iconic figures in baseball history, Honus Wagner and Mickey Mantle. A 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner card graded PSA GOOD 2 (MK) commanded a notable price of $14,400, while a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie card in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition was sold for the same amount. These transactions added to the excitement and fervor surrounding the auction.
The auction also featured rare and unique items that sparked intense bidding wars, resulting in exceptional prices. An Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part fetched an impressive $10,800, while an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson card graded PSA EX-MT 6 secured a noteworthy $8,100. These rare finds appealed to collectors seeking one-of-a-kind pieces of baseball memorabilia.
Beyond the individual card sales, several other items set new records at the auction. A Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball garnered considerable attention and was sold for $7,500. Additionally, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait card with a PSA POOR 1 grade and a Brown Hindu Back achieved a price of $7,500, while a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig card in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition closed at $5,280.
REA’s President, Brian Dwyer, expressed his delight with the auction’s outcome, emphasizing the robust nature of the vintage card market and hinting at the promising prospects for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction. The remarkable sales and enthusiastic participation showcased the enduring appeal and value of vintage cards, further solidifying REA’s position as a leader in the auction of iconic sports memorabilia.
