REA’s May Encore Auction, held on a recent Sunday night, was not just any ordinary event in the world of collectibles. It was a spectacle of record-breaking sales and the unearthing of vintage treasures that sparked a fervor among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The focal point of the auction was the heightened interest in set building, particularly vintage baseball sets from the 1950s. These sets are revered for their scarcity and impeccable condition, making them highly sought-after pieces in the world of sports memorabilia. The sale of a near-complete 1958 Topps set, missing only one card but boasting a remarkable GPA of 8.00 and ranking #13 on the PSA Set Registry, stole the show by fetching an astonishing $126,000. Following closely behind was the sale of a complete 1957 Topps set with a GPA of 8.00, which sold for $99,000, and a 1959 Topps complete set with a GPA of 8.01 that went for $72,000.
But the auction didn’t stop at 1950s classics. It also delved into the realm of pre-war rarities, with one of the highlights being a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card featuring the rare Uzit Back. Graded PSA FAIR 1.5, this card shattered expectations by selling for $54,000, setting a new record for its grade and back combination. Another remarkable sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which fetched $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
In total, over 3,600 items were auctioned off, generating a staggering $1.8 million in sales from more than 63,000 bids. Some other notable sales included the $52,800 purchase of a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition, a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition for $36,000, and a rare 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition, which fetched $29,400.
The auction also saw iconic pieces like Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card in PSA EX 5 condition selling for $25,200, a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card in PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 condition and a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition each going for $24,600, and a 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition fetching $24,000.
REA’s President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s resounding success, emphasizing the vibrant market for high-grade set building and the positive outlook for future events. Dwyer hinted at the excitement to come, with the June Encore Auction slated to kick off on June 13, followed by the much-anticipated Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. Notably, the latter event aligns with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will be a prominent exhibitor at Booth #6032, adding to the anticipation surrounding their upcoming offerings.