Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the year in grand style, setting the tone for what promises to be a spectacular season for collectors. The event, which featured an array of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, surpassed all expectations by raking in over $7.1 million in total sales. Collectors from across the globe engaged in spirited bidding wars, driving prices to new heights and setting several records along the way.
Babe Ruth, the legendary figure of baseball’s golden age, took center stage at the auction, with his iconic cards commanding top dollar. Three 1933 Goudey cards, each graded PSA NM/MT 8, stole the show, collectively fetching nearly $700,000. The highlight was the #149 card with a striking red background, which sold for an impressive $316,736. A rare advertising card dating back to the 1920s featuring Ruth alongside Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, fetched $95,860 after sparking intense bidding.
Not to be outdone, other Ruth memorabilia also attracted significant interest, including a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which sold for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, bringing in $48,508. The auction reaffirmed Ruth’s enduring popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
While Ruth stole the spotlight, other baseball legends also shone brightly at the auction. A 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, set a new record for its grade by selling for an impressive $173,794, contributing to a set break that amassed over $850,000 in total sales. Additionally, three 1952 Topps cards graded PSA 8 crossed the six-figure mark, with an Eddie Mathews card leading the pack at $123,484, followed by Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards.
Mickey Mantle, another baseball icon, continued to be a favorite among collectors, with his cards drawing strong interest. Highlights included a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6, selling for $33,586, and a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieving $18,575. Several other Mantle cards, including the 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM and the 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5, fetched impressive prices, showcasing the enduring appeal of the legendary player.
The auction was not limited to baseball, as hockey and football cards also made a splash. A 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, stole the show in the hockey category, selling for $72,455. Football enthusiasts were not to be outdone, with notable sales including the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10, the 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10, and the 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10, all commanding significant prices.
In addition to the impressive array of cards, the auction featured unique memorabilia that captured the collectors’ imagination. Highlights included a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s, selling for $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription, and a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season, both fetching $20,934. A Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s also drew attention, selling for $16,121.
With record-breaking sales and an impressive lineup of items, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction has set a high benchmark for the year 2025. Collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to acquire these iconic pieces of sports history and continue to build their collections in the world of vintage sports cards and memorabilia.