REA’s June Encore Auction recently concluded with a flurry of excitement and record-breaking sales, attracting collectors with a penchant for high-end complete sets and vintage staples. The auction showcased a diverse range of items, from meticulously assembled complete sets to iconic cards that have stood the test of time.
A notable trend in this auction was the prominence of complete graded sets among the top-selling items. Six complete sets garnered significant attention, with the top three sellers being Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, highly regarded on the PSA Set Registry, captivated bidders seeking comprehensive collections. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each sold for $37,200, further emphasizing the allure of set building in the collector community.
With a total of 3,278 lots on offer, the auction generated over $1.7 million in sales from a remarkable 67,300 bids, underlining the strong interest and enthusiasm among collectors in acquiring coveted pieces for their collections.
Among the standout items was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of just two examples graded at such a high level, which sold for $54,000, setting a new record for the card in any grade. This sale carried added significance following the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who inspired the iconic NBA logo, adding emotional depth to the transaction.
Several other notable sales contributed to the auction’s success, including the rare 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb card in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition, which fetched $38,400—a record price for the card in this grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle card in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 condition also commanded a price of $38,400, reflecting the enduring appeal of baseball legends to collectors.
An unopened 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Wax Box featuring rookie cards of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson sold for $18,600, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of basketball history. Other notable sales included items featuring baseball icons such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb, with each item garnering significant attention and competitive bidding from enthusiasts.
REA President Brian Dwyer noted, “This auction reinforced the strong results for top-quality graded sets lately as well as the consistent appetite for vintage staples and hard-to-find rarities.” He expressed excitement for the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, anticipating a continuation of this trend and promising an array of captivating items to entice collectors.
Collectors eagerly anticipating the next auction can mark their calendars for REA’s Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. Those interested can request a catalog through the REA website and visit the company’s booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, where a selection of items from the upcoming auction will be on display.
For more information on REA’s upcoming auction schedule, consignor stories, and a preview of the exciting lots to come, visit the REA website and stay tuned for the Summer Catalog Auction that promises to deliver more thrills and exceptional collectibles.