Willie Mays, the legend among legends in baseball, once again proved his mighty status as a 1951 Bowman rookie card bearing his image fetched an awe-inspiring $390,935 at Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction. This jaw-dropping sale sent shockwaves through the sports memorabilia world, making it a historical event no one could ignore.
The card’s significance was not only in its association with the iconic baseball player but also in its impeccable condition, being the highest-graded specimen to hit the auction floor in over 15 years. A total of eleven spirited bidders engaged in a fierce battle for this prized possession, with only one emerging victorious in claiming this astonishing cardboard treasure. The scarcity of PSA 10 Mays rookie cards, with none in existence, and the mere eight graded at PSA 9 only added fuel to the bidding fire, driving collectors into a frenzy.
In a recent sale just the week before, a PSA 8 version of the same Willie Mays card was sold for $207,400 at Goldin Auctions. This further attests to the escalating value and demand for Mays’ rookie cards, which are currently as sizzling as a summer day at the ballpark.
The proceeds from this record-breaking sale are not just vanishing into thin air but are being put to noble use by the consignor: funding a college scholarship endowment. Thus, this one sale not only made history but also paved the way for shaping future generations. Truly a win-win situation for all involved!
The excitement didn’t end with the incredible sale of the Willie Mays rookie card. The Summer Catalog Auction itself was a grand slam, amassing over $13.3 million from a staggering 82,000 bids across almost 3,200 lots. Thirteen items soared past the six-figure mark, including the 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5, which set a remarkable record by fetching $162,000—the highest price ever recorded for that grade.
Other notable highlights from the event included an autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie (PSA 3) with a PSA 9 signature grade, which commanded a price of $132,000. The 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) also made a significant impact, selling for $120,000.
In the lineup of impressive sales, a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey hit it out of the park with a cool $114,000, establishing a new record for Dizzy Dean memorabilia.
Among several other standout sales were the 1933 R338 Sport Kings #2 Babe Ruth PSA NM-MT 8 at $120,000, the 1915 Boston Red Sox Real-Photo Team Postcard featuring a Babe Ruth Rookie at $114,000, and the 1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson Rookie PSA GEM MINT 10 at $111,000.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight over the incredibly successful auction, with new record prices constantly being set throughout the event. The trust of consignors in showcasing their remarkable items and the active participation of enthusiastic bidders made this yet another groundbreaking auction for Robert Edward Auctions.
For those who missed out on this thrilling event, fret not! The next big event in line is the September Encore Auction, scheduled to run from September 12-22. Make sure to mark your calendars, as the excitement and thrill in the world of sports memorabilia auctions show no signs of slowing down.