In the fast-paced world of auctions, one event stood out among the rest recently. REA’s June Encore Auction brought bidders to the edge of their seats as high-end complete sets and vintage staples took center stage, proving once again that the allure of rare collectibles is timeless.
The auction, featuring a whopping 3,278 lots, kept enthusiasts on their toes and generated over $1.7 million in sales from more than 67,300 bids. Among the top performers were complete graded sets that ranked high on the PSA Set Registry, with six complete sets securing spots in the top ten items sold.
The crown jewels of the auction were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets are not just any sets; they are the cream of the crop, highly sought after by collectors and revered for their pristine condition.
A standout item that garnered significant attention was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of only two examples graded this high. The card, selling for $54,000, set a new record for any grade of this iconic piece. Its sale was particularly poignant as it followed the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Notable sales also included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which achieved a record price for its grade at $38,400, and the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 card, which fetched the same price. The auction also featured gems like the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, a time capsule from Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, selling for $18,600.
Rarities were not in short supply, with items like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 card selling for $16,200 and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 card going for $13,200.
REA’s President, Brian Dwyer, expressed his excitement over the auction results, noting the continued success of top-quality graded sets and the unwavering demand for vintage treasures. Looking ahead, he teased collectors with a glimpse of what’s to come at their Summer Catalog Auction, slated to kick off on July 23.
Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next auction can request a catalog through the REA website. Additionally, REA will be making a splash at The National in Cleveland, where they will be showcasing a tantalizing selection of items from their upcoming Summer Auction at booth #6032.
As collectors gear up for the next chapter in the world of auctions, the anticipation is palpable. With REA at the helm, delivering top-tier offerings and iconic memorabilia, the future looks bright for those who seek to own a piece of history.