Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the year in spectacular fashion, racking up an outstanding $7.1 million in sales. The auction was a treasure trove of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, capturing the hearts of collectors worldwide.
The spotlight of the auction was firmly on the legendary Babe Ruth, whose cards stole the show. Three 1933 Goudey cards, earning a PSA NM/MT 8 grade, were a standout, collectively fetching close to $700,000. Among these, the #149 card with a striking red background commanded an impressive $316,736.
A rare advertising card from the early 1920s featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, ignited intense bidding wars before selling for a noteworthy $95,860. Other notable Ruth pieces included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, selling for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, fetching $48,508.
Beyond Ruth, baseball luminary Joe Jackson shone brightly with a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 card, graded PSA 7, setting a new grade record at $173,794. This card was part of a larger set break that amassed over $850,000 collectively.
The allure of the 1952 Topps cards was undeniable, with three PSA 8 graded cards surpassing six-figure sales. The Eddie Mathews high-number card led the charge at $123,484, while the Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also drew substantial bids.
Mickey Mantle’s cards continued to captivate collectors, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. Additionally, a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, secured $18,575. Notable Mantle highlights included the 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM at $29,012, the 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 at $38,879, and the 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 at $16,886.
Further highlights encompassed the 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 9 selling for $58,961, and the 1957 Topps Whitey Ford PSA 10 fetching $56,153. Hockey enthusiasts were thrilled by the sale of a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, which commanded $72,455. Football card aficionados were not left out, with notable sales including the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 at $31,558, the 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 at $19,018, and the 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 at $20,432.
In addition to cards, the auction featured unique and rare memorabilia that stirred excitement among bidders. Noteworthy sales included the Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s at $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription at $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also at $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from 1910-1915 at $16,121.
The success of Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction has set a high standard for the year 2025, with record-breaking sales and exceptional pieces leaving collectors eagerly anticipating the next auction event to add iconic sports memorabilia to their collections.