REA’s May Encore Auction proved to be a goldmine for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The event, which wrapped up on a recent Sunday evening, witnessed an influx of eager bidders vying for classic baseball sets from the 1950s and pre-war rarities, resulting in record-breaking sales and an array of vintage treasures finding new homes.
At the heart of the auction’s success were the complete and near-complete classic baseball sets that captivated the attention of collectors focused on high-grade set building. Among the standouts was a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card, which stole the spotlight by fetching an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set’s exceptional condition exemplifies the exacting standards set by collectors in the field.
Following closely was a 1957 Topps complete set that clinched $99,000, holding the #24 spot on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry and boasting a GPA of 8.01, set the gavel down at $72,000, further underlining the fervor for complete classic sets.
The auction also shone a light on pre-war rarities, stirring up excitement and setting new benchmarks in the market. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the elusive Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched a remarkable $54,000, establishing a fresh record for its grade and back combination. Another noteworthy sale was the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which commanded $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going up for auction and more than 63,000 bids pouring in, the event raked in nearly $1.8 million in sales, showcasing the voracious appetite of the collector community. Among the other top-selling lots were notable pieces like the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card ($52,800), the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card ($36,000), and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie ($29,400).
Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, changed hands for $25,200, while the 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, and the 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, each garnered $24,600. Additionally, the 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, fetched $24,000, underlining the enduring appeal of these vintage gems.
An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards featuring rookies Larry Bird and Magic Johnson fetched $17,400, adding a modern twist to the mix. Furthermore, the 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG+ 3.5, found a new home for $15,600, while the 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, was snapped up for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed delight at the auction’s resounding success, emphasizing the impressive results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building. With optimism for the future, Dwyer hinted at more exciting events lined up, including the upcoming June Encore Auction starting on June 13, followed by the grand Summer Catalog Auction commencing on July 23, coinciding with the much-anticipated 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032.