Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure in the dynamic market of collectibles, captivating collectors in 2023. The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcased a range of vintage cards, with prices reaching record-breaking heights. The standout piece of the auction was the highly sought-after 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which fetched an impressive sale price of $378,997. This exceptional card not only symbolizes the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also emphasizes the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
The auction at Mile High Card Company also witnessed other notable sales, further highlighting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. One such sale was the 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, featuring a blank back and graded PSA 7, which sold for an impressive $104,302, a significant increase from its previous record of $25,000. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. The 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084, further attesting to the enduring appeal of vintage sports cards.
The auction was not limited to individual legends but also set new records for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. The 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, sold for an impressive $30,674, surpassing its previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards from 1966 and 1973 Topps also achieved record prices, underscoring the continued interest in cards featuring this baseball legend.
In addition to these notable sales, the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company featured various other vintage cards that set new records. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9), which sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) that fetched $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) that achieved a sale price of $10,665. A 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, went for $12,388, further highlighting the diverse range of vintage cards that attracted high bids.
The Winter Auction also expanded beyond baseball cards to include other sports and memorabilia. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, received a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for baseball heroes of that era. Other classic cards, such as the 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and the 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items also played a prominent role in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, fetching $40,486. Other notable memorabilia included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign that fetched $11,403.
Jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson also attracted attention, each selling for over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for an impressive $24,639, while a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also shines a light on the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, emphasize the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. The auction results reveal that vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuously attracting interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.