In the world of sports card collecting, meticulous set builders and vintage enthusiasts alike were in for a treat at Robert Edward Auctions’ (REA) June Encore Auction. With a whopping 3,278 lots up for grabs, the event managed to rake in over $1.7 million in sales through a whirlwind of more than 67,300 bids.
One of the standout trends of the auction was the prominence of complete graded sets among the top-selling items. Six complete sets shone bright in the top ten, with the crown jewels being Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive amounts of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets are not just any sets; they hold lofty positions on the esteemed PSA Set Registry, adding an extra touch of prestige to the sale.
A card that stole the spotlight was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 featuring Jerry West in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition. Only two examples of this card have ever reached such a high grade, making it a rare gem for collectors. The card set a new sales record at $54,000, a poignant moment as it came shortly after the passing of the legendary Jerry West, whose silhouette graces the NBA logo.
Among the notable sales, one that turned heads was the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb in SGC FAIR 1.5 condition, fetching an impressive $38,400 and establishing a record price for the card at its grade. The iconic 1957 Topps #95 featuring Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 condition also commanded the same price, proving the enduring appeal of baseball legends.
Fans of basketball history were not left disappointed, as a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year went under the hammer for $18,600, giving collectors a chance to own a piece of basketball nostalgia in its purest form.
The auction also saw a mix of other iconic pieces changing hands, such as a 1921 Exhibits card of Babe Ruth in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition, a 1933 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig card in PSA EX 5 condition, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard of Ty Cobb in PSA Authentic, each fetching significant amounts and intriguing collectors with their historical significance.
REA President Brian Dwyer summed up the auction’s success by noting the continued allure of top-quality graded sets and the unwavering demand for vintage rarities and staples in the market. With the promise of even more excitement on the horizon, the stage is set for REA’s Summer Catalog Auction to kick off on July 23.
For those eager to dive into the world of sports card collecting, REA’s upcoming Summer Catalog Auction promises a treasure trove of rare finds. Collectors can request a catalog through the REA website and also look forward to exploring a curated selection of auction items at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, where the REA team will be showcasing their finest offerings.
As the thrill of the auction continues to captivate collectors, REA remains at the forefront, delivering high-quality collectibles and memorable experiences that celebrate the rich history of sports card collecting.
