REA’s May Encore Auction proved to be a hotbed of activity and excitement as collectors vied for classic baseball sets from the 1950s and rare pre-war gems. The auction, which closed on a recent Sunday night, saw record-breaking sales and vintage treasures changing hands.
One of the standout sales was the near-complete 1958 Topps set, missing just one card, which fetched an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the high standards collectors seek in their compilations. Following closely behind was the 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, selling for $99,000. The 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, also drew attention with a sale price of $72,000.
The auction also showcased pre-war rarities that set new records. The highly anticipated 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, sold for $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and back combination. Another notable sale was the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which fetched $30,000, a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer and more than 63,000 bids placed, the auction generated nearly $1.8 million in sales. Other notable top sellers included the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, going for $52,800, the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, achieving $36,000, and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, which garnered $29,400. Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, fetched $25,200, adding to the roster of high-priced items.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed delight at the auction’s success, citing the robust results and the upsurge of interest in high-grade set building as promising signs for future events and the industry at large.
Looking forward, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction opening on June 13, followed by the larger Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The latter coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will be prominently featured at Booth #6032. Exciting times lie ahead for collectors and enthusiasts as REA continues to bring exceptional items to market.
