The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company proved once again that vintage sports cards continue to captivate collectors in 2023. The auction showcased a range of vintage cards, with one standout piece being the highly sought-after 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded a staggering sale price of $378,997. This remarkable sale not only reflects the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also emphasizes the enduring allure of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
The Winter Auction also featured other remarkable sales. One notable item was the 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, which had a blank back and was graded PSA 7. This card sold for $104,302, a significant jump from its previous record of $25,000, underscoring the growing interest in rare vintage cards. Additionally, 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. Furthermore, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
It wasn’t just individual legends who made waves at the auction; there were also record-breaking prices for cards featuring Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, sold for $30,674, significantly surpassing its previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also commanded record prices.
The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company set new records for various other vintage cards as well. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) for $10,665. Additionally, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.
Baseball cards were not the only focus of the auction; baseball memorabilia also played a prominent role. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, reaching the impressive price of $40,486. Other notable items 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, which fetched $11,403.
The auction also shone a spotlight on jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, which each sold for over $13,000. Moreover, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 season, garnered $17,328. An intriguing 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 ongoing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also showcases the rich history and nostalgia that these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices achieved by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, signify the deep connection and reverence that fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. As the auction results highlight, vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
