REA’s June Encore Auction was a playground for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike, with a clear emphasis on complete sets and vintage treasures commanding the spotlight. Among the 3,278 lots that went under the hammer, the auction reigned in over $1.7 million from a staggering 67,300 bids, proving the enduring allure of sports memorabilia.
Six complete graded sets stole the show, with the top three sellers being Topps Baseball sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching eye-watering prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets are not just any ordinary collections; they are revered as some of the highest-ranked on the prestigious PSA Set Registry, adding to their desirability among collectors. Additionally, sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each garnered a solid $37,200, further reinforcing the trend of set building as a significant theme in this auction.
However, it wasn’t just complete sets that had bidders reaching into their wallets. A 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card stole the spotlight, fetching an impressive $54,000 and setting a new record for the card in any grade. This sale held particular significance as it followed the recent passing of the basketball legend, Jerry West, who had an indelible impact on the sport and even inspired the iconic NBA logo.
Several other notable sales added to the excitement of the auction, including a 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which sold for $38,400, breaking records for its grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 card also fetched the same price, further demonstrating the enduring popularity of legends like Mantle in the collecting world.
The event was also a playground for those seeking rarities and unique finds, with items like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 card making waves at $16,200 and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 card fetching $13,200. Each piece held its own story and historical significance, adding to the allure of the auction.
REA President Brian Dwyer reflected on the auction’s success, noting, “This auction reinforced the strong results for top-quality graded sets lately as well as the consistent appetite for vintage staples and hard-to-find rarities,” setting the stage for their upcoming Summer Catalog Auction.
With eager anticipation building up for the next event, REA’s Summer Catalog Auction is set to kick off on July 23. Collectors looking to indulge in more memorabilia madness can request a catalog through REA’s website. Additionally, for those attending The National in Cleveland, REA will be showcasing a selection of their Summer Auction items at booth #6032, promising more excitement and rare finds to come.
As REA continues to captivate collectors with their impressive offerings and sought-after items, the anticipation for their upcoming auctions grows, promising more thrills and treasures for sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
