REA’s May Encore Auction proved to be a thrilling event for collectors and enthusiasts alike, as it showcased a wide array of vintage baseball sets and pre-war rarities that stole the spotlight and set the sales charts on fire. The auction, which concluded on a recent Sunday night, saw record-breaking sales and remarkable prices for some of the most coveted items in the realm of sports collectibles.
One of the defining features of the auction was the significant activity in set building, with collectors showing a strong preference for complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. These sets, known for their rarity and exceptional condition, commanded top dollar and reflected a growing trend in high-grade set building within the collectibles market.
The standout sale of the auction was a 1958 Topps near-complete 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 that collectors set for these meticulously curated compilations. Following closely was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, also with a GPA of 8.00, which sold for $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, garnered $72,000, further solidifying the trend of high-grade set building.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, capturing the attention of bidders and setting new records in the process. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched an impressive $54,000, setting a new record for its grade and back combination. Another notable sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which achieved $30,000, marking a record price for its grade of VG-EX 4.
With over 3,600 items up for auction and more than 63,000 bids placed, the event generated nearly $1.8 million in sales, showcasing the enduring popularity and fervor surrounding sports collectibles. Some of the other top sellers included iconic cards like the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, and a rare 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s success and pointed out the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building as a positive indicator for future events and the industry at large. With the upcoming June Encore Auction set to open on June 13, followed by the highly anticipated Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23, collectors can look forward to more exciting opportunities to add prized items to their collections. Plus, REA will have a prominent presence at the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where attendees can engage with the thrill of collecting firsthand at Booth #6032.
