REA’s May Encore Auction has set the bar high for vintage collectors and enthusiasts with a stunning array of record-breaking sales and rare finds. The auction, which recently concluded, saw a surge in interest in classic baseball sets from the 1950s, reflecting a growing trend in high-grade set building within the collectibles market.
One of the standout sales of the auction was the jaw-dropping $126,000 purchase of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card. This set, ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, showcases the meticulous standards that collectors uphold for such pristine compilations. Following closely behind was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, which fetched an impressive $99,000. Additionally, the 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, sold for $72,000, further solidifying the demand for vintage sets in exceptional condition.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, with notable sales that captivated bidders and set new records. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and back combination. Another standout piece was the sale of a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which went for $30,000, a record price for its grade of VG-EX 4.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from an impressive 63,000 bids. Some of the other top sellers included the iconic 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, which sold for $52,800, and the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, achieving $36,000. A significant highlight was the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, that garnered $29,400, demonstrating the enduring appeal of early baseball memorabilia.
Noteworthy sales also included Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, which fetched $25,200, and the 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, bringing in $24,000. An unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookies, sold for $17,400, adding to the excitement of the auction. Moreover, a 1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth card, PSA VG+ 3.5, was purchased for $15,600, while a 1951 Bowman #1 Whitey Ford Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, was secured for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s success, emphasizing the strong results and the renewed interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer’s positive outlook on the industry’s future bodes well for upcoming events and collectors in the market. Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, opening on June 13, followed by the prestigious Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. Coinciding with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, REA’s presence at Booth #6032 promises more thrilling opportunities for collectors to acquire exceptional pieces for their collections.
