A supremely rare 1913 Honus Wagner card from Voskamp’s Coffee steals the spotlight in an upcoming sports memorabilia auction. This elusive card, exclusive to the Pittsburgh region where Wagner left his mark as a legendary shortstop, promises to be the crown jewel of the event.
Clean Sweep Auctions has revealed that their September auction will showcase the scarce 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card. Initially distributed in packages of coffee and tea by the local Pittsburgh company, these cards have become incredibly hard to come by over the past hundred years. Recently graded at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, this Wagner card is only the third to receive such grading by PSA, with SGC grading just four examples to date.
Rarely seen in public auctions, the appearance of a Voskamp’s Wagner card is a rarity in itself. This presents a golden opportunity for collectors to add one of the most sought-after pieces in the hobby to their collection.
The auction doesn’t stop there; it offers an array of vintage baseball cards and memorabilia that will entice any collector. Highlights include two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers Mike “King” Kelly and Harry Wright, as well as early career showcases of Ty Cobb in various grades, including a T206 with a green background graded PSA 1.5 and another graded PSA 4.
For fans of the pre-war era, there are tantalizing treasures to be found. From a lot of P2 Sweet Caporal pins to an E101 Honus Wagner graded PSA 3 and a T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb graded PSA 1, collectors are in for a historical treat. The auction also features collector-grade 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards, a scarce 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams graded PSA 1, and a high-grade 1955 Topps baseball complete set with a BVG 7 Roberto Clemente rookie card.
One of the standout items is a nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, missing just three cards, making it a prized possession for autograph enthusiasts. There are also iconic basketball cards like a PSA 6 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan and a PSA 8 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan, as well as high-grade Bart Starr football cards spanning from his 1957 rookie to his 1971 Topps issue.
The memorabilia section is equally enticing, with items like a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball, a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball including signatures from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a signed Roger Maris rookie card. Unique collectibles include pennants from Joe Tinker and the 1920 Brooklyn Dodgers, tickets and programs dating back to 1905, boxing cards, historic presidential autographs, and entertainment memorabilia.
Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions expressed excitement about the diverse lineup, stating, “This auction presents perhaps the most eclectic mix of items we’ve ever assembled.” From vintage cards to significant memorabilia, this event promises something for every type of collector.
The September auction by Clean Sweep Auctions is shaping up to be a memorable occasion for collectors seeking rare finds and a varied selection. The inclusion of the 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card not only adds to the event’s importance but also celebrates the rich tapestry of sports history preserved through these timeless collectibles.
