Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction took the collecting world by storm, as iconic sports memorabilia fetched astonishing prices, exceeding a total of $7.1 million. The auction was a playground for vintage sports card enthusiasts, drawing in avid bidders from all corners of the globe who were eager to get their hands on a piece of sports history.
Babe Ruth, Forever the King
Unsurprisingly, Babe Ruth’s legendary presence loomed large over the auction. The spotlight was on three 1933 Goudey cards in stellar PSA NM/MT 8 condition, jointly selling for an eye-watering sum reaching almost $700,000. The star of the trio was the #149 card with a striking red background, commanding an impressive $316,736. A scarce advertising card from the early 1920s featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, engaged in a fierce bidding war before settling at an impressive $95,860. Other notable Ruth items included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, fetching $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, selling for $48,508.
Joe Jackson’s Record-Breaker
A 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, emerged as the top non-Ruth item, setting a new grade record by selling for a remarkable $173,794. This card was part of a set break that collectively generated over $850,000 in sales, showcasing the enduring allure of these vintage treasures.
1952 Topps Icons Shine Bright
The allure of the 1952 Topps collection was evident as three PSA 8 graded cards crossed the six-figure threshold. An Eddie Mathews high-number card took the lead, bringing in $123,484, followed by Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards, both receiving substantial bids from eager collectors.
Mickey Mantle Magic
Mickey Mantle’s presence continued to captivate collectors, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. Additionally, a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, garnered $18,575. Notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM at $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 selling for $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 going for $16,886. The auction also saw four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1966 collectively reach close to $50,000.
Beyond Baseball: Multi-Sport Marvels
The auction showcased gems beyond baseball, including a 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 9 card fetching $58,961, and a 1957 Topps Whitey Ford PSA 10 card selling for $56,153. Hockey enthusiasts were not left behind, as a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card graded PSA 10 commanded $72,455. Football also had its moment with notable sales like the 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 at $31,558, the 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 at $19,018, and the 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 selling for $20,432.
Unearthing Unique Memorabilia
Diversifying its offerings, the auction featured rare memorabilia treasures, including a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s fetching $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with the rare “#6” inscription at $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also at $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1910s selling for $16,121.
A Riveting Start to 2025
With record-breaking sales and an array of exceptional items, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction has set a high standard for the year. Collectors are eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to secure their piece of sports history, ensuring that the excitement and thrill of sports memorabilia collecting continue to soar.
