March was a monumental month for card collectors as Robert Edward Auctions (REA) hosted a spectacular event that shattered records left and right. The March Encore sale was a whirlwind of excitement, with nostalgic treasures fetching extraordinary prices. One of the standout moments of the auction was when a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card in PSA EX-NM 6 condition was sold for an astounding $32,400. This sale set the tone for the record-breaking spree that ensued throughout the event.
The auction saw several other remarkable sales that made waves in the collecting community. A 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb card in SGC POOR 1 condition and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card in PSA EX 5 condition with a Tolstoi Back fetched $28,000 and $27,600, respectively, establishing new records in the industry. These iconic cards brought a buzz to the auction floor, drawing in eager bidders who were willing to go to great lengths to own a piece of history.
With more than 3,300 lots up for grabs, the auction generated an impressive sum of over $1.3 million, a testament to the enduring allure of vintage cards. The sheer volume of items on offer, coupled with the quality and historical significance of the pieces, attracted a whopping 66,000 bids from passionate collectors looking to add rare gems to their collections. The feverish bidding wars that unfolded only added to the excitement of the event, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
Among the many highlights of the auction were the sales of a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson card in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition for $30,000, a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie card in PSA MINT 9 condition for $25,200, and a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie card in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition for $23,400. These iconic cards, featuring legendary figures of the sporting world, fetched impressive prices, reflecting the enduring appeal of these timeless collectibles.
Notable sales also included a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner card in PSA GOOD 2 (MK) condition and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie card in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, each selling for $14,400. These cards, steeped in history and nostalgia, captured the hearts of bidders who recognized their significance in the pantheon of sports memorabilia.
The auction was not without its share of rare finds, as evidenced by the sales of an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson card in PSA EX-MT 6 condition, which fetched $10,800 and $8,100, respectively, setting new records in the process. These unique items, with their scarcity and historical value, commanded the attention of serious collectors looking for one-of-a-kind pieces to add to their collections.
Further records were set by a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait card in PSA POOR 1 condition with a Brown Hindu Back for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig card in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition for $5,280. These sales underscored the diversity of offerings at the auction, catering to a wide range of interests within the collecting community.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, expressed his delight at the success of the auction, noting that the strong sales were a reflection of the vintage market’s enduring appeal and vitality. His optimistic outlook set the stage for the eagerly anticipated Spring Catalog Auction, signaling that the passion for collecting vintage cards shows no signs of waning. As the dust settled on the record-breaking March Auction, collectors were left eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to acquire rare and iconic pieces of sports memorabilia.
