The recent REA’s June Encore Auction has once again proven why it’s a hotspot for collectors, with high-end complete sets and rare vintage staples taking center stage. A total of 3,278 lots went under the hammer, attracting more than 67,300 bids and raking in over $1.7 million in sales.
An intriguing trend that emerged from the auction was the strong focus on complete graded sets, with six sets making it to the top ten of the highest-selling items. The top contenders were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, highly coveted by collectors, hold prestigious ranks on the PSA Set Registry.
Notable among the standout sales was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, a rare find with only two examples graded at such a high level. The card fetched $54,000, setting a new record for any grade of this card. This sale bore even more significance as it coincided with the recent passing of the NBA legend and logo inspiration, Jerry West, at the age of 86.
Some other remarkable sales that caught the attention of collectors included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which sold for $38,400, a record price for this grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 garnered the same price, showcasing the enduring appeal of iconic players like Mantle in the hobby.
Furthermore, an unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball, featuring rookie cards of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, sold for $18,600, adding a nostalgic touch to the auction. The sale of vintage gems like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 continued to reinforce the demand for classic baseball memorabilia.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed satisfaction with the auction results, highlighting the continued interest in top-quality graded sets and sought-after vintage rarities among collectors. Looking ahead, the anticipation is building for REA’s forthcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to commence on July 23. Collectors eager to peruse the exciting lots can request a catalog via the REA website.
To engage with collectors and showcase their upcoming offerings, REA will be present at booth #6032 during The National event in Cleveland, presenting a preview of the items featured in the Summer Auction. For more details on REA’s future auction plans and to delve into consignor stories, enthusiasts can visit the REA website for an immersive experience in the world of sports memorabilia.
