Robert Edward Auctions’ March Encore sale proved to be a game-changer in the vintage card market, as multiple records were smashed with astonishing sales figures that left collectors and enthusiasts in awe.
Leading the pack was the sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card graded PSA EX-NM 6, which fetched an impressive $32,400. This iconic piece of baseball history captured the hearts of bidders and soared past all expectations, setting a new benchmark for Ruth memorabilia.
But Ruth wasn’t the only legend making waves at the auction. A 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb graded SGC POOR 1 and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder graded PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back fetched $28,000 and $27,600 respectively, establishing new records for these coveted cards.
The auction featured a staggering array of over 3,300 lots, with the total sales eclipsing $1.3 million across nearly 66,000 bids. The fervor and excitement surrounding the auction were palpable, with collectors vying for their chance to own a piece of baseball history.
Among the other highlights were a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson graded PSA GEM MINT 10, which sold for $30,000, a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie graded PSA MINT 9, fetching $25,200, and a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie graded PSA VG+ 3.5, which went for $23,400.
Noteworthy sales also included a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner graded PSA GOOD 2 (MK) and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie graded SGC GOOD+ 2.5, each commanding a price of $14,400.
Rare items made a splash as well, with an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson graded PSA EX-MT 6 fetching $10,800 and $8,100, respectively, setting new records for these sought-after collectibles.
Setting the stage for a successful future, additional records were set by a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait graded PSA POOR 1 (Brown Hindu Back) selling for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig graded SGC GOOD+ 2.5 going for $5,280.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his excitement over the auction’s stellar performance, emphasizing the robustness of the vintage market and setting high expectations for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction. With records shattered and collectors’ appetites whetted, the vintage card market continues to prove its enduring allure and investment potential.
