REA’s May Encore Auction recently wrapped up with a flurry of record-breaking sales and a focus on vintage treasures that had collectors buzzing with excitement. The event saw a surge in high-grade set building, particularly in the realm of classic baseball sets from the 1950s, showcasing the enduring appeal of rare and well-preserved collectibles in the market.
One of the standout moments of the auction was the sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only a single card, which commanded an impressive price of $126,000. Ranked at #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a stellar GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the meticulous standards collectors hold for these comprehensive compilations. Following closely behind was a complete 1957 Topps set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, fetching $99,000. Additionally, a 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, sold for $72,000, further emphasizing the allure of these classic sets.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, drawing significant interest and setting new benchmarks in the process. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, fetched $54,000, establishing a record price for its grade and back combination. Another noteworthy sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which sold for $30,000, setting a new record for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction amassed close to $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids. Some other top-selling highlights included a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, selling for $52,800, a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, going for $36,000, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, commanding $29,400. Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, was another standout, fetching $25,200.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s success, pointing out the robust outcomes and the renewed interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer remarked, “This is a very positive sign of great things to come in our upcoming events and the industry as a whole.”
Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, set to open on June 13, followed by the highly anticipated Summer Catalog Auction beginning on July 23. The latter coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will have a prominent presence at Booth #6032, offering enthusiasts and collectors alike the chance to engage with these exceptional pieces of sports memorabilia.
