Hold onto your baseball caps, folks, because the sports memorabilia world just witnessed a spectacular event. The iconic 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card recently made headlines by selling for a mind-blowing $390,935 at Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction. This sale set a new record and left collectors in awe of the staggering price it commanded.
Considered the highest-graded example to hit the auction block in over 15 years, the competition for this Willie Mays rookie card was fierce. With only eight PSA 9 copies in existence and no PSA 10 cards available, it’s no surprise that bidders were swinging for the fences to get their hands on this rare gem.
Just last week, a PSA 8 copy of the same Mays card sold for $207,400 at Goldin, highlighting the immense popularity and value of Mays’s rookie cards. It’s safe to say that the demand for these cards is hotter than a scorching summer day at the ballpark!
Not only did this record-breaking sale make waves in the world of sports memorabilia, but it also had a heartwarming twist. The consignor of the card announced that the proceeds from the sale would be used to establish a college scholarship endowment. Thus, this historic card is not only a prized collectible but also a contributor to shaping the future of education.
The Summer Catalog Auction did not stop at the Willie Mays rookie card sale. With over $13.3 million generated through more than 82,000 bids spread across nearly 3,200 lots, the auction proved to be a grand slam in its own right. Thirteen items surpassed the six-figure mark, showcasing the fervor of collectors and enthusiasts in the market.
Among the notable sales was a 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5 card that set a new record by fetching a whopping $162,000, marking the highest price ever achieved for that grade. The auction also featured other standout pieces such as an autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie card (PSA 3) with a PSA 9 signature grade, selling at $132,000, and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) that fetched $120,000.
Furthermore, a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey commanded an impressive $114,000, setting a record for Dizzy Dean memorabilia and adding to the excitement of the event.
Several other remarkable sales added to the thrill of the auction, including Babe Ruth’s 1933 R338 Sport Kings #2 card in PSA NM-MT 8 condition selling for $120,000 and a 1915 Boston Red Sox Real-Photo Team Postcard featuring a Babe Ruth rookie that was auctioned for $114,000.
Enthusiasts witnessed a showcase of talent and history with the sale of a 1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson Rookie card in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, going for $111,000, while a 1909-1911 Cy Young T206 White Border card with a Glove Shows variation in PSA EX+ 5.5 condition (Broad Leaf 460 Back) also fetched $111,000.
Hockey fans weren’t left out as a 1979-1980 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie card in PSA MINT 9 condition sold for an impressive $105,000, adding to the diverse range of collectibles that captivated bidders.
The auction showcased the variety and richness of sports memorabilia, with a 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition selling for $102,000, setting a new record for its SGC grade. Additionally, Babe Ruth’s 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 card in PSA NM 7 condition sold for $96,000, marking a new high for that specific card.
Basketball enthusiasts witnessed excitement as well, with a 1984-1985 Star Company Basketball #101 Michael Jordan Rookie card in BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 condition fetching $52,800, setting a new record for its Beckett grade.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, expressed his gratitude to the consignors and bidders for making the auction a resounding success. Following this monumental event, REA’s next big auction, the September Encore Auction scheduled from September 12-22, promises more thrills and high-stake bidding opportunities. So, if you missed out on this auction, be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming event, as the excitement is far from over.
