The vintage card collecting world was abuzz as Robert Edward Auctions (REA) hosted its highly-anticipated March Encore sale, a thrilling event that saw multiple records fall like autumn leaves. The star of the show? A 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card, graded PSA EX-NM 6, which managed to fetch an impressive $32,400, leaving collectors and enthusiasts wide-eyed with excitement.
But the Ruth card was not the only highlight of the evening. 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, reached new heights by selling for $28,000 and $27,600, respectively, setting fresh benchmarks in the vintage card market.
In total, the auction featured a staggering array of more than 3,300 lots, captivating bidders who eagerly participated in almost 66,000 fierce bidding wars. The auction’s grand total of over $1.3 million further solidified its status as a monumental event in the world of vintage card collecting.
Further dazzling attendees were iconic pieces like a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, that commanded a whopping $30,000. The 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie, graded PSA MINT 9, was also a standout, selling for $25,200. Not to be outdone, a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie, graded PSA VG+ 3.5, found a new home for $23,400.
Among other noteworthy sales were 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, both fetching $14,400 and securing their places in collectors’ hearts.
The auction also saw rare and unique items capture the attention of bidders worldwide. An Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson, graded PSA EX-MT 6, commanded prices of $10,800 and $8,100, setting new records and igniting the passions of veteran collectors and new enthusiasts alike.
Furthermore, the auction witnessed additional groundbreaking sales, including a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, which sold for an impressive $7,500. A 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait, graded PSA POOR 1 with a Brown Hindu Back, acquired a value of $7,500. The legendary 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig, graded SGC GOOD+ 2.5, also made waves by fetching $5,280.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, expressed immense satisfaction with the auction’s success, emphasizing the robustness and resilience of the vintage card market. Dwyer’s positive outlook and unwavering confidence set the stage for an eagerly anticipated Spring Catalog Auction, promising more thrilling bidding wars and record-breaking moments on the horizon.
The March Encore sale at REA was not just an auction; it was a testament to the enduring allure of vintage cards and the passionate collectors who continue to drive this vibrant market forward. With each record shattered and every iconic card finding a new home, the legacy of these treasured pieces lives on, cementing their place in the hearts of enthusiasts for generations to come.
