REA’s June Encore Auction, a highly anticipated event among collectors, recently concluded with a bang. The auction, which featured a wide array of items spanning from complete graded sets to iconic vintage cards, was a testament to the enduring allure of sports memorabilia within the collecting community.
Set building emerged as a dominant theme during the auction, with six complete graded sets making their mark as part of the top ten items sold. The top three sellers were the coveted Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets hold prestigious positions on the PSA Set Registry, a testament to their quality and desirability. Moreover, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each found enthusiastic buyers, selling for $37,200 each.
With a total of 3,278 lots on offer, the auction generated over $1.7 million in sales, a testament to the robust interest and engagement from collectors worldwide. The fierce bidding wars culminated in a staggering 67,300 bids placed throughout the auction, underscoring the intense competition for these coveted collectibles.
One of the standout highlights was the sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card. This rare gem, graded as one of only two examples in such pristine condition, fetched an impressive $54,000, setting a new record for the card across all grades. This sale took on added significance following the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who had a profound impact on the sport and even inspired the iconic NBA logo.
Several other notable sales captured the attention of collectors, including the historic transactions for iconic cards such as the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb, the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle, and the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring legends Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year.
REA President Brian Dwyer shared his insights on the auction results, noting the continued strong performance of top-quality graded sets and the unwavering demand for vintage treasures and rare finds within the collecting community. He teased the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to commence on July 23, promising an exciting lineup of items that are sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
For collectors eagerly awaiting the next auction event, REA’s Summer Catalog Auction presents a golden opportunity to acquire prized memorabilia. Those interested can request a catalog through the REA website and visit booth #6032 at The National in Cleveland to preview a selection of the upcoming auction items firsthand.
As the anticipation builds for REA’s Summer Catalog Auction, collectors are encouraged to stay updated on the auction schedule and delve into captivating consignor stories by visiting the REA website for a deeper dive into the world of sports collectibles and memorabilia.
