REA’s May Encore Auction recently captivated collectors with a showcase of remarkable vintage treasures, setting new records and reaffirming the ever-growing allure of classic baseball sets and pre-war rarities within the collectibles market. The auction, which concluded on a bustling Sunday night, saw a flurry of bidding activity, particularly in the realm of set building, as enthusiasts eagerly sought after complete and near-complete sets from the 1950s known for their rarity and exceptional condition.
The highlight of the auction was the staggering sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only one card, which fetched an impressive $126,000. This set, ranking #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, exemplifies the impeccable standards collectors uphold for such compilations. Following closely was a 1957 Topps complete set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, also boasting a GPA of 8.00, which commanded a hefty price of $99,000. Additionally, the auction featured a 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, that sold for $72,000.
The auction also shone a spotlight on pre-war rarities, drawing significant attention and setting new benchmarks. Notably, 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 standout sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which sold for $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction raked in nearly $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids. Among the top-selling items were notable mentions such as the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, and Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, all commanding significant prices.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed delight at the auction’s success, emphasizing the robust results and the renewed interest in high-grade set building. Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, scheduled to commence on June 13, followed by the grand Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The latter coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will occupy Booth #6032, promising more excitement and rare finds for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
