The sports memorabilia world is buzzing with excitement as Clean Sweep Auctions prepares to unveil a treasure trove of collectibles in its upcoming September event. At the forefront of this diverse and historic auction is a supremely rare 1913 Honus Wagner card from the exclusive Voskamp’s Coffee set.
Issued solely in the Pittsburgh area where the legendary shortstop made his mark on baseball history, the Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card is a true gem coveted by collectors worldwide. These cards, originally distributed in packages of coffee and tea by a local Pittsburgh company, have become increasingly scarce over the past hundred years. Graded and encapsulated at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, this particular Wagner card represents only the third time a Voskamp’s Wagner has been graded by PSA, with SGC having graded just four examples to date.
For aficionados of vintage baseball cards, the auction offers a tantalizing selection of memorabilia beyond the Wagner card. Highlights include two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers Mike “King” Kelly and Harry Wright, an E102 Ty Cobb showcasing the early career of the baseball legend, and a variety of Ty Cobb cards graded by PSA. Other notable pieces feature a Cy Young Portrait card, a collection of P2 Sweet Caporal pins, an E103 Williams Caramel Ty Cobb, and a T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb.
The auction also presents an array of modern and autographed sets, appealing to a broad spectrum of collectors. A standout feature is a nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, with individual autographed cards of Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays up for grabs. Basketball enthusiasts can bid on iconic cards like a PSA 6 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan and a PSA 8 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan, while football fans can explore high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning several years.
Memorabilia enthusiasts will find treasures in the auction’s diverse offerings, from a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball to a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball featuring legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Collectors can also browse through unique items like Joe Tinker and 1920 Brooklyn Dodgers pennants, vintage tickets and programs dating back to 1905, boxing cards and memorabilia, historic presidential autographs, and entertainment memorabilia.
Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions aptly describes the event as a collection of “eclectic mix of items we’ve ever assembled,” catering to a wide range of collector interests. The inclusion of the 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card not only adds prestige to the auction but also pays homage to the rich history and diverse tapestry of sports collectibles.
As collectors eagerly await the September event, the stage is set for an unforgettable auction experience where rarity, diversity, and historical significance intertwine to create a must-see showcase of sports memorabilia.
