REA’s June Encore Auction proved to be a haven for collectors as high-end complete sets and vintage staples stole the show, commanding top dollar and setting new records in the world of sports card collecting. The auction, which concluded on Sunday night, featured a total of 3,278 lots and generated over $1.7 million in sales from an impressive 67,300 bids.
Set building emerged as a major theme of the auction, with six complete graded sets making their way into the top ten items sold. The top three sellers were complete sets from Topps Baseball in 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets are highly esteemed and ranked among the best on the PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each sold for $37,200, further solidifying the demand for top-quality sets.
One of the standout items of the auction was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10, one of only two examples graded at this high level, which set a new record for the card at $54,000. This sale came shortly after the passing of the Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who inspired the iconic NBA logo, adding a poignant note to the transaction.
Notable sales included a 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5, which fetched $38,400, setting a new record for the card in that grade. A 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 condition also sold for $38,400. An intriguing piece, the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box containing 36 packs, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, was sold for $18,600, attracting great interest from collectors.
Among the other remarkable sales were a 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition selling for $16,200, a 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 for $13,200, and a 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth in SGC VG 3 condition also selling for $13,200. A unique and historical item, the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring Ty Cobb in his rookie year and authenticated by PSA, fetched $11,700.
The auction also featured a modern gem, a 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor #18/50 in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, which sold for $10,200. Additionally, a rare 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Seymour Portrait in PSA VG-EX 4 condition with a Cycle 460 Back, was the highest graded known and sold for $9,900. The iconic 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie in PSA VG-EX 4 condition changed hands for $9,000, adding to the excitement of the auction.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed his enthusiasm for the results of the auction, noting the strong performance of top-quality graded sets and the continuous demand for vintage staples and rare finds. Looking ahead, REA prepares for their Summer Catalog Auction, set to begin on July 23, promising a lineup of exciting items that are sure to captivate collectors.
With the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction just around the corner, collectors eagerly anticipate the opportunity to acquire more exceptional pieces. Interested individuals can request a catalog through the REA website or visit booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, where REA will showcase a selection of items from their Summer Auction.
For collectors seeking more information on REA’s upcoming auction schedule or looking to delve into consignor stories from past and future events, the REA website offers a comprehensive resource to explore and engage with the world of sports card collecting.
