Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure in the collectibles market, captivating collectors and fetching record-breaking prices. The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company showcased a range of vintage cards, including the highly coveted 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, which achieved a staggering sale price of $378,997.
The highlight of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which not only symbolizes the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
In addition to the Mantle rookie card, Mile High Card Company’s auction saw other noteworthy sales. A standout item was a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card with a blank back, graded PSA 7, which sold for an impressive $104,302, marking a significant jump from its previous record of $25,000. The growing interest in rare vintage cards was further evident with the sale of a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, which fetched $101,623, and a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, which went for $89,635. Moreover, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction not only featured individual legends but also set record-breaking prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, sold for an astounding $30,674, surpassing the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, including those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also commanded record prices.
Furthermore, the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company established new records with the sale of various other vintage cards. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (graded PSA 9) selling for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (graded PSA 3 VG) fetching $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (graded PSA 9) garnering $10,665. Additionally, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388, further highlighting the widespread enthusiasm for vintage cards.
While baseball cards took the spotlight, the auction also featured other notable items. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for the era’s baseball heroes. Classic cards such as a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items were also in high demand at the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball was the top-selling memorabilia item, reaching an impressive $40,486. Other notable memorabilia included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each selling for over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, attracting a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these items evoke. The remarkable prices achieved for items associated with legendary players signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. The auction results affirm that vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
