Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the new year in grand style, showcasing a stunning array of vintage sports cards and memorabilia that left collectors in awe. The event surpassed all expectations, raking in a whopping $7.1 million in total sales. The spirited bidding frenzy from enthusiasts worldwide signaled a strong start to the year for the collectibles market.
Babe Ruth Cards Reign Supreme
Unsurprisingly, Babe Ruth cards stole the spotlight at the auction. Three 1933 Goudey cards, all graded PSA NM/MT 8, captivated bidders and collectively fetched nearly $700,000. The gem among them was the #149 card with a striking red background, commanding an impressive $316,736. A rare advertising card from the early 1920s featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, saw intense competition and ultimately sold for a staggering $95,860. Other notable Ruth items included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which went for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5 that brought in $48,508.
Joe Jackson Breaks Records
A standout non-Ruth piece was a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, setting a new record for its grade by fetching an impressive $173,794. This card was part of a set break that collectively amassed over $850,000 in sales, highlighting the enduring appeal of sought-after vintage cards.
1952 Topps Favorites Make Waves
The allure of 1952 Topps cards was undeniable as three PSA 8 graded cards breached the six-figure mark. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, commanding $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also garnered substantial interest from collectors.
Mickey Mantle Magic
Mickey Mantle’s iconic cards continued to captivate collectors, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. A complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, fetched $18,575. Notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM selling for $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back graded PSA 8.5 fetching $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle graded SGC 9 that sold for $16,886. Four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1966 collectively brought in close to $50,000.
Other Sports Standouts
In addition to baseball legends, the auction featured prominent figures from other sports. A 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 9 card fetched $58,961, while a 1957 Topps Whitey Ford PSA 10 card sold for $56,153. Hockey enthusiasts were thrilled by the sale of a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, which commanded $72,455. Football cards also made a splash, with notable sales including a 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 selling for $31,558, a 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 going for $19,018, and a 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 fetching $20,432.
Rare Memorabilia Finds
Beyond cards, the auction featured unique memorabilia items that stirred excitement among bidders. A Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s sold for $30,463, while a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription fetched $20,934. A handwritten letter from Mantle’s rookie season in 1951 also went for $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s sold for $16,121.
A Bright Outlook for 2025
With record-breaking sales and an impressive lineup of iconic sports memorabilia, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction has set a high standard for the year ahead. Collectors are eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to add prized pieces of sports history to their collections, as the market continues to thrive and delight enthusiasts worldwide.
