Heritage Auctions is bringing a thrilling assortment of rare and coveted baseball cards to their upcoming Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction on July 12-13. Among the star attractions are a pristine 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card, a flawless Michael Jordan Fleer rookie card, and a chrome rookie card autographed by a young Bryce Harper. The event promises sealed packs, boxes, and cases teeming with potential hidden gems, making it a must-see for collectors. Signed Shohei Ohtani cards and top-tier Ty Cobb tobacco cards add to the excitement of this summer auction, with a treasure trove of Hall of Fame memorabilia, including Babe Ruth’s iconic “Called Shot” jersey.
A standout highlight of this event is a collection of 1959 baseball cards originally attached to containers of Canadian cookies. These cards are so rare that PSA has only recorded 69 in its population report, with 37 of them up for grabs at this auction. Featuring legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Eddie Mathews, and Yogi Berra, these cards are a true collector’s dream.
The collection of Dad’s Cookies cards is a nod to sports memorabilia history. Produced by Exhibits Supply Company, a Chicago-based firm established in 1907, these cards were initially picture postcards distributed in arcades before expanding to include baseball players, boxers, and movie stars. In 1959, Dad’s Cookies utilized these cards as promotional items by stapling them to bags and boxes of cookies, making each card a prized possession with a note from the company’s Scottish mascot, “Sandy.” These cards’ rarity stems from their unique distribution method and limited surviving examples.
In addition to the Dad’s Cookies cards, this auction features two highly sought-after Ty Cobb T206 cards from the early 1900s. One is the rare El Principe de Gales Ty Cobb graded PSA NM 7, with only one known example bearing the El Principe de Gales advertisement on the back. The other is the American Beauty Portrait-Red Cobb graded PSA EX-MT 6, the top-graded specimen of its kind. These Cobbs are significant for collectors, especially fans who take T206 collecting to the next level, appreciating the rarity of the backs.
The auction also offers an array of sealed boxes and cases that hold nostalgic value and the promise of hidden treasures. Items like the 1970 Topps Baseball Wax Box with 24 unopened packs could contain gems like Carl Yastrzemski, Vida Blue’s rookie card, or Roberto Clemente. Similarly, newer boxes like the 2015 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1 Hobby Unopened Case and the 2020 Panini Flawless Football Factory Sealed Case provide excitement for collectors chasing rare cards such as a Connor McDavid rookie card. Opening these boxes is a tantalizing thrill for enthusiasts, unlocking the possibility of discovering hidden gems.
The Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction by Heritage Auctions promises an unforgettable experience for sports memorabilia enthusiasts. With a unique assortment of rare and valuable cards on offer, including iconic pieces like the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson and sought-after Ty Cobb T206 cards, this event is a must-attend for collectors looking to acquire pieces of sporting history.