REA’s June Encore Auction was a feast for collectors, with a spotlight on complete graded sets and iconic vintage cards. The top ten items sold featured six complete sets, emphasizing the allure of set building in the hobby.
Topping the charts were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, commanding impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, highly regarded in the PSA Set Registry, drew considerable attention from bidders. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball fetched prices as high as $37,200.
With a grand total of 3,278 lots on the bidding block, the auction amassed over $1.7 million in sales, fueled by a staggering 67,300 bids.
A standout piece that captured the hearts of collectors was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10. This gem fetched $54,000, setting a new record for the card in any grade. The sale held a special significance following the recent passing of the basketball legend, Jerry West, at the age of 86.
Noteworthy sales included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5, which achieved $38,400, a record price for that grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 was another prized possession, realizing the same value of $38,400. The auction also saw strong interest in the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, which sold for $18,600.
Vintage enthusiasts rejoiced at the sight of classics like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5, the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5, and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic, fetching prices ranging from $11,700 to $16,200.
The auction also featured modern highlights, such as the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor #18/50 PSA GEM MINT 10, which sold for $10,200. The diversity of offerings catered to a broad spectrum of collectors, blending the old with the new seamlessly.
REA President Brian Dwyer remarked, “This auction reaffirmed the demand for top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. The success of these items sets the stage for our upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, promising more excitement for collectors.”
Scheduled to commence on July 23, REA’s Summer Catalog Auction is poised to deliver a fresh array of collectibles that are bound to captivate enthusiasts. Collectors keen on exploring the offerings can request a catalog through the REA website, with the company also making a grand appearance at The National in Cleveland, booth #6032, to showcase a selection of items from the upcoming auction.
For further details on REA’s upcoming auction schedule and engaging consignor narratives, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the REA website for a deeper dive into the world of collectibles.
