Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure, captivating collectors at Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction in 2023. The auction showcased a range of vintage cards, including a prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, which fetched record-breaking prices and highlighted the significance of these cards in the collectors’ market.
The standout item of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive sale price of $378,997. This card not only represents Mickey Mantle’s legendary status in baseball history but also emphasizes the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the hearts of collectors.
The Winter Auction also witnessed other noteworthy sales, including a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card with a blank back, graded PSA 7, which sold for $104,302. This sale marks a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, reflecting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. Additionally, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Furthermore, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction not only celebrated individual legends but also saw record-setting prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, sold for $30,674, significantly surpassing the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices.
In addition to these standout sales, the Winter Auction set new records with sales of various other vintage cards. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) fetching $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) selling for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) going for $10,665. The auction also featured a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, which fetched $12,388.
The auction was not limited to baseball cards alone, as other collectibles also drew significant attention. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, commanded a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for baseball heroes of that era. Other classic cards, like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, reached notable sales of $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items also played a prominent role in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, fetching $40,486. 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, which went for $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, while 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, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
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 cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. 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.
