REA’s May Encore Auction recently wrapped up with a bang, marking a crescendo of record-breaking sales and vintage treasures coveted by collectors from around the globe. The auction, culminating on a Sunday night, witnessed a surge in set building frenzy, particularly amongst enthusiasts seeking out complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s. These sets, distinguished for their rarity and impeccable condition, led the sales charge, underscoring a prevailing trend towards high-grade set assembly within the realm of collectibles.
The auction’s crown jewel was undoubtedly the staggering sale of a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card, which fetched an impressive $126,000. This pristine set, boasting a remarkable #13 rank on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, stands as a beacon of the exacting standards and meticulous curation that define collectors in this niche. Following closely was the sale of a 1957 Topps complete set, holding a distinguished #24 rank on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, which commanded a hefty sum of $99,000. Additionally, the auction saw the gavel fall on a 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, for a notable $72,000.
Emphasizing the allure of pre-war rarities, the auction showcased a multitude of captivating lots that captivated bidders and set new benchmarks in pricing. A standout piece was the 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card featuring the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which changed hands for a remarkable $54,000, setting a fresh record for its grade and back combination. Another exceptional sale was the transaction of a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, fetching $30,000, marking a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items hitting the auction block and drawing in excess of 63,000 bids, the event generated a substantial sum of nearly $1.8 million in sales. Among the top sellers were a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, graded PSA NM-MT 8, sold for a whopping $52,800; a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, graded PSA NM-MT 8, achieved $36,000; and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard exhibiting a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, graded SGC FAIR 1.5, garnered $29,400. Noteworthy transactions also included Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, graded PSA EX 5, which fetched $25,200, and a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth card, graded PSA VG-EX+ 4.5, alongside a 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie card, graded PSA NM-MT 8, each selling for $24,600.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the resounding success of the auction, highlighting the robust sales figures and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer’s optimism shines through as he commented, “This is a very positive sign of great things to come in our upcoming events and the industry as a whole.”
Looking forward, REA is now gearing up for its June Encore Auction, set to commence on June 13, paving the way for the subsequent larger Summer Catalog Auction kicking off on July 23. Notably, the latter aligns with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, promising yet another exciting chapter in the world of vintage collectibles.
