Vintage sports cards once again stole the show at Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction, proving their enduring allure and setting new records in the collectors’ market. The highlight of the auction was the sale of a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive price of $378,997. This record-breaking sale not only speaks to the legendary status of Mickey Mantle but also underscores the lasting significance and appeal of vintage sports cards.
The auction also featured other notable sales, further solidifying the market’s growing interest in rare and valuable cards. A 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, featuring a blank back and graded PSA 7, fetched a remarkable $104,302, representing a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, sold for $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Additionally, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction wasn’t just about individual legends; it also set new records for cards featuring Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, soared to a stunning $30,674, greatly surpassing the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices, further highlighting the growing value and demand for vintage sports cards.
The auction showcased a wide range of vintage cards, with several other notable sales. A 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card, graded PSA 9, sold for an impressive $30,391, while a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card, graded PSA 3 VG, fetched $11,732. A 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card, graded PSA 9, also reached a remarkable sale price of $10,665. Additionally, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, sold for $12,388.
The auction wasn’t limited to baseball cards; it also featured other collectible items that garnered significant attention. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, fetched a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the nostalgia and respect for the baseball heroes of that era. Classic cards such as a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card also drew considerable interest, selling for $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items held their own in the auction as well. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, selling for an impressive $40,486. Other noteworthy items included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which fetched $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, which reached $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends such as Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each fetching over $13,000. 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, attracting a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only reflects the enduring strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also underscores the deep history and nostalgia that these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell demonstrate the deep connection and reverence that fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. Vintage sports cards and memorabilia continue to be a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, attracting interest and investment from enthusiasts worldwide.
