REA’s June Encore Auction showcased a trend towards set building, with six complete graded sets making their mark as the top items sold. The auction, a treasure trove of 3,278 lots, raked in over $1.7 million in sales from a staggering 67,300 bids, demonstrating the booming interest in high-quality collectibles.
The star lots of the event were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive amounts of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets, highly coveted by collectors and among the highest-ranking on the PSA Set Registry, stole the spotlight. Adding to the set mania were the complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball, each selling for $37,200.
A standout item that garnered attention was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of only two graded at this level. The card achieved a record-breaking sale of $54,000, following the recent passing of the basketball legend, Jerry West. His legacy continues to resonate in the world of sports memorabilia.
Among the list of notable sales were the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5, setting a record at $38,400 for its grade, and the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5, also fetching $38,400. The 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year, sold for $18,600, adding a touch of nostalgia to the auction.
Additional highlights included the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 at $16,200, the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 and #149 Babe Ruth SGC VG 3, both selling for $13,200 each, and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic, closing at $11,700. Modern collectibles also made an impact, with the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor snagging $10,200.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction results, highlighting the ongoing interest in top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. He teased collectors with the promise of more excitement in the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, set to kick off on July 23. The anticipation is high for the new batch of items that will surely captivate bidders and enthusiasts alike.
As collectors eagerly await the Summer Catalog Auction, they can request a catalog through the REA website and visit booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland to catch a glimpse of the impressive selection of items on offer. For more details on REA’s future auctions and consignor stories, patrons can peruse the REA website for a closer look at the thrilling world of sports memorabilia.
