Robert Edward Auctions’ (REA) March Encore sale proved to be a historic event in the world of vintage card collecting, as it shattered numerous records and set a new benchmark for high-value sales. The standout moment of the auction was the sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card in PSA EX-NM 6 condition, fetching an impressive $32,400. This significant sale set the tone for a series of record-breaking transactions that unfolded over the course of the event.
Among the notable sales were a 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb in SGC POOR 1 condition, which sold for $28,000, and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder in PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back, which realized $27,600. These transactions not only highlighted the desirability of vintage baseball cards but also set new records for their respective card categories.
In total, the auction featured more than 3,300 lots, which garnered an impressive sum of over $1.3 million through nearly 66,000 bids. This overwhelming response from collectors and enthusiasts alike reinforced the enduring appeal of vintage sports memorabilia and its value within the market.
Additional standout sales included a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition selling for $30,000, a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie in PSA MINT 9 condition fetching $25,200, and a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition selling for $23,400. These transactions underscored the diverse range of interests among collectors and the premium placed on iconic sports figures from different eras.
Noteworthy mentions from the auction were a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner in PSA GOOD 2 (MK) condition and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, each commanding a price of $14,400. The continued popularity and value of these classic cards reflected the enduring legacy of baseball legends and their significance in the hobby.
Rare items also found their place among the record-breaking sales, as an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson in PSA EX-MT 6 condition fetched $10,800 and $8,100, respectively. These unique pieces not only added depth to the auction but also highlighted the rarity and desirability of vintage sports memorabilia.
The auction’s success was further underscored by the sales of a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait in PSA POOR 1 condition with a Brown Hindu Back for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition for $5,280. These transactions showcased the breadth of offerings and the enthusiasm of bidders for items spanning different eras of baseball history.
REA’s President, Brian Dwyer, expressed his delight at the auction’s achievements, citing them as a testament to the enduring strength of the vintage market. The record-breaking sales and enthusiastic participation from collectors set a positive tone for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction, hinting at more exciting opportunities for vintage sports memorabilia enthusiasts in the near future.
