The recent REA June Encore Auction dazzled collectors with an array of high-end complete sets and sought-after vintage staples. With set building taking center stage, the auction showcased six complete graded sets ranking among the top ten items sold. Leading the pack were the esteemed Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. Renowned for their quality, these sets are prized possessions on the PSA Set Registry. Moreover, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each garnered significant attention, selling for $37,200 apiece.
The auction, brimming with 3,278 lots, ignited fierce bidding wars that culminated in over $1.7 million in sales from a staggering 67,300 bids. A standout highlight was the momentous sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 featuring Jerry West graded PSA GEM MINT 10, one of only two such examples in existence. The card commanded a hefty price tag of $54,000, setting a new record for any grade of this iconic basketball collectible. This sale carried added poignancy as it coincided with the recent passing of the basketball legend, Jerry West, who inspired the NBA logo, at the age of 86.
Notable sales from the auction included a range of coveted items that captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike. The 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 fetched $38,400, marking a record price for the card in this grade. Similarly, the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle graded PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also netted $38,400, demonstrating the enduring appeal of baseball’s iconic figures. The allure of unopened vintage treasures was evident in the sale of the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring 36 packs from Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, which sold for $18,600.
Moreover, the auction featured a diverse range of collectibles, including the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth graded PSA VG+ 3.5, which fetched $16,200, and the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig graded PSA EX 5 and 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth graded SGC VG 3, each selling for $13,200. Fans of vintage baseball memorabilia were drawn to the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard showcasing Ty Cobb’s rookie batting pose and PSA authenticated, which sold for $11,700. The modern era was also represented with the sale of the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ featuring Aaron Judge’s Blue Wave Refractor graded PSA GEM MINT 10, realizing $10,200.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed satisfaction with the auction results, emphasizing the continued success of top-quality graded sets and the enduring popularity of vintage rarities among collectors. Looking ahead, REA’s upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, commencing on July 23, promises to deliver a fresh collection of exciting items that are sure to ignite the passion of collectors. Interested parties can request a catalog through the REA website and can also visit the company’s booth #6032 at The National in Cleveland to preview a selection of items from the upcoming auction.
For collectors and enthusiasts eager to stay informed about REA’s upcoming auctions and to delve into engaging consignor stories, the REA website serves as a valuable resource offering insights and updates on the latest offerings in the world of sports memorabilia and collectibles.
