Robert Edward Auctions’ (REA) recent March Encore sale was more than just an ordinary event; it was a history-making phenomenon. The auction left collectors and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats as multiple records were smashed, all thanks to the allure of vintage cards.
One of the standout moments of the auction was the jaw-dropping sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card in PSA EX-NM 6 condition, which commanded a staggering $32,400. This sale alone captured the attention of many, setting the pace for an evening of intense bidding wars.
But the excitement did not stop there. A 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb SGC in POOR 1 condition and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder in PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back broke their own records, selling for $28,000 and $27,600, respectively. These results further solidified the prestige of the auction and the fervor of collectors eager to get their hands on these iconic pieces of history.
In total, the auction featured a remarkable array of over 3,300 lots, collectively amassing a staggering $1.3 million from nearly 66,000 bids. Each bid added a layer of intensity to the proceedings, showcasing the dedication and passion that fans have for the vintage card market.
Among the other noteworthy sales were a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, fetching an impressive $30,000. The allure of basketball legends was also evident, with a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie in PSA MINT 9 condition selling for $25,200. Not to be outshined, a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition commanded a respectable $23,400.
But the excitement wasn’t solely reserved for the big names. Rare items such 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 turned heads, selling for $10,800 and $8,100, respectively. These unexpected gems added an element of surprise to the auction, delighting collectors with their scarcity and historical significance.
Setting even more records were items like a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait in PSA POOR 1 with a Brown Hindu Back, which sold for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, fetching $5,280. These sales exemplified the diverse range of items available at the auction, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and preferences.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed his elation at the auction’s success, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the vintage market. The record-breaking sales set a promising tone for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction, hinting at even more exhilarating moments to come for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In the world of vintage cards, REA’s March Auction was not just a sale; it was a celebration of history, passion, and the unwavering spirit of collectors determined to own a piece of the past.
