REA’s June Encore Auction wrapped up with a bang, showcasing a plethora of high-end complete sets and vintage gems that stirred up a bidding frenzy. The event underlined the allure of set building, with six complete graded sets stealing the limelight and dominating the list of top-selling items. Among the crème de la crème were the iconic Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, which commanded impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets are revered for their exceptional quality and rank prominently on the PSA Set Registry.
Not to be outdone, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each found new homes for a substantial $37,200 each, adding to the excitement of the auction. The entire event, consisting of a staggering 3,278 lots, saw a remarkable turnout of more than 67,300 bids, ultimately raking in over $1.7 million in sales.
A notable highlight of the auction was the record-breaking sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, a rare find graded as one of only two in existence at this remarkable level. The card fetched an impressive $54,000, setting a new benchmark for any grade of this coveted collectible. This historic sale comes on the heels of the recent passing of the legendary Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, at the age of 86, adding poignancy to the transaction.
Several other standout items made waves at the auction, including the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, sold for a record-breaking $38,400 in this grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 card also commanded the same high price tag, showcasing the enduring popularity of iconic players in the world of collectibles.
Other notable sales during the auction included the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, featuring rookie cards of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which went under the hammer for $18,600. Moreover, the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5, 1933 Goudey cards of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring Ty Cobb all fetched substantial amounts, delighting collectors and enthusiasts alike.
REA President Brian Dwyer shared his thoughts on the successful auction, noting the ongoing trend of premium graded sets and the enduring appeal of vintage classics and rare finds. With the Summer Catalog Auction on the horizon, set to commence on July 23, Dwyer expressed anticipation for the upcoming showcase of exciting collectibles that are sure to captivate bidders and collectors.
For enthusiasts eager to get in on the action, REA invites collectors to request a catalog through their website and also plans to showcase a selection of their Summer Auction items at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland. For further updates on REA’s upcoming auctions and insider stories from past and future events, interested parties are encouraged to visit the REA website.
