Vintage sports cards have once again taken the collectibles market by storm, as demonstrated by the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company. The auction showcased a range of vintage cards, including the prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, which fetched a record-breaking price of $378,997.
The highlight of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card graded PSA 8. This legendary card not only symbolizes Mickey Mantle’s status in baseball history but also underscores the enduring appeal of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
In addition to the Mantle card, other notable sales included a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card (graded PSA 7) with a blank back, which sold for $104,302. This marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, highlighting the increasing interest in rare vintage cards. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card (graded PSA 8) fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card (graded PSA 8) went for $89,635. A 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card (graded PSA 8) achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction also saw record-setting prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. A 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card (graded PSA 10) sold for $30,674, significantly higher than the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices.
Various other vintage cards also set new records at the auction. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (graded PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (graded PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (graded PSA 9) for $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card (graded PSA 10) fetched $12,388.
The Winter Auction was not limited to baseball cards; it also featured other iconic cards. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card (graded SGC 8.5) attracted a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for the era’s baseball heroes. Other classic cards, like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items played a prominent role in the auction as well. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, selling for $40,486. Notable memorabilia included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the enduring strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. Vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
