The Winter Sports Card Auction held by Heritage Auctions was a memorable event, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. The star of the show was a premier Babe Ruth rookie card, a rare find that fetched a staggering sale price of $630,000. Graded 5.5 by SGC, this 1916 M101-5 blank back card is one of only seven known examples within SGC's records. This extraordinary sale was a testament to the card's rarity and desirability.
In addition to the Babe Ruth rookie card, the auction boasted a remarkable total of $11.1 million in sales. Seven items, including the buyer's premium, reached prices exceeding $100,000. One of the notable highlights was the auction of a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 10 in pristine condition. This card achieved the highest sale price for a Gem Mint PSA graded copy since September 2021, further solidifying the ongoing demand for Jordan's collectibles.
The auction also featured an impressive collection of vintage, still-sealed boxes. One of the standout items was a 1965 Topps Baseball wax box containing cards from the second, third, and fourth series. Authenticated by BBCE and originating from the collection of Adolph "Herky" Rupp Jr., this box was sold for an impressive $336,000. Rupp Jr., a descendant of the renowned Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, also offered a 1953 Topps Willie Mays card, graded PSA 8, which fetched $186,000.
Another highlight of the auction was the sale of several unopened boxes from a recently discovered collection. These boxes, acquired towards the end of the previous year, generated significant interest and set new records. A 1970 Topps Baseball 6th series cello box achieved a remarkable sale price of $105,000, while a 1968 Topps Football 1st series 36-pack cello box set a new benchmark at $99,000. A 1973 Topps Baseball 3rd series 500-count vending box was also sold for an impressive $18,600. As more items from this collection are sold in the coming months, experts anticipate the total sales to reach into the seven figures.
The auction also featured a collection of nearly two dozen vintage autographed cards, curated by Mike Greenbaum. These cards, originating from their time of origin, garnered significant attention and high bids. Leading the pack was a 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson card, graded 1.5 with an autograph grade of 8, which sold for an impressive $117,000. A similarly graded signed Roy Campanella card from the same set fetched $69,000, highlighting the enduring appeal of these legendary players.
Among the individual card sales, a T206 Ty Cobb Green portrait, graded PSA 6 with a Piedmont advertising back, sold for $105,000. A 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9, reached an impressive $80,533. Collectors also showed great interest in a 1962 Topps Manager's Dream card, featuring both Mantle and Mays, which sold for $75,000.
Complete sets were also in high demand during the auction. The highest-rated set of 1909-1912 Colgan's chips discs fetched $54,000, showcasing the enduring popularity of these iconic collectibles. The 16th ranked 1969-70 Topps Basketball set achieved a sale price of $93,000, while an all-PSA 8 1952 Bowman baseball set was acquired for $84,000, underscoring the diversity and value of the auction's offerings.
The Winter Sports Card Auction at Heritage Auctions was undoubtedly a historic event, breaking records and thrilling collectors with its exceptional selection of rare cards, still-sealed boxes, vintage autographs, and complete sets. The incredible sale prices, including the $630,000 Babe Ruth rookie card and the high-priced Gem Mint Michael Jordan rookie card, showcase the enduring allure and investment potential of sports card collecting.
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