A whirlwind of excitement and heated bidding marked the closure of REA’s June Encore Auction, signaling a resurgence in the allure of high-end complete sets and vintage staples among collectors. With a total of 3,278 lots on the block, the auction raked in impressive sales totaling over $1.7 million, spurred on by a staggering 67,300 bids.
Setting the stage for an evening of intense competition, complete graded sets took center stage as six sets found their way into the coveted top ten sales list. Leading the pack were iconic Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching jaw-dropping prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. Renowned for their exceptional quality, these sets rank among the cream of the crop on the prestigious PSA Set Registry. Moreover, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball commanded hefty sums, each selling for $37,200.
A standout gem in the auction was a rare 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 featuring the legendary Jerry West in a pristine PSA GEM MINT 10 grade, one of only two examples to achieve such a distinction. The card captured the attention of bidders worldwide and set a new record at $54,000, shortly after the passing of the esteemed Basketball Hall of Famer, who notably inspired the iconic NBA logo.
Noteworthy sales continued with impressive figures being achieved, including a 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb in SGC FAIR 1.5 grade breaking records at $38,400, and a 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 grade also reaching the same price point. The auction further showcased a spectrum of sought-after items, such as a 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth, a 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig, and a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays Rookie card, each commanding substantial bids.
REA President Brian Dwyer reflected on the auction’s success, noting the robust demand for top-quality graded sets and the unwavering passion for vintage rarities in the market. Looking ahead, excitement mounts for REA’s upcoming Summer Catalog Auction set to commence on July 23, promising a treasure trove of captivating items that are sure to captivate collectors.
For enthusiasts eager to partake in the thrill of future auctions, REA invites collectors to request the catalog for the upcoming Summer Auction through their website. Additionally, REA will be present at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, showcasing a curated selection of items from the Summer Auction, offering attendees a sneak peek at the treasures awaiting them.
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming events, REA continues to be at the forefront of delivering exceptional collectibles and fostering a vibrant community of avid collectors eager to uncover the next prized addition to their collections.
