A rare piece of baseball history is set to captivate collectors as Clean Sweep Auctions prepares to showcase the elusive 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card. This iconic card, exclusive to the Pittsburgh area where the legendary shortstop played, holds a place of honor in the world of sports memorabilia.
Distributed by Voskamp’s Coffee in coffee and tea packages a century ago, the 1913 Honus Wagner card has become a scarcity in the collecting world. Graded and encapsulated at the recent National Sports Collectors Convention, this Wagner card is only the third Voskamp’s example graded by PSA, with SGC having graded just four to date.
Collectors have a rare opportunity to acquire this prized card as it makes its first public auction appearance since 2017. The allure of owning a piece of baseball history, especially one as iconic as the Honus Wagner card, adds an exciting element to the upcoming auction.
In addition to the historic Wagner card, the auction features a wealth of vintage baseball cards and memorabilia that will delight enthusiasts. Highlights include two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards showcasing Hall of Famers, an early career E102 Ty Cobb, and various Ty Cobb cards graded by PSA. The collection also boasts Cy Young Portrait and Honus Wagner cards, as well as a selection of Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio cards from different eras.
Pre-war treasures abound in the auction, with offerings such as a lot of P2 Sweet Caporal pins, an E103 Williams Caramel Ty Cobb, and T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb card. The inclusion of a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card and a 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio graded by SGC adds depth to the vintage baseball card lineup.
A highlight of the event is the nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, including sought-after signatures like Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. Basketball fans will be thrilled to find iconic Michael Jordan cards from his early years, while football collectors can explore high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning his career.
Beyond cards, the auction presents a range of memorabilia, including a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball and a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball with signatures from Ruth and Gehrig. Unique items like Joe Tinker and Brooklyn Dodgers pennants, vintage tickets and programs, boxing collectibles, presidential autographs, and entertainment memorabilia further enhance the eclectic mix of offerings.
Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions describes the upcoming event as a diverse collection that caters to every collector’s tastes. With a blend of ultra-rare vintage cards, significant memorabilia, and unique collectibles, this auction promises to be a must-see for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The rich tapestry of sports history woven into these timeless items makes this auction a landmark occasion in the world of sports collectibles.
