REA’s June Encore Auction was a paradise for collectors, with an array of high-end complete sets and vintage staples commanding the spotlight. The auction, boasting a total of 3,278 lots, saw an impressive turnout of over $1.7 million in sales, fueled by more than 67,300 bids.
Set building enthusiasts had much to rejoice about as six complete graded sets made their mark among the top ten items sold. The crème de la crème of the auction were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching eye-watering prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000, respectively. These sets are revered as some of the highest-ranked on the prestigious PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each went for $37,200, further solidifying the love for set collecting.
An absolute showstopper of the event was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 showcasing the legendary Jerry West in PSA GEM MINT 10, one of just two examples graded at this lofty level. This iconic card raked in a whopping $54,000, setting a new record for the card in any grade. The sale of this card held special significance as it coincided with the recent passing of the Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who inspired the timeless NBA logo.
The auction witnessed numerous other remarkable sales that left collectors in awe. Notable mentions include the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb in SGC FAIR 1.5, setting a record at $38,400 in that grade, the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle in PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also hitting $38,400, and the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box snagging $18,600, housing the rookie year appearances of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
Further delights included the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth in PSA VG+ 3.5 securing $16,200, the 1933 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig in PSA EX 5 and the 1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth in SGC VG 3 both fetching $13,200 each, and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Rookie in PSA Authentic going for $11,700. A contemporary gem, the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ featuring Aaron Judge in Blue Wave Refractor PSA GEM MINT 10, earned a respectable $10,200.
The sale also saw the 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Seymour Portrait in PSA VG-EX 4, the sole Cycle 460 Back example standing as the highest graded, command $9,900, while the 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie in PSA VG-EX 4 closed at $9,000.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed satisfaction with the auction results, noting the enduring appeal of top-quality graded sets and vintage rarities. He teased the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction scheduled to kick off on July 23, promising an exciting selection that is sure to captivate collectors and sustain the current trends.
For collectors eagerly anticipating the Summer Catalog Auction, REA invites them to request a catalog via their website. Additionally, attendees of The National in Cleveland can visit REA’s booth #6032 to preview a wide array of items from the upcoming auction.
To stay informed about REA’s upcoming auction schedule and delve into consignor stories from past and future events, enthusiasts can visit the REA website for more details.
