Hold onto your baseball caps, folks, because the sports memorabilia world just witnessed a legendary moment. A 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card recently made waves by selling for an eye-popping $390,935 at Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction. This exceptional sale has set a new standard in the realm of collectibles, proving that the allure of iconic sports legends is stronger than ever.
The bidding war for this prized possession was nothing short of exhilarating, drawing in eleven determined participants who were all vying for a chance to own a piece of baseball history. The fact that this particular card is the highest-graded example to grace the auction scene in over 15 years certainly added fuel to the fire. With no PSA 10 Mays rookie cards in existence and just eight in a PSA 9 condition, it’s no wonder that collectors were willing to swing for the fences to acquire this rare gem.
For those needing a bit of context, a PSA 8 variation of the same Mays card sold for a substantial $207,400 just the week before at Goldin Auctions. Clearly, the demand for Mays’ rookie cards is soaring higher than a fly ball at a summer ballpark.
Aside from the astounding sale price, what sets this auction apart is the heartwarming destination of the proceeds. The consignor has chosen to utilize the funds generated from the sale to establish a college scholarship endowment. This remarkable act of generosity adds an extra layer of significance to an already historic transaction, showcasing how the power of sports memorabilia can make a meaningful impact on future generations.
The Summer Catalog Auction itself was a home run event, amassing an impressive sum of over $13.3 million through a staggering 82,000 bids across nearly 3,200 lots. Thirteen items managed to break the six-figure mark, with highlights including the $162,000 sale of a 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5—the highest price ever paid for that grade.
Among the notable sales were an autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie card (PSA 3) with a PSA 9 signature grade, fetching $132,000, and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) that commanded $120,000.
Adding to the lineup of impressive sales was a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey that scored a solid $114,000, setting a new record for Dizzy Dean memorabilia.
Highlights of other noteworthy sales include the following:
– 1933 R338 Sport Kings #2 Babe Ruth PSA NM-MT 8 – $120,000
– 1915 Boston Red Sox Real-Photo Team Postcard with Babe Ruth Rookie – $114,000
– 1980 Topps #482 Rickey Henderson Rookie PSA GEM MINT 10 – $111,000
– 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Glove Shows PSA EX+ 5.5 – $111,000
– 1979-1980 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie PSA MINT 9 – $105,000
– 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson SGC GOOD+ 2.5 – $102,000 (a record for SGC grade)
– 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth PSA NM 7 – $96,000 (a record for the card)
– 1984-1985 Star Company Basketball #101 Michael Jordan Rookie BGS NM-MT+ 8.5 – $52,800 (a record for the Beckett grade)
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed his excitement over the auction’s success, noting the plethora of record-breaking prices that were achieved during the event. With plans already in motion for the upcoming September Encore Auction, scheduled to run from September 12-22, there’s no doubt that the thrill of the auction block will continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. Mark your calendars for more exhilarating action!
