The recent auction event by Robert Edward Auctions (REA) in March has left collectors and enthusiasts alike in awe as multiple records were obliterated in the vintage card market. The March Encore sale was the stage for some remarkable transactions, with a standout moment being the sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card in PSA EX-NM 6 condition, which fetched an astonishing $32,400.
But the momentum didn’t stop there, as other iconic cards also saw significant bids. A 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb in SGC POOR 1 condition and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder in PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back both set new records, selling for $28,000 and $27,600, respectively.
The auction, hosting a stunning array of over 3,300 lots, managed to rake in an impressive sum of over $1.3 million, garnered from nearly 66,000 bids. Among the noteworthy sales were a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson in PSA GEM MINT 10 condition, fetching $30,000, and a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie in PSA MINT 9 condition, selling for $25,200. The sale of a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie in PSA VG+ 3.5 condition also caught the attention of bidders, going for $23,400.
The auction didn’t just focus on baseball legends but also showcased other sports icons. Sales of a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner in PSA GOOD 2 (MK) and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, both priced at $14,400, added to the excitement of the event.
Rare and unique items further fueled the bidding frenzy, with an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson in PSA EX-MT 6 condition selling for $10,800 and $8,100, respectively, setting new standards in the market.
The auction also witnessed records being set by items like a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait in PSA POOR 1 condition (Brown Hindu Back) for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, which sold for $5,280.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, expressed his delight at the remarkable success of the auction, emphasizing the strength of the vintage market and setting an optimistic tone for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction. The event not only achieved record-breaking sales but also reignited the passion and enthusiasm within the vintage card collecting community, proving that the allure of these timeless pieces continues to captivate hearts and wallets alike.
