Heritage Auctions is gearing up to host a Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction on July 12-13, featuring a dazzling array of rare and highly sought-after baseball cards. The star-studded lineup includes a pristine 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card, a gem-mint Michael Jordan Fleer rookie card, and a gem-mint chrome rookie card autographed by a young Bryce Harper. Also up for grabs are sealed packs, boxes, and cases filled with potentially valuable hidden gems, making this event a must-see for avid collectors.
Among the standout items is a collection of 1959 baseball cards originally stapled to containers of Canadian cookies. These cards, so scarce that only 69 are listed in PSA’s population report, will feature 37 cards in this auction. The roster boasts legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Eddie Mathews, Whitey Ford, Ernie Banks, and Yogi Berra.
The Dad’s Cookies cards hold a special place in sports memorabilia history, despite the brand’s relative obscurity. Heritage’s Executive Vice President in Sports, Joe Orlando, emphasizes the allure of these unique cards, noting that they excite even seasoned collectors due to their rarity and novelty. The cards were produced by Exhibits Supply Company, a Chicago-based firm known for creating arcade postcards. In 1959, Dad’s Cookies used these baseball cards as promotional items, adding an extra layer of charm to their already rare status.
This auction also features two highly coveted Ty Cobb T206 cards from the early 1900s. One of them is the El Principe de Gales Ty Cobb, graded PSA NM 7, with only one known example containing the El Principe de Gales advertisement on the back. The other is the American Beauty Portrait-Red Cobb, graded PSA EX-MT 6, hailed as the finest known example of its kind. These cards are a must-have for dedicated T206 collectors and hold immense historical significance.
In addition to vintage cards, the auction includes an assortment of sealed boxes and cases that offer the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. Items like the 1970 Topps Baseball Wax Box (1st & 3rd Series) and the 2015 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1 Hobby Unopened Case beckon collectors with the promise of uncovering rare gems like rookie cards of baseball greats or star players from other sports. These boxes encapsulate nostalgia and the excitement of what lies inside.
Newer boxes and cases also make an appearance, with offerings like the 2015 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1 Hobby Unopened Case and the 2020 Panini Flawless Football Factory Sealed Case. These contemporary items tantalize collectors with the possibility of finding prized cards like rookie autographs or exclusive patches. The element of surprise and anticipation adds to the excitement of opening these sealed cases.
The Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction by Heritage Auctions is set to be a memorable event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, providing a unique chance to acquire some of the rarest and most valuable baseball cards on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, this auction promises a treasure trove of iconic cards and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
