A supremely rare 1913 Honus Wagner card is set to steal the spotlight at an upcoming sports memorabilia auction, marking a historic moment for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The elusive card, exclusively issued by Voskamp’s Coffee in the Pittsburgh area where the legendary shortstop made his mark, is a coveted piece cherished for its scarcity and significance in sports history.
Clean Sweep Auctions recently announced the inclusion of this prized 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card in their September auction lineup. Originally distributed in packages of coffee and tea by the local Pittsburgh company, these cards have become increasingly rare over the past century. The Wagner card up for grabs has been meticulously graded and encapsulated by reputable organizations such as PSA and SGC, adding to its allure and authenticity.
This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most sought-after pieces in the hobby, with the Voskamp’s Wagner card making its first public auction appearance since 2017. The anticipation and excitement surrounding this event highlight the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of vintage sports memorabilia.
In addition to the historic Wagner card, the auction features an impressive assortment of vintage baseball cards and memorabilia, catering to a wide range of collectors’ interests. From 19th-century Old Judge cards to iconic T206 and E101 cards of legends like Ty Cobb and Cy Young, the auction showcases a treasure trove of baseball history preserved in these collectibles.
Enthusiasts of pre-war memorabilia will find delight in offerings such as the lot of P2 Sweet Caporal pins, the E103 Williams Caramel Ty Cobb, and the T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb, each providing a glimpse into the golden era of baseball collectibles. The presence of collector-grade 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards and a 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio graded SGC 5 further enrich the auction with their historical significance and allure.
One of the standout highlights of the auction is the near-complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, featuring signatures of legendary players like Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. Basketball enthusiasts can indulge in iconic cards of Michael Jordan, while football collectors can explore a range of pristine sets and high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning across his illustrious career.
The memorabilia section of the auction offers a diverse array of unique collectibles, including a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball, a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed ball featuring signatures from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a signed Roger Maris rookie card. From vintage pennants to tickets and programs dating back to the early 1900s, the memorabilia on offer provides a rich tapestry of sports history and nostalgia.
As Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions aptly puts it, “This auction presents perhaps the most eclectic mix of items we’ve ever assembled.” With a lineup that caters to every type of collector, from rare vintage cards to significant memorabilia, this event promises to be a landmark occasion in the world of sports collectibles. The inclusion of the historic 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card not only adds prestige to the auction but also celebrates the enduring legacy of sports history encapsulated in these timeless artifacts.
