Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction showcased a dazzling array of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, igniting a frenzy of bidding that culminated in an outstanding total sales figure of over $7.1 million. The event kicked off the year with a bang, capturing the attention of collectors worldwide.
Babe Ruth’s presence loomed large over the auction, with three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 stealing the spotlight. The trio of cards fetched a staggering sum of nearly $700,000, with the #149 card, boasting a vibrant red background, commanding an impressive $316,736. An exceptionally rare advertising card dating back to the 1920s, featuring Ruth and Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, incited a fierce bidding war before eventually selling for $95,860. Other notable Ruth items included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which fetched $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, selling for $48,508.
Not to be overshadowed, the legendary Joe Jackson made his mark with a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 card, graded PSA 7, setting a new record for its grade at an astounding $173,794. This standout card was part of a set break that collectively raked in over $850,000 in sales, showcasing the enduring allure of these vintage treasures.
The allure of the 1952 Topps collection was undeniable, as three cards from this set, each graded PSA 8, exceeded six figures in value. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, commanding an impressive $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also captured substantial bids, further solidifying their iconic status.
Mickey Mantle’s cards continued to captivate collectors, with a rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 fetching $33,586. Additionally, a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieved $18,575. Notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM selling for $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 fetching $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 which sold for $16,886. Four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1966 collectively brought in close to $50,000, showcasing the enduring popularity of the legendary Yankee.
In addition to baseball, the auction also featured highlights from other sports, with a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, commanding $72,455 and eliciting excitement among hockey enthusiasts. Football cards also garnered attention, with standout sales including a 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie PSA 10 selling for $31,558, a 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie PSA 10 fetching $19,018, and a 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie PSA 10 achieving $20,432.
Beyond cards, the auction featured unique memorabilia that added a touch of intrigue, such as a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s selling for $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription fetching $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also selling for $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s fetching $16,121.
Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction was undeniably a resounding success, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in the world of sports memorabilia collecting. The event not only shattered records but also offered collectors the chance to own a piece of sporting history, promising an exhilarating journey ahead for enthusiasts seeking to acquire iconic and rare pieces from the past.
