REA’s June Encore Auction concluded with a bang as high-end complete sets and vintage staples took center stage, garnering over $1.7 million in sales from more than 67,300 bids for the 3,278 lots on offer. Set building emerged as a key theme, with complete graded sets commanding attention at the auction.
Topping the charts were three Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, which fetched impressive prices of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets are highly coveted and rank among the top sets on the PSA Set Registry. Alongside them, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball found new homes for $37,200 each, delighting collectors with their completeness and quality.
A standout item that captured the spotlight was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10 card, one of only two such examples in existence. This rare gem set a new record by selling for $54,000, honoring the legacy of the late Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West, who recently passed away at the age of 86.
The auction also saw other notable sales such as the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which achieved $38,400, marking a record for its grade. The iconic 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 fetched the same price, showcasing the enduring popularity of baseball legends in the collectors’ market.
Collectors also showed a keen interest in unique items like the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year, which sold for $18,600, and the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 card that went for $16,200. With gems like the 1933 Goudey cards of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth commanding prices of $13,200 each, the auction demonstrated the continued allure of vintage rarities to enthusiasts.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s results, highlighting the strong demand for top-quality graded sets and rare vintage cards. He also teased the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction scheduled to commence on July 23, promising more exciting offerings to enchant collectors once again.
For collectors eager to participate in REA’s next auction, the company’s website offers the option to request a catalog for the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction. Additionally, REA will be making an appearance at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, showcasing a selection of items from the upcoming Summer Auction to enthrall attendees.
To stay updated on REA’s auction schedule and delve into captivating consignor stories, enthusiasts can visit the REA website for more details and insights into the world of vintage collectibles.
