Mile High Card Company, a vanguard in the sports memorabilia sphere, once again solidified its iconic stature with an auction that resonated throughout the industry. Notably, their expertise with the iconic T206 Honus Wagner card has set them apart, and their recent achievements further accentuate this distinction.
Central to their latest auction was the monumental sale of the 1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal 150/25 card. This gem realized an impressive $1.968 million, setting a benchmark for Wagner cards designated as PSA Authentic (Restored). The vibrant bidding ambiance was indicative of the card’s monumental status, nearly breaching the illustrious $2 million threshold. However, in the broader landscape, the Wagner card’s SGC 2 version remains unparalleled, having secured an impressive $7.25 million in a confidential 2022 deal brokered by Goldin Co. Another feather in the cap was the acquisition of the SGC 3 version for $6.6 million in 2021, an initiative by Robert Edward Auctions. These monumental figures, nonetheless, stand juxtaposed to the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card (SGC 9.5) which fetched a staggering $12.6 million.
Post-auction, Brian Drent, the driving force behind Mile High, beamed with pride. He commended the elite choices of their patrons and the unparalleled avenues such events curate.
While the Wagner card was undoubtedly the star, the auction had its fair share of illustrious contenders. The 1948 Leaf Baseball unopened wax pack, holding a PSA 7 NM rating, commanded a laudable $206,017. In close succession, the 1952 Topps Baseball unopened wax pack 1st Series (PSA 7 NM) captivated attention with a $104,045 price tag. The aura of nostalgia was heightened with memorabilia such as the 1971 Bobby Orr Boston Bruins jersey and the 1967 Willie McCovey game-worn jersey, fetching $167,491 and $17,235 respectively.
Spanning from August 23 to September 7, the auction was a hive of activity, testament to the global passion for sports collectibles.
Other noteworthy mentions from the event include:
The illustrious 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle card, securing $131,231.
The coveted 1914 Cracker Jack “Holy Bible” Shoeless Joe Jackson, amassing $89,876.
The distinguished 1963 Topps Rookie Stars #537 Pete Rose, concluding at $79,775.
Timeless treasures featuring legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, valuated between $11,589 and $22,373.
Legacy cards of the mid-century era, with icons like Roberto Clemente, ranged between $14,057 and $42,195.
Football’s golden era spotlighted with John Unitas cards, yielding $11,589 to $19,981.
Basketball hallmarks, especially of Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, fetching from $17,945 to $34,314.
Comprehensive collections, with sets like the 1933 Goudey, enticing bids up to $112,255.
Wrapping up this landmark event, the Mile High Card Company’s esteemed position in the sports collectibles domain was indelibly etched, aligning seamlessly with global collectors’ aspirations.
