REA’s June auction came to an exhilarating close on Sunday night, with set building as its shining star. Among the 3,278 lots up for grabs, it was the complete graded sets that stole the show. Six full sets managed to dominate the top ten items sold, each brimming with nostalgia and boasting remarkable collectible value.
Topping the sales were three iconic Topps Baseball complete sets. The 1963 set was the belle of the ball, commanding an impressive $75,000, followed closely by the 1960 set at $66,000 and the 1961 set at $54,000. These sets are not just any run-of-the-mill collections; they are deemed some of the finest on the PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each found new owners at $37,200 a piece.
The auction raked in a whopping $1.7 million in sales, a testament to the enduring allure of these vintage treasures, with over 67,300 bids adding to the thrill of the event.
One of the standout moments was the sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West graded PSA GEM MINT 10. This particular gem, one of just two in existence with such a pristine grade, fetched $54,000, setting a new record for this card in any condition. The sale held particular significance as it coincided with the recent passing of Jerry West, the Basketball Hall of Famer who famously inspired the NBA logo.
Several other noteworthy sales included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb graded SGC FAIR 1.5, which achieved a record price for its grade at $38,400; the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle graded PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also reaching $38,400; and an unopened 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, selling for $18,600.
The auction also saw the sale of various other baseball legends’ cards, such as a 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth graded PSA VG+ 3.5, a 1933 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig graded PSA EX 5, and a 1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth graded SGC VG 3, all fetching notable prices.
REA President Brian Dwyer remarked on the successful event, highlighting the ongoing trend of robust results for top-quality graded sets and the unwavering demand for vintage classics and scarce finds. He teased the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, set to kick off on July 23, promising a treasure trove of items to entice collectors and maintain the momentum of the recent sales.
For those eager to get their hands on the latest offerings from REA, the Summer Catalog Auction awaits, with catalog requests available on the company’s website. Additionally, REA will be present at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, where a selection of the Summer Auction items will be on display for attendees to marvel at.
Keep an eye on REA’s website for more information on upcoming auctions and captivating consignor stories, as the passion for collecting continues to thrive in the world of vintage sports memorabilia.
