darryl

In a whirlwind of excitement and bids soaring to uncharted heights, Caitlin Clark’s autographed WNBA debut card has taken the collecting world by storm. The pinnacle of sports memorabilia auctions, Panini America’s recent sale of this one-of-a-kind card has rewritten the record books with a staggering selling price of $24,921.

For fans and collectors alike, Caitlin Clark’s journey from collegiate star to professional athlete has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her transition into the WNBA has only heightened the excitement surrounding her meteoric rise in the basketball world. To mark this significant career milestone, Panini America released a limited edition 1/1 Instant card featuring Clark’s authentic signature, commemorating her debut game in the WNBA.

The buzz surrounding this exclusive card was palpable from the moment it hit the market, with enthusiasts clamoring to own a piece of history linked to Clark’s debut performance on the professional stage. The fierce competition among bidders culminated in a groundbreaking sale price that not only reflects Clark’s immense popularity but also underscores the escalating interest in women’s sports memorabilia.

March marked a pivotal moment in Caitlin Clark’s partnership landscape, as she penned an exclusive agreement with Panini for autographs and memorabilia, consolidating her presence in the collectibles market. The strategic maneuver by Panini has proven to be a game-changer, paving the way for increased visibility and investment in women’s sports collectibles.

The historic auction of Caitlin Clark’s autographed WNBA debut card sends a resounding message to the sports world: the demand for women’s sports memorabilia is not only alive but thriving. With each bid placed and each record broken, the value associated with WNBA players’ collectibles continues to soar, illuminating the bright future of women’s sports in the world of collecting.

From the hardwood to the auction block, Caitlin Clark’s unprecedented success in the WNBA card market epitomizes her ascent as a rising star in both sports and collectibles. As her autographed debut card secures its place in history with the highest sale price ever for a WNBA card at public auction, Clark’s presence in the memorabilia realm shines brightly as a beacon of inspiration for collectors and fans worldwide.

Source

The recent culmination of REA’s May Encore Auction painted a vibrant picture of the collectibles market, showcasing record-breaking sales and a cascade of vintage treasures that left enthusiasts in awe. The spotlight of the event shone brightly on the niche of set building, with collectors feverishly pursuing complete and near-complete classic baseball sets from the coveted 1950s era. This surge of interest underscored a prevailing trend in the market towards high-grade set building, where rarity and condition reign supreme.

One of the auction’s defining moments unfolded with the sale of a remarkable 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing only a single card, which commanded an impressive price tag of $126,000. Raking in at #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a pristine GPA of 8.00, this set stood as a prime example of the meticulous standards collectors hold for such comprehensive compilations. Following closely was the sale of a 1957 Topps complete set, holding the #24 position on the PSA Set Registry and boasting a GPA of 8.00, fetching a substantial $99,000. Not to be overshadowed, the bidding war also saw the 1959 Topps complete set, occupying the #29 spot on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, being clinched for $72,000.

The auction further stoked the flames of excitement with a nod to pre-war rarities, igniting fervent interest and setting new benchmarks. A captivating lot was the 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the elusive Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, that ignited spirited bidding, ultimately making history with a sale price of $54,000, setting a precedent for its grade paired with the distinctive back. Adding to the allure was the sale of the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which changed hands for $30,000, marking a record value for its VG-EX 4 grade.

The auction’s grand total featured over 3,600 items crossing the virtual gavel, amassing a staggering sum of nearly $1.8 million from a remarkable 63,000 bids. Some other stellar performers included the likes of the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, which commanded $52,800; the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, PSA NM-MT 8, securing $36,000; and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard spotlighting a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, SGC FAIR 1.5, fetching an impressive $29,400. Not to be overlooked were iconic pieces such as Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman #253 Rookie card, PSA EX 5, going under the hammer for $25,200, alongside a flurry of other noteworthy sales that enthralled the collecting community.

REA President Brian Dwyer reflected on the auction’s triumphs, emphasizing the strong results and the rekindled enthusiasm for high-grade set construction. Dwyer expressed his optimism, foreseeing a promising trajectory for future events and the collectibles industry, buoyed by the current wave of excitement and engagement.

As the dust settles on this remarkable auction spectacle, REA sets its sights on the horizon, preparing for the upcoming June Encore Auction set to kick off on June 13. Following closely will be the expansive Summer Catalog Auction, commencing on July 23, aligned with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention. REA’s presence at Booth #6032 promises a continued celebration of collectibles excellence, ensuring that the fervor for unique pieces and historical treasures remains ablaze in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Source

This summer, the baseball world is abuzz with excitement as one of the most iconic artifacts in the sport’s history, Babe Ruth’s purported jersey from the legendary “called shot” in the 1932 World Series, is set to take center stage at Heritage Auctions. With an estimated value of $30 million, this gray road flannel could potentially become the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever sold.

The roots of this jersey stretch back nearly 92 years to a game at Wrigley Field where Ruth famously pointed towards the stands before hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs. This moment has since become a pillar of baseball folklore, steeped in mystery and debate. The authenticity of Ruth donning this jersey during that historic game has been reinforced by photo matching from two separate companies, further heightening its allure and potential worth.

Previously auctioned in 2005 by Grey Flannel Auctions for $944,000, the jersey was originally consigned by the daughter of one of Ruth’s golfing companions. Over the years, it has undergone careful conservation by the Textile Conservation Workshop to mend a tear while preserving its original state. The jersey impeccably matches the style of the Yankees’ uniform from 1932, further solidifying its historical significance.

Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, emphasized the jersey’s unparalleled importance in sports memorabilia: “Ruth’s World Series jersey is the most significant piece of American sports memorabilia to be offered at auction in decades. It will hold the record as the most expensive sports collectible ever to cross the auction block.”

Currently, the title for the priciest sports memorabilia belongs to a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card, sold for $12.6 million in 2022, also at Heritage Auctions. The highest sum ever paid for a Ruth jersey stands at $5.6 million for a circa 1928-1930 model, sold by Hunt Auctions at Yankee Stadium in 2019.

The lineage and distinctive features of Ruth’s “called shot” jersey, including button placement and specific stains, have been meticulously scrutinized. These subtleties are crucial for authenticators like MeiGray, who treat each game-worn jersey as unique as a fingerprint. This detailed examination ensures that potential buyers have concrete visual evidence supporting the jersey’s claim to fame.

Ruth’s unforgettable home run endures as a pivotal moment in baseball annals, not just for its theatrical nature but also for the myth it generated. Despite conflicting testimonies about the incident, Ruth’s boldness and skill on that day only contributed to his legendary status. The jersey will be showcased at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland this summer, in anticipation of the auction scheduled for August 23-25.

This forthcoming auction not only commemorates a pivotal fragment of sports folklore but also accentuates the expanding market for premium sports memorabilia, drawing in aficionados and collectors eager to possess a slice of baseball history.

Source

Arturs Silovs, once a name not widely known in the NHL, has swiftly become a standout player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, captivating fans and collectors alike. This unexpected rise to fame came as a result of unforeseen circumstances, catapulting him from the lower ranks of the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending depth chart to the forefront of hockey’s spotlight.

Initially considered third in line for the Canucks’ goaltender position, Silovs found himself suddenly thrust into the limelight due to injuries sidelining Thatcher Demko and Casey deSmith. Facing off against the Nashville Predators, he defied expectations by delivering stellar performances, showcasing his talent through spectacular saves and pivotal plays that aided Vancouver in their playoff campaign.

Despite facing formidable opponents like the Oilers, Silovs continued to impress, proving his mettle with standout performances that drew attention to his skill and potential as a rising star in the league. His journey to recognition was marked by notable achievements in junior and international hockey, solidifying his status as a promising talent both on the ice and in the collector’s world.

Silovs’ ascension to prominence has not gone unnoticed by collectors, with his rookie cards from the Upper Deck Series 2, particularly the Young Guns and Canvas Young Guns, becoming highly sought after and increasing in value. The buzz surrounding his cards was further intensified by the sale of his Young Guns Red Outburst variant, fetching a notable sum and adding to his allure among enthusiasts.

Beyond his presence in Upper Deck releases, Silovs’ appeal extends to non-licensed BY cards from IIHF tournaments, broadening his reach to fans and collectors across Europe. As speculation mounts regarding his future role with the Canucks, whether as a backup goaltender or a potential trade asset, one thing remains certain—Silovs’ unexpected journey from obscurity to stardom has firmly established him as a key figure in both the NHL and the collectibles market.

Source

Set to hit the shelves on June 12, the eagerly anticipated 2024 Topps Series 2 Baseball Cards are ready to elevate the realm of card collecting. This new series injects an additional 350 base cards into the existing 350 from Series 1, expanding the roster to encompass more players, rookies, and key absentees from the prior set like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Staying true to tradition, Series 2 retains the familiar blend of parallels, short prints, and super short prints from Series 1, while also introducing fresh inserts that build upon the success of their predecessors.

Among the novel features in this series is a short-printed set commemorating Ronald Acuna’s remarkable 40/70 season from the previous year, as well as special All-Star cards harkening back to the 1989 Topps Set, in honor of the 35th anniversary of Topps’ final release in the ’80s.

The face of Series 2 is adorned by none other than Juan Soto, and collectors can choose from two types of Hobby boxes: the traditional option containing 20 packs of 12 cards each, or the Jumbo boxes with ten packs of 40 cards each. Both box variations promise a guaranteed autograph or relic card, alongside silver bonus packs featuring chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels to add an extra layer of excitement.

The 350-card base set within Series 2 boasts a diverse array of content, spanning veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, each enhanced with various parallel types:

– Gold Foil Parallel – Exclusive to Jumbo packs.

– Rainbow Foil Parallel – Inserted in 1:10 packs.

– Gold Parallel – Numbered to 2024.

– Blue Holofoil Board Parallel – Numbered to 999.

– Additional parallels such as Purple Holofoil, Green Crackle Foil, and rare variations like Vintage Stock, Independence Day, and Black Parallels exclusive to Hobby/Jumbo packs.

New and returning inserts play a pivotal role in Series 2’s appeal. The lineup features six fresh insert themes, including the coveted 40/70 insert highlighting Acuna’s MVP caliber season, which is a short print solely found in Hobby boxes. Other newcomers like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field arrive with multiple parallels ranging from Blue to Platinum, extending to Autograph Parallels for selected subjects. The beloved 1989 Topps Baseball design makes a comeback, now featuring new All-Star inserts celebrating the game’s top players and paying homage to the ’89 release.

Noteworthy insert sets making a return from Series 1 encompass Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards exclusively available in Hobby products. A highly coveted new insert, Platinum Performers, enters the scene representing a super short print.

Continuing to be a highlight, relic cards and autographs are a definite draw for collectors, with offerings such as Baseball Stars Autographs and the fresh 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards, featuring dual and triple autographs as well as exclusive one-of-one Platinum Parallels. The relic section boasts Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels extending to Platinum variants.

In essence, the 2024 Topps Series 2 breathes new life into baseball card collecting, blending cherished elements from Series 1 with exciting new inserts, autographs, and relic cards that cater to both seasoned connoisseurs and budding enthusiasts alike.

Source

The Heritage Auctions’ Spring Sports Catalog sale was an event to remember, as it brought together sports enthusiasts and collectors in a thrilling display of historic memorabilia. The auction showcased some of the most iconic pieces of baseball history, with legendary jerseys and bats taking center stage and fetching jaw-dropping prices.

One of the most notable items was the 1920 Walter Johnson Washington Senators jersey, which stole the show by selling for just over $2 million. This flannel jersey, worn by Johnson during a significant game that marked Babe Ruth’s debut as a New York Yankee, was authenticated through photo matching. The jersey, originating from Johnson’s teammate Eric “Swat” Erickson, had been carefully preserved by Erickson’s family before making its way to the auction block. Its last sale prior to the auction in 2006 was for $352,000, highlighting the remarkable appreciation in its value over the years.

Another standout piece was the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers jersey worn by Sandy Koufax during his rookie season, which fetched an impressive $1.8 million. This jersey, symbolizing a pivotal moment in baseball history, is now etched in the hearts of sports memorabilia enthusiasts as one of the most iconic items to have been sold in recent years.

Several other remarkable sales added to the auction’s success, including Carl Hubbell’s New York Giants jersey from his MVP seasons, a Stan Musial St. Louis Cardinals jersey from his 1943 MVP year, Warren Spahn’s Milwaukee Braves jersey, and a Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s uniform from his remarkable 57-home run season in 1969. Each item told a unique story of baseball greatness and commanded significant prices from eager bidders.

In addition to the jerseys, the auction also featured memorable bats and other collectibles. A Ty Cobb Louisville Slugger bat from the early 1920s, believed to have been used during Cobb’s historic seasons, sold for an impressive $630,000. The auction also saw a Mickey Mantle bat from 1953, a Hank Aaron glove from 1973, and various other items capturing the essence of baseball’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its players.

Chris Ivy, the Director of Sports Auctions at Heritage, expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s performance, noting the increasing popularity of game-worn items among collectors. The three-day event attracted a global audience of 3,650 bidders and generated over $21 million in sales, with nearly every lot finding a new owner. The record-breaking bids extended beyond jerseys and bats to include rare cards that fetched impressive prices during the auction.

Examples of these record-breaking card sales included a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card graded SGC 7.5, a complete 1952 Topps master set, a 1915 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb card, and a George Brett rookie card. The auction also featured high-value unopened material, such as a 1961-62 Fleer Basketball box, a Wilt Chamberlain rookie card, a 1948 Bowman Baseball unopened wax pack, and a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card, all contributing to the event’s overall success and further highlighting the enduring allure of sports memorabilia.

In conclusion, the Heritage Sports Auction’s Spring Sale not only celebrated the rich history of sports through its collection of iconic memorabilia but also underscored the immense value and passion that drive collectors to pursue these rare and valuable pieces of history. The event was a resounding success, setting new records and solidifying the lasting legacy of legends immortalized in the world of sports memorabilia.

Source

A piece of baseball history is currently sparking excitement among sports memorabilia collectors as Heritage Auctions presents an iconic relic from the golden era of baseball. The spotlight shines on a game-used bat wielded by the legendary Mickey Mantle during the 1953 World Series, now available for bidding.

This particular bat is not just any run-of-the-mill equipment; it comes with a fascinating backstory that adds layers of intrigue to its already esteemed reputation. Once a prize at a youth baseball banquet in Oklahoma City, this bat has a tale as remarkable as Mantle’s own prowess on the field.

Let’s rewind to early 1954, a time when Mantle, alongside fellow baseball stars Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan, graced the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet with their presence. Among the various prizes handed out that evening, Mantle’s bat stood out as a coveted reward. Young baseball enthusiast Robert Nance emerged as the fortunate recipient of this prestigious piece after proving himself as one of the top ticket sellers for the event.

The K55 model bat, measuring 35.5 inches and weighing just under 34 ounces, has garnered a top-notch grade of PSA/DNA GU 10, signifying its exceptional condition and unquestionable authenticity. What elevates its significance even further is Mantle’s personal connection to the bat. Mantle himself disclosed to Nance that he wielded this very bat during the 1953 World Series, pointing out the distinct paint streaks it acquired from the Yankee Stadium dugout.

During the historic 1953 World Series games, Mantle showcased his incredible skill with this very bat, delivering standout performances that resonated throughout baseball history. Notably, he slammed two home runs against the Dodgers, with one of them being his sole postseason grand slam, a feat that contributed significantly to the Yankees clinching their fifth consecutive World Series title.

The bat’s authenticity is solidified by a heartfelt letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle presented him with the bat, infusing a personal touch into its already illustrious historical value. Furthermore, renowned PSA/DNA bat expert John Taube has validated the bat’s usage in the pivotal 1953 season through meticulous scrutiny of factory ordering records, highlighting its exceptional condition marked by numerous ball imprints, stitch impressions, and distinctive blue rack streaks.

Heritage Auctions has aptly described this extraordinary item as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to grace the hobby’s auction block.” As eager bidders anticipate the closing of the auction on Friday, May 17, it is widely anticipated that the bidding price will soar well into the six figures. Such a valuation reflects not only the bat’s historical significance but also the sentimental value attached to it, making it a prized possession for any avid collector or baseball enthusiast.

Source

Anthony Edwards, dubbed “AntMan” by fans, has become a powerhouse in the basketball card market, setting ablaze a trend of soaring sales with a jaw-dropping total exceeding $3 million on eBay. This surge in demand for his trading cards is a testament to his rising star status as a young talent in the NBA, sending collectors into a frenzy to get their hands on a piece of memorabilia from the promising Minnesota Timberwolves player.

Over the past three weeks, close to 30,000 Anthony Edwards cards have been snatched up by eager buyers, solidifying his presence as a hot commodity in the sports collectibles scene. The steep incline in sales figures paints a vivid picture of the escalating market value associated with the young basketball sensation, with certain cards commanding staggering prices that would make any collector’s eyes widen in astonishment.

Among the standout sales are thirteen of Edwards’ cards that have fetched prices exceeding $10,000 each, showcasing the immense demand for premium pieces of his memorabilia. One particular gem, a 2020 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA) card limited to just 99 copies and featuring a pristine PSA ’10’ autograph grade, recently found a new home for a hefty sum of $30,000. Another highlight includes an NT RPA graded 9.5/10 by Beckett, which stole the show at a recent Goldin auction, fetching an impressive sum north of $85,000. Furthermore, a game-worn jersey from Edwards’ rookie year commanded even higher bids, indicating the fervent interest in owning a piece of his early career.

The allure of Anthony Edwards extends well beyond the realm of basketball card sales, as evidenced by his dominance in the highly scrutinized list of most-watched basketball card auctions on eBay. This surge in attention is not merely a reflection of his memorabilia’s monetary value but also a testament to his stellar performance on the court. At just under 23 years old and already in his fourth NBA season, Edwards boasts an impressive scoring average of nearly 23 points per game and has played a pivotal role in propelling the Timberwolves to a promising position for a potential playoff run. His on-court prowess, combined with his increasing visibility, has catapulted his stock to new heights since making the leap to the NBA after a year at the University of Georgia.

For collectors and enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the realm of Anthony Edwards’ highly coveted cards, a treasure trove of insights and information can be found in a detailed story dating back to 2021. As Edwards continues to carve out his path in the NBA, the burgeoning interest in his trading cards and memorabilia is likely to only intensify, mirroring his meteoric rise in the league and the sports collectibles market. With each basket he sinks and highlight reel play he delivers, “AntMan” solidifies his status as a fan favorite and a bonafide sensation in the world of sports collectibles.

Source

A heavy sense of disbelief and despair loomed over the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention in Ohio as news of a significant heist surfaced. Attendees, collectors, and exhibitors were left astonished by the disappearance of a collection of baseball cards valued at a whopping $2 million. The stolen cards – a total of 54 in number – were slated to be showcased to enthusiasts and potential buyers at the convention, only to vanish into thin air, much to the dismay of the organizers.

The targeted shipment, containing a plethora of exceedingly rare and irreplaceable baseball cards, was transported from the sunny terrains of Southern California to the Midwestern state of Ohio. While en route to the venue, the Best Western Plus Hotel in Strongsville was set as a temporary holding ground for the valuable cargo. The disappearance of this treasury of baseball memorabilia has sent shockwaves through the collecting community and sparked a frenzy of concern and speculation amidst the convention-goers.

The missing collection encompassed a diverse array of prized baseball cards, including sought-after T206 tobacco cards, vintage 1914 Cracker Jack cards, obscure Brunner’s Bread cards dating back to 1911-14, early Exhibit cards, and mint-condition cards featuring legendary players like Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente. The rarity and historical significance of these cards only add to the urgency of recovering them, not just for their monetary value but for their cultural and sentimental worth to the collecting community.

As the investigation into the heist unfolds, law enforcement officials are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the culprits behind this audacious act. With a lead emerging from the local vicinity, the authorities are optimistic about making headway in the case. Despite the challenges posed by the distinctive nature of the stolen items, including the difficulty of offloading such conspicuous artifacts in the market undetected, the authorities remain resolute in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the pilfered baseball cards.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security risks associated with exhibiting high-value collectibles at public events, especially those as prominent and well-attended as the Strongsville Sports Collectors Convention. The sheer audacity of the heist and the precise targeting of the shipment underscore the need for heightened vigilance and enhanced security measures when dealing with such valuable and coveted items. The repercussions of this brazen theft are likely to reverberate throughout the collecting community, leaving a lasting impact on how such events are organized and safeguarded in the future.

The loss of the $2 million baseball card collection has not only dealt a significant blow to the organizers of the convention but has also cast a shadow over the entire collecting industry. The emotional and financial toll of the heist is immeasurable, with the stolen cards representing not just monetary value but a rich tapestry of baseball history and nostalgia. As the investigation progresses and the search for the missing cards intensifies, hopes are pinned on a swift resolution that will see these cherished memorabilia restored to their rightful place in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts who hold them dear.

Source

Robert Edward Auctions, known for its premier sports collectibles auctions, has kicked off its May Encore auction, dazzling collectors with a diverse array of over 3,600 lots. From classic 1950s baseball card sets to exceptional vintage cards and even a check signed by the legendary Honus Wagner post-retirement, this auction is a feast for sports memorabilia enthusiasts.

The auction commenced on Thursday, promising ten days of excitement for bidders interested in items spanning the entire spectrum of sports history, from the early days of baseball to the contemporary era. Among the early standout lots are gems like the T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card from 1909-1911 sporting a rare Uzit back, and a Ty Cobb rookie card from the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard series.

Enthusiasts can also feast their eyes on vintage baseball sets such as the complete 1957 Topps set and the nearly complete 1958 Topps set. Moreover, there are pristine high-grade cards from the 1950s Bowman and Topps collections, including rookie cards of baseball icons like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Sandy Koufax. An enticing offering in the auction is a full set break of the iconic 1951 Bowman set, sure to capture the attention of discerning collectors.

Beyond the cards, the auction boasts unique memorabilia pieces like a ticket stub from the 1957 NFL Championship Game and a 1920 Real Photo Postcard featuring the Harvard football team that graced the Rose Bowl that year. Each item tells a story of sports history, making this event not just an auction but a journey through the rich tapestry of athletic achievements.

REA President Brian Dwyer exudes enthusiasm for the auction’s lineup, underscoring the exceptional quality of the items on offer following the triumphant $15.4 million spring sale. He points to the robust interest from collectors and the premium nature of the collectibles featured, setting the stage for a thrilling bidding war among enthusiasts.

For those eager to get their hands on these coveted treasures, bidding is open until May 19 on the REA website, with bids starting as low as $10 for each item. This auction presents a golden opportunity for collectors to add rare and prestigious sports memorabilia to their collections while commemorating the timeless allure of sports collectibles that transcend generations. Join the auction, and be a part of history in the making.

Source