Sports Card News

In Clean Sweep Auctions’ inaugural event of the year 2024, a remarkable assortment of pre-War baseball cards has taken center stage. Among the notable offerings are two highly sought-after T206 cards, which have captivated the attention of vintage baseball memorabilia collectors.

One of the highlights in this collection is the T206 Ray Demmitt card, graded SGC 2, and the Bill O’Hara card, graded SGC 1.5. These cards are accompanied by numerous Hall of Famers, all part of the renowned “monster” set, prominently featured in the event’s online catalog.

An equally impressive inclusion is the Ty Cobb ‘bat on shoulder’ variant card, adorned with a Sovereign 350 back and graded PSA 3. Additionally, a Cy Young portrait card, with an SGC 4 grade, stands out as a noteworthy item within the auction listings.

One of the rare gems in this auction is a set of four M110 Sporting Life Cabinet cards from 1911. This highly coveted set showcases baseball legends such as Honus Wagner, Frank Chance, Nap Lajoie, and Christy Mathewson. The scarcity of these cards, dating back over a century, contributes to their significant value, representing a limited number of surviving examples from this early endeavor of a sports newspaper in card production.

The auction also features other notable cards, including an 1887 Allen & Ginter Mike “King” Kelly card graded SGC 5, a 1907 Dietsche Ty Cobb postcard (with the name on the front variation) graded SGC 1, and a rare 1908 Rose Postcard highlighting Hall of Famer Addie Joss. Furthermore, collectors will find a collection of 1911 Turkey Red Cabinets, which includes cards of Walter Johnson, Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Rube Waddell, and Addie Joss.

Continuing the lineup of key lots, the auction offers a 1921 Exhibit Babe Ruth card graded PSA 2, a 1928 Harrington’s Ice Cream Ruth card graded SGC 1.5, a 1933 George C. Miller Dizzy Dean card graded SGC 3, and a pair of 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig cards (graded PSA 2 and SGC 3.5 respectively). Additionally, collectors can bid on a 1933 Goudey 149 Ruth card rated SGC 5, a 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams rookie card graded SGC 3, a 1948-49 Leaf Jackie Robinson rookie card graded Beckett 2, a PSA 9 graded 1950 Callahan set, and crucial rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays from the 1951 Bowman series. Not to be missed are the 1952 Berk Ross Mantle card graded PSA 3, the 1952 Bowman Mantle card graded PSA 5, the 1954 Johnson Cookies Aaron rookie card graded PSA 7, and the 1958 Hires Root Beer with tab Willie Mays card graded PSA 7.

Furthermore, the auction boasts complete sets, including the 1957 and 1967 Topps sets, with the latter featuring 90 graded cards.

The auction surprises enthusiasts with unique items such as an autographed 1953 Bowman Color Mickey Mantle card, a PSA 8 graded Jackie Robinson signed Hall of Fame postcard, and a 1931 Yankees team signed baseball.

For collectors of unopened material, the auction presents a 1988 Fleer basketball wax box and a 1986 Topps football rack box.

The event commences with an exceptional item newly discovered by the hobby community: a 1939 Joe Cronin Boston Red Sox road flannel jersey, which has been awarded a MEARS rating of 9.

Other items of interest include a series of Chicago Cubs signed team sets dating back to the 1950s, thirteen different Derek Jeter autographed cards (most signed before his MLB debut in the mid-1990s), and a Lou Gehrig autograph.

Basketball card collectors will delight in finding two Bird/Magic rookies and two Michael Jordan rookies. The football section encompasses vintage sets, Tom Brady rookie cards, and a ticket from the famous 1958 “greatest game” between the Colts and the Giants.

To complete the auction, an array of baseball memorabilia is up for bidding, featuring 19th-century Chicago Cubs home scorecards, a 1906 Red Sox scorecard, a 1920 Who’s Who with Babe Ruth on the cover, numerous World Series items, a 1912 tabletop baseball game, an original telephone from Ebbets Field, tickets, pennants, and a high-grade set of Hartland statues.

Bidders have until January 31st to participate in this extensive and impressive collection of baseball and sports memorabilia. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of history and add these valuable items to your collection.

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In the world of sports collectibles, certain players stand out as the hottest commodities on auction sites, captivating collectors with their exceptional talents and promising careers. These athletes, hailing from various sports, have become the focal point of collectors’ interests.

Brock Purdy, the surprising standout quarterback, has taken the football world by storm. Purdy’s ascent from a last-round draft pick to a high-impact player has not only made headlines but has also spiked the demand for his memorabilia. Collectors are eagerly seeking out his jerseys, cards, and autographed items, betting on his potential to become one of the greats in football history.

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation in baseball, has redefined what it means to be a versatile player. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth. Ohtani’s memorabilia, especially items that capture both aspects of his game, are highly prized. His rookie cards, signed baseballs, and jerseys are particularly sought after, reflecting his unique place in baseball history.

Jalen Hurts, another rising star in the NFL, has captured the attention of collectors with his dynamic playing style as a quarterback. Hurts’ memorabilia has become a hot commodity, with his rookie cards and signed jerseys leading the charge. His growing success on the field has translated into increasing value for his collectibles, making them a must-have for football enthusiasts.

Ronald Acuña Jr., the dynamic outfielder in Major League Baseball, has become a favorite among collectors. Known for his power hitting and speed, Acuña’s memorabilia, especially his rookie cards and signed bats, are in high demand. His youthful energy and potential for a long, successful career make his collectibles a wise investment.

C.J. Stroud, the impressive college quarterback, has already caught the eye of collectors. As he edges closer to a professional career, Stroud’s college memorabilia, including jerseys and signed items, have seen a surge in demand. Collectors are eager to acquire pieces associated with his early career, anticipating his future success in the NFL.

Victor Wembanyama, the basketball prodigy, is already a sensation among collectors, despite not yet playing in the NBA. His towering height and remarkable skills have made him one of the most anticipated players, and collectors are on the lookout for any memorabilia associated with him, from jerseys to cards and signed items.

Corey Seager, the All-Star shortstop in Major League Baseball, continues to be a favorite among collectors. His steady performance and key role in his team’s successes have made his memorabilia, like signed jerseys and bats, highly desirable. Seager’s consistent play and potential for future accolades keep his items at the top of collectors’ lists.

Lionel Messi, the soccer legend, remains one of the most sought-after figures in sports collectibles. His incredible career, filled with record-breaking achievements and mesmerizing plays, has made his memorabilia, including signed jerseys and balls, especially valuable. Messi’s global appeal ensures that his items are coveted by collectors worldwide.

Connor Bedard, the hockey sensation, is already making waves in the world of collectibles. His exceptional talent and potential as a future NHL star have made his jerseys, cards, and signed items hot commodities. Collectors are keen to acquire memorabilia linked to Bedard, anticipating his future impact on the sport.

Julio Rodriguez, another rising star in baseball, has quickly become a favorite among collectors. His impressive debut and potential as a power hitter have driven demand for his rookie cards and autographed items. Rodriguez’s early success and promising future make his memorabilia a valuable addition for collectors.

Each of these athletes, with their unique talents and burgeoning careers, represents a golden opportunity for collectors. Their memorabilia not only celebrates their current achievements but also holds the promise of future greatness, making them the hottest names on auction sites right now. So if you’re a collector looking to get in on the action, keep an eye out for these star athletes and grab their memorabilia while you can.

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Memory Lane’s Premier Auction is currently underway, captivating sports card enthusiasts with its exclusive collection of rare and highly coveted vintage cards. With only 120 cards on offer, this meticulously curated event is sure to attract collectors looking for unique and historically significant pieces.

One of the standout cards in the auction is the 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson rookie card. Graded PSA 8 and one of only two in NM/MT condition, this card has already reached a six-figure bid. Another prized card is the scarce T206 Ty Cobb Portrait (Green) card, with only three copies graded PSA 7 in existence. Also on offer is a PSA 6 Cobb ‘Bat Off Shoulder’ Old Mill back.

The pre-war era is well-represented in the auction, featuring exceptional cards like the PSA 7 graded T206 Cy Young and the highest graded PSA 9 T206 Nap Lajoie (Throwing) card. However, the true gem of the auction is the 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9. With only 13 cards graded at this level, this card is highly sought-after by collectors, with only two known to be higher graded.

But the legacy of Mickey Mantle doesn’t end there. The auction also includes six additional cards from the 1950s, each graded either 8 or 9. Notable mentions include prized versions from the 1953 Topps and Bowman series.

Roberto Clemente’s cards from 1956 to 1973 dominate the auction, with numerous Mint 9 graded cards outnumbering those of other players. Willie Mays also makes his mark with exceptional pieces, such as a rare 1962 Topps card graded PSA 9 and a 1970 Topps card, one of only two graded PSA 10.

Jackie Robinson fans will be delighted to find four of his cards in the auction. Highlights include PSA graded versions of his 1949 Bowman and 1952 Topps issues. The auction also features PSA 10 rookie cards of baseball greats George Brett and Rickey Henderson.

Football enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, as the auction offers high-grade rookie cards of Frank Gifford, Johnny Unitas, and Joe Namath. Basketball collectors, on the other hand, will be treated to rookie cards of Bill Russell (PSA 7), Wilt Chamberlain (PSA 8), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (PSA 8), Larry Bird/Magic Johnson (PSA 9), and Michael Jordan (PSA 8).

Memory Lane’s Premier Auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of sports history. With the auction culminating on February 4th, interested buyers can find more details on Memory Lane’s website. Don’t miss out on the chance to add these rare and highly sought-after vintage cards to your collection.

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Title: Sports Collectible Market Declines in 2023, Altan Insights Report Reveals

Subtitle: Ultra-modern and modern cards see significant sales drop, vintage cards fare better

Meta Description: The sports collectible market experienced a decline in 2023, with ultra-modern and modern cards experiencing the sharpest decrease in sales, while vintage cards performed relatively better, according to a report by Altan Insights.

The sports collectible market took a hit in 2023, according to a comprehensive report by Altan Insights, a company specializing in monitoring sales across various collectible markets. The report, based on data from Card Ladder, revealed a downward trend that started approximately 18 months ago and continued throughout the year.

Sales of ultra-modern cards, which are cards issued from 2009 to the present, saw a significant decline of 34.8% compared to the previous year. Modern cards, defined as those from 1984 to 2008, also experienced a downturn, with sales dropping by 30.8%. However, vintage cards fared relatively better, despite a decline in overall sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, vintage and pre-war cards outperformed their modern and ultra-modern counterparts, further solidifying their advantage in the collectible market for the year. Altan’s report pointed out that football, soccer, racing, and basketball cards saw the most substantial price declines.

The report highlighted that high-end football cards, particularly those of quarterbacks, struggled to regain their value, with injuries to popular quarterbacks in the latter half of the season exacerbating the situation. Additionally, the top 50 sales at most auction houses experienced a significant decline from 2022 to 2023. Interestingly, the decline was less pronounced in the next tier of sales, indicating a slightly stronger demand in the mid-range market segment.

Key findings from Altan’s 41-page report on the fourth quarter and the year 2023 include a 40% year-over-year and 27% quarter-over-quarter drop in the number of six-figure auction sales in Q4. This marked the lowest total in the past three years, signaling a noticeable decrease in high-value sales.

In 2023, there were eleven recorded sales of baseball items exceeding $1 million, with eight of them involving cards or memorabilia of legendary figures Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. These sales were spread across five different auction houses, highlighting the continued demand for iconic players.

Basketball cards experienced a distinct shift from the previous year, with no seven-figure sales recorded in 2023 compared to twelve in 2022. Altan attributed this disappearance in demand to modern patch cards at high price points, which failed to regain popularity throughout the year.

Examining the top-selling cards of currently active basketball players on eBay in the last four months of 2023, the list featured names like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Curry, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the market for LeBron James and Steph Curry cards across all platforms saw a significant decline of over 40% last year, while Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant cards remained relatively stable.

Interestingly, Jordan cards from the late 1990s accounted for five of the top ten Jordan card sales in the fourth quarter, including three of the top five. This indicates the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan and the continued demand for cards featuring him from that era.

While the market for game-worn and game-used memorabilia showed only modest growth compared to the previous year, the top 25 and top 50 sales in this category in 2023 were more than double the levels achieved in 2021. This suggests that collectors and investors still have a strong interest in owning unique pieces of sports history.

Overall, Altan Insights’ report provides a comprehensive overview of the changing dynamics within the sports collectible market. It sheds light on the fluctuations in different segments and highlights the evolving interests of collectors and investors in this domain.

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An extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia is set to make waves in the auction world this month. A highly sought-after 1915 Boston Red Sox team postcard, featuring a young Babe Ruth in his rookie season, is expected to be the star attraction in an upcoming auction. With only ten such graded postcards known to exist, this find is an incredible opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The prestigious auction house, Heritage Auctions, is gearing up to present this exceptional item in their highly anticipated February Platinum Auction. Notably, this postcard holds the distinction of being the highest-graded example of any Babe Ruth rookie card, with a PSA rating of 6. With a pre-sale estimate suggesting a price tag of over $1 million, this postcard is sure to captivate bidders.

The postcard showcases the 1915 Boston Red Sox team, proudly recognized as the “American League Champions.” This title indicates that the postcard was likely produced around the time of the 1915 World Series. Babe Ruth, in his debut season, is prominently featured in the back row of the team photograph, cementing his place in baseball history.

During the 1915 World Series, the Red Sox’s home games were played at Braves Field, which belonged to the city’s National League team. Braves Field was chosen due to its larger seating capacity when compared to Fenway Park, which was still a relatively new stadium at that time.

The postcard identifies each member of the Red Sox team by last name and playing position. Of particular interest, Babe Ruth is seen standing next to Carl Mays, another rookie pitcher. Mays would later join Ruth in playing for the 1920 New York Yankees and is unfortunately remembered for a tragic incident in which his pitch struck and killed Cleveland player Ray Chapman in August of that same year. The card also features Hall of Famers Tris Speaker and Harry Hooper, adding further historical significance to this piece.

This auction follows the recent sale of a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card for an astonishing $7.25 million. Interestingly, both the 1914 and 1915 cards have a graded population of only ten each, further highlighting their rarity and value.

Heritage Auctions has aptly described this 1915 postcard as one of the most significant trading cards ever to grace the hobby’s auction market. Its scarcity and historical importance make it a highly coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts.

Bidders and fans of Babe Ruth will have the opportunity to participate in this momentous event as the auction bidding is set to commence on February 2nd. This auction promises to be a standout occasion for baseball history collectors and fans of the legendary Babe Ruth himself. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of baseball’s golden era.

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Upper Deck, a prominent name in the trading card industry, has recently announced the extension of its licensing partnership with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA). This renewed agreement solidifies Upper Deck’s exclusive rights to produce and distribute physical trading cards featuring over a thousand former NHL athletes.

According to Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, this renewal is a strategic move for the company. Masherah recognizes the vital role played by the NHLAA in enriching Upper Deck’s offerings, allowing them to feature trading cards and autographs of hockey’s greatest players. This partnership enhances the collectibles market, catering to the passionate hockey enthusiast community.

The NHL Alumni Association, based in Ontario, has been actively supporting former NHL players. Their group licensing program, initiated in June 2017, grants the NHLAA the authority to use the collective image rights of its members. This program helps fund various programs and initiatives of the association. The participation of legendary players like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Ray Bourque, among others, contributes to the success of this program, with nearly a hundred Hall of Fame inductees involved.

Upper Deck’s collaboration with the NHLAA reflects the broad commercial appeal of the association. Apart from producing trading cards, the NHLAA is also involved in other activities such as player appearances, professional-amateur tournaments, career transition programs, and an annual stick auction. These initiatives celebrate the sport and honor its legacy.

Glenn Healy, the Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association, expressed his enthusiasm about the extended partnership with Upper Deck. He highlighted the significant role that Upper Deck trading cards play in capturing and preserving the heritage of hockey. This agreement ensures that fans and collectors across different generations can continue to cherish and celebrate the iconic NHL Alumni who have contributed to shaping the game.

In an exciting development, Upper Deck also announced plans to expand its product line to include digital trading cards, available through its Evolution platform. This move signifies the company’s efforts to bridge the gap between traditional collecting and the digital age. The introduction of digital trading cards offers a new medium for fans and collectors to connect with the rich history of hockey.

In conclusion, the extended licensing agreement between Upper Deck and the NHL Alumni Association not only establishes Upper Deck as the exclusive producer of physical trading cards featuring former NHL players but also marks a significant foray into the world of digital collectibles. This partnership aims to enrich the legacy of hockey for a new generation of fans and collectors, combining the best of traditional and digital collecting experiences.

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In a truly remarkable event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. After being privately held for years, these iconic pieces of sports history are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by the prestigious Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, this highly anticipated auction features the sneakers as part of a larger collection and boasts an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.

Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s era of dominance in the 1990s. The tradition of Jordan gifting Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory led to the formation of this unique collection.

Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.

The collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s, showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911; the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design; the famous “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the early prototype “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Adding to the allure of this extraordinary collection is a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This playful and historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam showcases the personal nature of this collection.

Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been rigorously verified, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.

This upcoming auction follows the historical sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million – the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it offers a rare and unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. These sneakers, worn by one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan, embody his legacy and are sure to be highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.

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The sports memorabilia world is currently abuzz with the auction of a highly sought-after basketball card, representing none other than Caitlin Clark, who is widely regarded as one of the best female college basketball players globally. This particular card, featuring Clark, is not just a collectible item; it stands as a potential record-breaker in the history of women’s basketball cards.

Enabled by the recent NIL rules, Clark, the all-star point guard from Iowa, was featured in a card set from the 2022 Bowman U Basketball series even before her senior season kicked off. Among these cards, her 1/1 SuperFractor autograph card has become the centerpiece, potentially setting a new high for the value of women’s basketball trading cards.

As the auction progresses, with more than a week remaining, the card’s bid has already reached a remarkable $20,400. This figure is significantly higher than the previous record-holder, a Sabrina Ionescu 1/1 card, which was sold for $11,500. The steep rise in bidding indicates a growing interest and appreciation for women’s basketball memorabilia.

The prized Clark card was originally found by Wasteland Gaming in Atlanta in the latter part of the previous year. Following its discovery, it was sent to PSA for grading, where it achieved an impressive Gem Mint 10 rating. The sticker autograph on the card also received a perfect score, adding to its value and appeal.

Currently, this much-coveted card is being auctioned through PWCC Marketplace, drawing attention from collectors and enthusiasts across the globe.

In conjunction with this auction, another unique card of Clark’s, the 1/1 Prime Signatures SuperFractor, is also up for grabs on eBay, with its auction concluding on January 23rd.

Caitlin Clark has established herself as a basketball sensation, known for her exceptional skills and captivating presence on the court. Her ability to draw crowds, both at home games and on the road, mirrors her prowess and charisma as a player. Comparisons have been drawn between her playing style and that of legends like Pistol Pete and Larry Bird, underscoring her impact on the game.

Her contributions extend beyond her on-court performances. Clark has been instrumental in elevating the viewership and popularity of women’s basketball. Off the court, she is recognized for her humble nature and dedication to promoting the sport. ESPN analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo remarked on Clark’s unique ability to captivate audiences and her significant role in advancing women’s basketball.

In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s SuperFractor card is more than just a piece of sports memorabilia. It represents a milestone in women’s basketball, capturing the essence of Clark’s remarkable career and her role in elevating the sport to new levels of recognition and appreciation. This auction is not only about setting a new financial record but also about celebrating the growing stature of women’s basketball in the sports world.

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Wheatland Auctions, a prominent Pennsylvania-based auction house, has started off the year 2023 with a bang by presenting a diverse and exciting range of sports collectibles. With nearly 500 lots on offer, the auction features a remarkable combination of vintage and modern cards, memorabilia, and sealed high-end football products from Panini.

One of the highlights of this auction is the twelve sealed cases of Panini’s high-end football products, which have caught the attention of modern sports card enthusiasts. These cases include sought-after editions such as the 2018 Prizm Hobby, 2020 Prizm Jumbo, 2021 Flawless, as well as multiple years of National Treasures, Contenders Optic, Immaculate, Select, and Panini One. These sealed cases are highly coveted in the world of modern football card collecting.

In addition to the high-end football products, the auction also offers an impressive selection of vintage and modern cards. Notably, all four lower to mid-grade copies of the Babe Ruth cards from the iconic 1933 Goudey set are up for grabs, along with one of the highest SGC graded 1922 E121 American Caramel Ruth cards. Fans of vintage baseball memorabilia will also be drawn to the 1933 and 1934 Lou Gehrig cards, adding to the auction’s appeal.

Basketball fans will not be disappointed either, as the auction includes five Michael Jordan rookie cards and two Jordan rookie stickers. These items hold significant value due to Jordan’s enduring legacy in the sport.

Collectors will also find several other noteworthy items, such as an SGC 10 1986-87 Fleer Isiah Thomas rookie card, 1926 W512 cards of Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, and partial sets of 1933, 1934 Goudey, 1934-36 Batter Up, and 1934-36 Diamond Stars. Single Diamond Stars cards featuring legends like Mel Ott, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, and Hank Greenberg are also featured, showcasing the depth and variety of the collection.

The memorabilia section of the auction is equally impressive, with signed baseballs from historic figures such as Pie Traynor, Frankie Frisch, Willie Mays, and Thurman Munson (on a Little League ball). A rare 1917 World Series Game 2 ticket is another standout item, offering collectors a tangible piece of baseball history.

Wheatland Auctions has built a strong reputation for offering complete and partial vintage sets and graded cards from the post-War era. This event stays true to that tradition, providing collectors with an opportunity to acquire pieces from a crucial period in sports history.

The auction is open until Sunday, February 18, providing enthusiasts and collectors with ample time to peruse and potentially own a piece of sports history. Whether you’re interested in modern high-end football products, vintage baseball cards, or rare memorabilia, this auction offers a unique opportunity to explore and acquire a wide range of sports collectibles.

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The 17th annual Super Bowl Live Auction, a highly anticipated event in the world of sports memorabilia, is set to showcase an extensive collection of items from one of the greatest pro football players of all time, Johnny Unitas. This collaboration between Hunt Auctions and the NFL promises to be a highlight for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Taking place on Saturday, February 10th, just before Super Bowl LVIII, the auction will feature over 1,000 football-related items. Among these, hundreds have been consigned directly by the family of Johnny Unitas, the late Hall of Fame quarterback who achieved legendary status before his passing in 2002 at the age of 69.

Johnny Unitas, often referred to as “The Golden Arm,” rose to fame as a collegiate star at the University of Louisville. Despite being a ninth-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, his journey took a turn when he didn’t make the team, leading to his signing with the Baltimore Colts in 1956. Overcoming initial challenges, he established himself as one of the preeminent players of the 1950s and 1960s.

One of the standout items from Unitas’ collection is his personal copy of his 1957 Topps Johnny Unitas rookie card. Unitas was instrumental in leading the Colts to the NFL Championship in 1958, a game famously known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This overtime victory, broadcast nationally, significantly boosted the NFL’s popularity in the 1960s.

One prime item in the auction is Unitas’ 14k gold 1958 championship ring, estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000. Unitas’ illustrious career with the Colts included three NFL Championships, a Super Bowl championship, three NFL MVP awards, and numerous NFL passing records, including a remarkable streak of 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown. His Super Bowl V championship ring is another highlight of the auction.

The items from Unitas’ career, being offered publicly for the first time, come with letters of provenance from the Unitas family. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL Auction Charities. The family has made it known that not all items from his career are being sold, as some have previously been donated for public display.

Highlights from the Johnny Unitas Collection include professional model high-top cleats from the 1970s, his 1979 Football Hall of Fame Induction ring, an autographed Baltimore Colts professional model helmet from the late 1960s-early 1970s, his 1967 NFL Most Valuable Player award: the Jim Thorpe Memorial Trophy, the 1964 Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player Award, and a Rolex wristwatch.

In addition to Unitas’ collection, the auction will also feature items from the personal collection of Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz. Muñoz, selected third overall in the 1980 NFL Draft from USC, had a profound impact on the Bengals and is regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in NFL history. His collection includes his final game uniform from December 27, 1992, a Cincinnati Bengals professional model jersey from the 1980s, and more.

The auction also includes items from other notable football figures and events. One highlight is a 2014 Tom Brady autographed and inscribed New England Patriots game-worn jersey from the season opener against the Miami Dolphins. This jersey, authenticated by MeiGray and valued between $250,000 and $500,000, is considered one of the finest Tom Brady game-worn jerseys available.

Other notable items include a 2022 Lamar Jackson game-worn Baltimore Ravens jersey, Lamar Jackson’s autographed rookie year game-worn cleats, and more. NFL Auction has also provided items with proceeds awarded to the league’s nonprofit partners, including a Trevor Lawrence game-worn Jacksonville Jaguars jersey and other pieces from notable players.

The live auction items will be available for preview at the Super Bowl Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center from February 7-10, with tickets required for entrance. Hunt Auctions experts will offer complimentary appraisals for sports memorabilia during these hours. This auction not only offers a unique glimpse into football history but also supports various charitable causes, making it a notable event in the sports community.

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