REA’s June Encore Auction was a treasure trove for collectors, shining a spotlight on top-quality complete graded sets and coveted vintage cards. With 3,278 lots up for grabs, the auction garnered over $1.7 million in sales fueled by more than 67,300 bids.
Set building emerged as a prominent theme, with six complete graded sets claiming spots in the top ten items sold. Leading the pack were the Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. These sets hold prestigious positions on the PSA Set Registry. Also commanding attention were complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball, each selling for $37,200.
A standout piece was the 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10, one of just two examples graded at this level, which sold for a record-breaking $54,000. This sale came in the wake of the recent passing of the iconic Basketball Hall of Famer, known for inspiring the NBA logo at the age of 86.
Noteworthy sales also included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 at $38,400 (a record for that grade), the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 at the same price, and the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box (36 Packs) featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year, which fetched $18,600.
The auction buzzed with excitement as collectors vied for rare finds like the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth PSA VG+ 3.5 at $16,200, the 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig PSA EX 5 at $13,200, and the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard Ty Cobb Batting Rookie PSA Authentic at $11,700.
Adding to the allure were sought-after items such as the 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Autographs #BCA-AJ Aaron Judge Blue Wave Refractor #18/50 PSA GEM MINT 10 at $10,200, the 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Seymour Portrait PSA VG-EX 4 – Cycle 460 Back at $9,900, and the 1951 Bowman #305 Willie Mays Rookie PSA VG-EX 4 at $9,000.
REA President Brian Dwyer commented on the auction’s success, noting the robust demand for top-quality graded sets and rare vintage cards. Dwyer teased collectors with a glimpse into the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction set to launch on July 23, promising an array of exciting items that are sure to captivate enthusiasts.
Collectors eager to get their hands on the next wave of coveted pieces can request a catalog through the REA website. Additionally, REA will be present at booth #6032 during The National in Cleveland, offering a sneak peek at a selection of the Summer Auction items.
For those hungry for more details on REA’s auction schedule and heartfelt consignor tales from past and forthcoming events, a visit to the REA website is a must. Get ready to dive into a world where vintage treasures and timeless classics await their next discerning owners.
