Memory Lane’s highly anticipated Winter Rarities Auction left collectors and enthusiasts buzzing with excitement as it soared past the $7.1 million mark in total sales. Vintage sports cards and unique memorabilia took center stage, attracting a global audience of eager bidders who vied for their chance to own a piece of sports history.
Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, stole the show with his legendary presence in the auction. Three 1933 Goudey cards, all graded PSA NM/MT 8, commanded nearly $700,000, with the standout #149 card featuring a striking red background fetching an impressive $316,736. An exceedingly rare advertising card dating back to the 1920s, depicting Ruth alongside Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, ignited a fierce bidding frenzy before finally selling for $95,860. Other notable Ruth memorabilia included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, fetching $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, which brought in $48,508.
Joe Jackson emerged as another high achiever in the auction, with a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 card featuring the iconic player and graded PSA 7 fetching a record-breaking $173,794. This exceptional card was part of a set break that collectively amassed over $850,000 in sales.
The allure of the 1952 Topps collection was unmistakable, with three PSA 8 graded cards surpassing six figures. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, achieving $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also garnered significant attention from bidders.
Mickey Mantle, a perennial favorite among collectors, continued to capture hearts and wallets alike. A rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 secured a price of $33,586, while a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, was acquired for $18,575. Four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards spanning from 1961 to 1966 collectively fetched close to $50,000. Other notable Mantle highlights included a 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM card valued at $29,012, a 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5 card selling for $38,879, and a 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9 card going for $16,886.
The auction also featured remarkable sales from various sports, delighting enthusiasts across the board. A 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie hockey card, graded PSA 10, dazzled hockey collectors with a final selling price of $72,455. Football fans were not left behind, as standout sales included a 1964 Topps Bobby Bell rookie graded PSA 10 selling for $31,558, a 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen rookie graded PSA 10 fetching $19,018, and a 1973 Topps Art Shell rookie graded PSA 10 being acquired for $20,432.
Moreover, the auction showcased unique memorabilia pieces that added a touch of exclusivity and rarity to the event. Items such as a Ty Cobb Tobacco tin from the 1910s selling for $30,463, a Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with a rare “#6” inscription going for $20,934, a handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season also reaching $20,934, and a Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat from the early 1900s being snapped up for $16,121, were among the sought-after pieces that captivated bidders.
Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction wasn’t just a sale; it was a celebration of sports history and a testament to the passion of collectors worldwide. As the auction concluded with record-breaking sales and exceptional items finding new homes, it set a thrilling tone for the year ahead, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to own iconic pieces of the sporting world’s legacy.
