Vintage sports cards have continued to captivate collectors in 2023, proving their enduring allure in the dynamic market of collectibles. This was once again demonstrated by the spectacular Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company, where a range of vintage cards, including a prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, fetched record-breaking prices.
The highlight of the auction was undoubtedly the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which commanded an impressive sale price of $378,997. This particular card not only signifies the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
Mile High Card Company’s auction also showcased other noteworthy sales. A notable one was a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, featuring a blank back and graded PSA 7, which sold for $104,302. This sale marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, reflecting the growing interest in rare vintage cards.
Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Moreover, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction was not just about individual legends. It also saw record-setting prices for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. Among these, a 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, was sold for $30,674, significantly higher than the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices.
In addition to these, the auction set new records with sales of various other vintage cards. These included a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) for $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.
The auction was not limited to baseball cards. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531. This sale reflects the deep nostalgia and respect for the era’s baseball heroes. Other classic cards, like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, also drew significant attention, with sales reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items also featured prominently in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales, going for $40,486. Other notable memorabilia included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also highlighted jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, a 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat, used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season, went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only demonstrates the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The remarkable prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell, among others, signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports.
As the auction results show, vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, continuing to attract interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world. Whether it’s the elusive rookie card of a baseball icon or a cherished piece of memorabilia signed by a legendary player, these items continue to captivate the hearts and minds of collectors, preserving the legacy and magic of the sports world for generations to come.
