Over the weekend, history was made at Heritage Auctions' Winter Sports Card Auction as a collection of rare sports cards fetched record-breaking prices. The star of the event was a premiere SGC graded 1916 M101-5 blank back Babe Ruth rookie card, which sold for an astounding $630,000. With a rating of 5.5 by SGC, this card is exceptionally rare, with only seven other examples known within SGC's records. The auction itself was a monumental success, accumulating over $11.1 million in total sales, with seven items each selling for over $100,000.
One of the most sought-after items at the auction was a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, graded PSA 10 in immaculate condition. This card achieved the highest sale price for a Gem Mint PSA graded copy since September 2021, solidifying Jordan's iconic status in the sports card market.
The auction also featured an impressive collection of vintage, still-sealed boxes, including a 1965 Topps Baseball wax box containing cards from the second, third, and fourth series. This box, originating from the collection of Adolph "Herky" Rupp Jr., descendant of the renowned Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp, fetched a staggering $336,000 after being authenticated by BBCE. Rupp Jr.'s collection also included a 1953 Topps Willie Mays card, graded PSA 8, which commanded a price of $186,000.
In addition to these coveted items, several unopened boxes from a recently discovered collection were auctioned off. A 1970 Topps Baseball 6th series cello box set a new record at $105,000, a 1968 Topps Football 1st series 36-pack cello box reached $99,000, and a 1973 Topps Baseball 3rd series 500-count vending box sold for $18,600. These initial offerings from the collection, tied to a former Topps employee, brought in $284,455, with expectations of reaching seven figures as more items are sold in the coming months.
Vintage autographed cards were also a highlight of the auction, particularly those amassed by Mike Greenbaum during their time of origin. A standout was a 1949 Bowman Jackie Robinson card, graded 1.5 with an autograph grade of 8, which fetched a hefty $117,000. A similarly graded signed Roy Campanella card from the same set sold for $69,000, showcasing the enduring appeal of these iconic baseball legends.
Individual card sales also drew significant attention, with a T206 Ty Cobb Green portrait, graded PSA 6 and featuring a Piedmont advertising back, selling for $105,000. A 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle card, graded PSA 9, reached an impressive $80,533, while a 1962 Topps Manager's Dream card, showcasing both Mantle and Mays, went for $75,000.
Complete sets were not to be overlooked, with the highest-rated set of 1909-1912 Colgan's chips discs selling for $54,000. The 16th ranked 1969-70 Topps Basketball set garnered $93,000, and an all-PSA 8 1952 Bowman baseball set was acquired for $84,000, showcasing the diversity and value of the auction's offerings.
Overall, the Heritage Auctions' Winter Sports Card Auction was a resounding success, with the rare Babe Ruth rookie card and Gem Mint Michael Jordan rookie card stealing the show. The record-breaking sales and the impressive array of vintage cards and sets highlighted the enduring popularity and investment potential of sports card collecting.
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