REA’s May Encore Auction just wrapped up, leaving collectors and enthusiasts buzzing with excitement over the record-breaking sales and vintage treasures that defined the event. The auction, which concluded on a recent Sunday night, saw a flurry of activity in the realm of set building, with a particular focus on classic baseball sets from the 1950s that captured the hearts of bidders.
Leading the charge in terms of sales was a near-complete 1958 Topps set, an almost pristine compilation missing just one card, which fetched an eye-watering $126,000. This set, boasting a remarkable GPA of 8.00 and holding the prestigious #13 spot on the PSA Set Registry, exemplifies the exacting standards that collectors uphold for such collections. Following closely behind was a complete 1957 Topps set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, which commanded a hefty price tag of $99,000. Additionally, the auction featured a 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, that sold for an impressive $72,000.
Delving into the world of pre-war rarities, the auction also witnessed a fervent interest in these historical gems, with several lots setting new records. One of the most anticipated items was a 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which sold for $54,000, establishing a new benchmark for its grade and back combination. Not to be outdone, a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card fetched $30,000, setting a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer and amassing nearly $1.8 million in sales from a staggering 63,000 bids, the auction was a resounding success. Some other notable top performers included a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card, a 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie, among others.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his delight at the auction’s outcomes, highlighting the strong results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building within the industry. He remarked, “This is a very positive sign of great things to come in our upcoming events and the industry as a whole.”
Looking forward, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, scheduled to kick off on June 13, followed by the much-anticipated Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The Summer Catalog Auction will coincide with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will have a prominent presence at Booth #6032. With the success of the May auction setting the stage, anticipation is high for the upcoming events and the continued growth of the collectibles market.
