Heritage Auctions is gearing up to host their highly anticipated Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction on July 12-13, featuring a remarkable array of rare and coveted baseball cards. Among the sought-after items up for grabs are a pristine 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card, a gem-mint Michael Jordan Fleer rookie card, and a dazzling gem-mint chrome rookie card autographed by the young Bryce Harper. The event promises an exciting lineup of sealed packs, boxes, and cases packed with potential hidden treasures, making it a must-see for avid collectors. Additionally, signed Shohei Ohtani cards and top-tier Ty Cobb tobacco cards add to the allure of this summer auction, which boasts a wide range of Hall of Fame memorabilia, including Babe Ruth’s famed “Called Shot” jersey.
A major highlight of the auction is a unique collection of 1959 baseball cards that were once attached to containers of Canadian cookies from the obscure brand Dad’s Cookies. Considered extremely rare with only 69 cards accounted for in PSA’s population report, this collection comprises 37 cards featuring baseball legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Eddie Mathews, Whitey Ford, Ernie Banks, and Yogi Berra.
Although Dad’s Cookies may not ring a bell for many, the historical significance of these cards in the realm of sports memorabilia is undeniable. Joe Orlando, Heritage’s Executive Vice President in Sports, commented on the excitement surrounding these cards, noting that they hold a special allure for collectors due to their rarity and unique backstory. Produced by Exhibits Supply Company, a Chicago-based firm established in 1907, these cards were originally distributed as promotional items by Dad’s Cookies in 1959, stapled onto bags and boxes of cookies. Each card featured a message from the company’s Scottish mascot, “Sandy,” encouraging children to collect all 64 “autographed” images of “a BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL STAR,” adding to their charm and scarcity.
In addition to the Dad’s Cookies collection, the auction showcases two highly coveted Ty Cobb T206 cards from the early 1900s. Notably, one of these cards is the El Principe de Gales Ty Cobb, graded PSA NM 7, with only one known example displaying the rare El Principe de Gales advertisement on the back. The other card, the American Beauty Portrait-Red Cobb, graded PSA EX-MT 6, stands out as the finest known example of its kind. Orlando emphasized the desirability of these cards among collectors, highlighting their rarity and appeal for enthusiasts who value T206 collecting.
For collectors seeking a nostalgic thrill and the potential to unearth hidden treasures, the auction offers a variety of sealed boxes and cases, including the 1970 Topps Baseball Wax Box (1st & 3rd Series) containing 24 unopened packs with the possibility of discovering cards of legends like Carl Yastrzemski, Vida Blue, Rod Carew, Tom Seaver, or Roberto Clemente. These items not only hold sentimental value but also promise the excitement of finding valuable gems tucked inside. Orlando described the allure of these items as a portal back to one’s childhood, frozen in time, with the mystery of what lies within adding to the excitement of the hunt.
Moreover, the auction features modern sealed boxes and cases, such as the 2015 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1 Hobby Unopened Case with 12 boxes and the 2020 Panini Flawless Football Factory Sealed Case with two boxes. These contemporary offerings present collectors with the opportunity to discover rare cards, including prized rookie cards or autographed gems, providing an element of surprise and excitement. Orlando highlighted the thrill of opening these modern boxes and cases, emphasizing the sense of adventure and anticipation that comes with unlocking the potential hidden treasures.
With a diverse selection of rare baseball cards and collectibles, Heritage Auctions’ Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction promises to be a memorable event for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss the chance to acquire some of the most prized and valuable cards in the collecting world.
