At the upcoming sports memorabilia auction by Clean Sweep Auctions, collectors and enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the spotlight-stealing appearance of a supremely rare 1913 Honus Wagner card. This particular card, part of the Voskamp’s Coffee set, hails from the Pittsburgh area where the iconic shortstop made his mark in baseball history. Originally distributed in packages of coffee and tea by Voskamp’s Coffee, a local Pittsburgh company, these cards have become increasingly scarce over the past hundred years.
The 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card set to be auctioned was recently graded and encapsulated at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, marking only the third time a Voskamp’s Wagner has received a grading from PSA. SGC has graded just four examples of this elusive card to date, adding to its mystique and desirability among collectors.
This event marks a special occasion as it’s the first time a Voskamp’s Wagner card has been up for public auction since 2017, providing a unique opportunity for collectors to add this coveted piece to their collections.
In addition to the headline-grabbing Wagner card, the auction offers a treasure trove of vintage baseball cards and memorabilia. Highlights include two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers Mike “King” Kelly and Harry Wright, an E102 Ty Cobb graded PSA 2 (mk), a T206 Ty Cobb with a green background graded PSA 1.5, and other notable Ty Cobb cards. The lineup also features a Cy Young Portrait card graded PSA 5, giving a nod to the legendary pitcher’s enduring legacy.
For aficionados of pre-war memorabilia, the auction presents a diverse array of offerings, such as a lot of P2 Sweet Caporal pins, an E103 Williams Caramel Ty Cobb, an E101 Honus Wagner graded PSA 3, a T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb graded PSA 1, and collector-grade 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards. Not to be missed is the 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio graded SGC 5, adding to the allure of the vintage baseball collection.
Among the standout features of the auction is a nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, with individual autographed cards of Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays available, along with other cards offered as a single lot. Basketball enthusiasts can look forward to iconic cards like the PSA 6 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan and the PSA 8 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan. Football collectors are not left out, with pristine sets and high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning his illustrious career.
The memorabilia section of the auction is equally intriguing, showcasing items like a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball, a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball featuring signatures from baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a signed Roger Maris rookie card. Additionally, unique collectibles include baseball pennants from 1914 and 1920, tickets and programs dating back to 1905, boxing cards and memorabilia, historic presidential autographs, and entertainment autographs, offering a diverse range to cater to various interests.
With such a diverse mix of items on offer, Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions aptly describes this auction as one of the most eclectic assemblies ever presented. From rare vintage cards to significant memorabilia, this event promises something for every collector. The inclusion of the coveted 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card not only adds to the auction’s allure but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of sports history embedded in these timeless collectibles.
As collectors eagerly await the September auction, the anticipation is palpable for the chance to acquire these rare pieces that encapsulate the essence of sports history and memorabilia.
