Robert Edward Auctions recently concluded their March Encore sale with a bang, setting numerous records for vintage cards that left collectors and enthusiasts in awe. The highlight of the auction was the remarkable sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth, graded PSA EX-NM 6, which fetched an impressive $32,400. This sale alone set the tone for a series of record-breaking transactions that unfolded during the event.
Among the notable highlights were a 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb, graded SGC POOR 1, and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder, graded PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back, which sold for $28,000 and $27,600 respectively, setting new benchmarks in the world of vintage card collecting. These sales underscored the strong demand for rare and high-quality pieces in the market.
The auction featured a staggering array of more than 3,300 lots, capturing the attention of bidders who eagerly participated in the frenzy that resulted in over $1.3 million in total sales across nearly 66,000 bids. The enthusiasm and competition among collectors were palpable as each item went under the hammer.
In addition to the iconic Babe Ruth card, other notable sales included a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson, graded PSA GEM MINT 10, which sold for an impressive $30,000. The 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie, graded PSA MINT 9, fetched $25,200, while a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie, graded PSA VG+ 3.5, commanded a price of $23,400, further emphasizing the enduring appeal of these legendary sports figures.
The auction also saw the sale of a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner, graded PSA GOOD 2 (MK), and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie, graded SGC GOOD+ 2.5, both of which were acquired for $14,400, adding to the excitement of the event.
Rare and unique items were not to be overlooked, with an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson, graded PSA EX-MT 6, fetching $10,800 and $8,100 respectively, showcasing the collector’s interest in one-of-a-kind memorabilia.
Setting new records in their own right were items like a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait, graded PSA POOR 1 (Brown Hindu Back), which sold for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig, graded SGC GOOD+ 2.5, which fetched $5,280, further fueling the auction’s success.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed his delight at the auction’s outstanding results, noting that the robust sales and enthusiastic participation reflected the enduring strength of the vintage market. The success of the March Encore sale sets a promising tone for the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction, leaving collectors eagerly anticipating the next wave of extraordinary finds and record-breaking sales in the world of vintage card collecting.
