The Robert Edward Auctions (REA) experienced a whirlwind of success during their March Encore sale, with records tumbling and vintage cards reaching unprecedented prices. The standout of the event was the sale of a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth card in a PSA EX-NM 6 condition, which commanded a staggering $32,400. This auction, comprising more than 3,300 lots, brought in over $1.3 million, fueled by the enthusiasm of collectors across the globe.
Notable mentions on the list of groundbreaking sales included a 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb in SGC POOR 1 condition, which fetched $28,000, and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder in PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back, selling for $27,600. These transactions set new benchmarks in the vintage card market, showcasing the enduring allure of iconic sports figures from a bygone era.
Among the flurry of bids, a 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson in a PSA GEM MINT 10 condition commanded a hefty $30,000, while a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie in PSA MINT 9 fetched $25,200. The demand for legendary players transcends time, as evidenced by the $23,400 price tag on a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie in a PSA VG+ 3.5 condition.
The auction also witnessed the sale of rare memorabilia, including a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner in a PSA GOOD 2 (MK) condition and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition, each selling for $14,400. Moreover, collectors vied for exceptionally scarce items like an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part, which sold for $10,800, and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson in a PSA EX-MT 6 condition, fetching $8,100, both setting new records in their categories.
The momentum of the auction was further fueled by other standout sales, including a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball and a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait in a PSA POOR 1 (Brown Hindu Back) condition, which sold for $7,500. Additionally, a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig in SGC GOOD+ 2.5 condition garnered $5,280, adding to the fervor of the event.
Brian Dwyer, the President of REA, expressed delight in the auction’s success, emphasizing the robustness of the vintage market. The soaring prices and fierce bidding wars are testament to the enduring appeal of rare collectibles and the unwavering passion of avid collectors. With the Spring Catalog Auction on the horizon, the anticipation in the vintage card community is palpable, hinting at more record-breaking sales and thrilling discoveries in the near future.
