REA’s June Encore Auction recently concluded with resounding success. The auction, which featured an array of high-end complete sets and vintage card staples, saw fervent bidding from collectors worldwide. With 3,278 lots up for grabs, the event garnered over $1.7 million in sales through a staggering 67,300 bids.
Set building took center stage during the auction, with six complete graded sets securing spots in the top ten highest-selling items. Leading the pack were three Topps Baseball complete sets from the 1960s, including the 1963 set which fetched a remarkable $75,000, followed closely by the 1960 and 1961 sets selling for $66,000 and $54,000 respectively. These sets are highly coveted and rank prominently on the PSA Set Registry.
An exceptional highlight of the auction was the sale of a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West card graded PSA GEM MINT 10. This particular card, one of only two in existence graded at this level, set a new record at $54,000. The sale of this iconic card came shortly after the passing of Jerry West, a basketball legend and the inspiration behind the NBA logo.
Notable sales from the auction included the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 card, which fetched $38,400, a record price for this card in its grade. The 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle card graded PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 also achieved a price of $38,400, showcasing the enduring appeal of baseball’s iconic figures.
Among other significant sales were the 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box, featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rookie year, which sold for $18,600, and the 1921 Exhibits Babe Ruth card at $16,200. Cards of baseball legends such as Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth also saw strong interest, with the 1933 R319 Goudey cards reaching $13,200 each.
REA President Brian Dwyer commented on the results, stating, “This auction reinforced the strong results for top-quality graded sets lately as well as the consistent appetite for vintage staples and hard-to-find rarities.” The success of this auction sets the stage for REA’s upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to commence on July 23.
Collectors eagerly anticipating the Summer Catalog Auction can request a catalog through the REA website. Additionally, REA will be attending The National in Cleveland at booth #6032, showcasing a selection of items from the upcoming auction. For more information on REA’s future events and consignor stories, visit their website for a glimpse into the world of vintage card collecting.
