A highly anticipated sports memorabilia auction is on the horizon, and the star of the show is an exceedingly rare 1913 Honus Wagner card distributed exclusively in the Pittsburgh area by Voskamp’s Coffee. Clean Sweep Auctions is gearing up for its September event, featuring this elusive card that has become a coveted gem for collectors around the world.
Graded and encapsulated at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, this particular 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card holds a special place in the sports memorabilia realm. It is only the third time that a Voskamp’s Wagner has been graded by PSA, with SGC grading only four examples to date. The opportunity to acquire such a prized piece from the early 20th century is a rare one, as these cards have grown increasingly scarce over the past century.
The auction doesn’t stop at the Wagner card; it offers a cornucopia of vintage baseball cards and memorabilia that will tantalize collectors of all stripes. From 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers to iconic Ty Cobb cards showcasing the legendary hitter’s early career, the lineup is as impressive as it is diverse.
For those with a penchant for pre-war treasures, the auction delivers with a range of items that include rare pins, caramel cards, and a rich assortment of Ty Cobb memorabilia. Notable highlights also include collector-grade Babe Ruth cards from the 1930s and 1950s, a 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio graded by SGC, and a near-complete 1947-66 Exhibit set that is sure to captivate enthusiasts.
Autographed sets take center stage as well, with a nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set stealing the spotlight. This treasure trove includes prized signatures of baseball legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Roy Campanella, making it a must-have for autograph aficionados.
The auction further entices basketball enthusiasts with iconic Michael Jordan cards from the mid-1980s, while football fans can revel in a series of high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning the legendary quarterback’s illustrious career. The memorabilia section is equally engrossing, featuring artifacts ranging from a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball to a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball graced by the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Unique collectibles add a touch of nostalgia and historical intrigue to the event, with items like vintage pennants, early baseball tickets and programs, boxing memorabilia, presidential autographs, and entertainment mementos making an appearance. Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions aptly summarizes the eclectic nature of the auction, noting that there’s something to resonate with every type of collector.
As the September auction approaches, collectors and enthusiasts alike are poised to immerse themselves in a world where rarity and diversity converge. The historic 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card serves as a beacon for the event, symbolizing the rich tapestry of sports history encapsulated in these timeless collectibles.
