REA’s June Encore Auction drew to a close, leaving collectors buzzing over the exceptional range of high-end complete sets and coveted vintage staples that stole the spotlight. With set building at the forefront, the auction showcased six complete graded sets ranking among the top ten items sold, proving the enduring allure of comprehensive collections.
The top-selling items included iconic Topps Baseball complete sets from 1963, 1960, and 1961, fetching impressive sums of $75,000, $66,000, and $54,000 respectively. Renowned for their exceptional quality, these sets stand tall among the elite on the prestigious PSA Set Registry. Additionally, complete sets from 1950 Bowman, 1964 Topps, and 1965 Topps Baseball each commanded a notable price of $37,200, adding to the fervor of set enthusiasts.
With a total of 3,278 lots up for grabs, the auction raked in over $1.7 million in sales driven by a staggering 67,300 bids, reflecting the fervent activity and keen interest among collectors.
One of the standout gems of the auction was a 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #160 Jerry West PSA GEM MINT 10, a rarity graded only as one of two examples, selling for a remarkable $54,000, setting a new record for the card in any grade. This milestone sale came shortly after the passing of the basketball legend, Jerry West, the inspiration behind the iconic NBA logo, adding poignancy to the transaction.
Noteworthy sales also included exceptional pieces such as the 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb SGC FAIR 1.5 commanding $38,400, a record high for the card in this grade, and the 1957 Topps #95 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 selling for the same value. The 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Unopened Wax Box featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rookie Year sold for $18,600, attracting avid basketball memorabilia enthusiasts.
The upcoming Summer Catalog Auction, scheduled to commence on July 23, promises an exciting array of collectibles that are set to captivate bidders. REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his enthusiasm, 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. Our Summer Catalog Auction kicks off next month loaded with items that we expect will excite collectors and continue these trends.”
Collectors eager to partake in the upcoming Summer Catalog Auction can request a catalog through the REA website, while those attending The National in Cleveland can visit booth #6032 to preview a selection of items from the upcoming auction. For more details on REA’s auction schedule and intriguing consignor stories, the REA website serves as a comprehensive resource for enthusiasts.
As the excitement builds for REA’s upcoming auctions, the fervor and passion for collecting vintage treasures and complete sets continue to drive the market to new heights.
