REA’s May Encore Auction recently came to a close with a flurry of record-breaking sales and a keen focus on vintage treasures from the world of collectibles. The event saw a surge in set building, with collectors showing a strong inclination towards owning complete or near-complete classic baseball sets from the 1950s, highlighting a growing trend in high-grade set building within the collectibles market.
One of the auction’s headline-grabbing sales was a 1958 Topps near-complete set, missing just one card, which commanded an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set set a high standard for collectors pursuing such coveted compilations. Following closely behind was a 1957 Topps complete set that fetched $99,000, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00. Additionally, the sale of a 1959 Topps complete set for $72,000, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, further underscored the demand for such high-quality sets.
The auction also witnessed a spotlight on pre-war rarities that captivated bidders and set new records. A 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, was a highly anticipated lot that sold for $54,000, establishing a new record for its grade and back combination. Another significant sale was a 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which achieved $30,000, setting a record price for its VG-EX 4 grade.
With over 3,600 items going under the hammer, the auction generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from a whopping 63,000 bids. Other notable top sellers included cards like the 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente Rookie card for $52,800, the 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie card for $36,000, and a 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie that fetched $29,400, among others.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed enthusiasm over the auction’s success, citing the robust results and the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building. Dwyer viewed the outcome as a positive sign for upcoming events and the industry at large, hinting at exciting prospects on the horizon.
Looking forward, REA is set to kick off its June Encore Auction on June 13, followed by the much-anticipated Summer Catalog Auction beginning on July 23. The latter coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will take center stage at Booth #6032, promising more thrilling finds and exceptional pieces for avid collectors.
