The recent May Encore Auction by Robert Edward Auctions (REA) was a spectacle of vintage treasures and record-breaking sales. Collectors flocked to the online event, which showcased an array of classic baseball sets from the 1950s and sought-after pre-war rarities, setting a new benchmark in the collectibles market.
One of the highlights of the auction was the near-complete 1958 Topps set, missing only one card, which fetched an impressive $126,000. Ranked #13 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.00, this set exemplifies the high standards collectors hold for such compilations. Following closely was the complete 1957 Topps set, ranked #24 on the PSA Set Registry, with a GPA of 8.00, selling for $99,000. The 1959 Topps complete set, ranked #29 on the PSA Set Registry with a GPA of 8.01, also made a notable sale at $72,000.
In addition to the classic baseball sets, the auction showcased pre-war rarities that drew significant attention and set new records. The auction’s most anticipated lot was the 1909-1911 T206 Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder card with the rare Uzit Back, graded PSA FAIR 1.5, which sold for $54,000, setting a new record for its grade and back combination. Another standout sale was the 1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth card, which achieved $30,000, setting a record price for its grade of VG-EX 4.
With over 3,600 items on the block, the auction generated nearly $1.8 million in sales from an impressive 63,000 bids. Among the other top sellers were the Roberto Clemente Rookie card from 1955 Topps, selling for $52,800, and the Hank Aaron Rookie card from 1954 Topps, achieving $36,000. Similarly, the 1907 Wolverine News Postcard featuring a Ty Cobb Portrait Rookie fetched $29,400, and Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman Rookie card went for $25,200.
The auction also featured sought-after cards like the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth and the Sandy Koufax Rookie card, both selling for $24,600. The Ernie Banks Rookie card from 1954 Topps brought in $24,000, while an unopened wax box of 1980-1981 Topps Basketball cards was sold for $17,400. Additionally, the Whitey Ford Rookie card from 1951 Bowman was purchased for $14,400.
REA President Brian Dwyer expressed his satisfaction with the auction’s success, highlighting the resurgence of interest in high-grade set building within the collectibles market. Dwyer sees the strong results as a positive signal for upcoming events and the industry as a whole, indicating a promising future for collectors and investors alike.
Looking ahead, REA is gearing up for its June Encore Auction, commencing on June 13, followed by the larger Summer Catalog Auction starting on July 23. The Summer Catalog Auction coincides with the 44th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, where REA will have a prominent presence at Booth #6032, presenting more opportunities for enthusiasts to acquire valuable collectibles and rare sports memorabilia.