A true gem of the sports memorabilia world is set to make a grand appearance at the upcoming Clean Sweep Auctions in September – the 1913 Honus Wagner card. This card, part of the Voskamp’s Coffee set, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, especially those who cherish the history of Pittsburgh baseball where Wagner made his mark.
Issued by the local Pittsburgh company, Voskamp’s Coffee, these cards were initially tucked into coffee and tea packages, making them a rarity to find today. The card up for auction has been recently authenticated and graded, adding to its allure as one of the few Voskamp’s Wagner cards that have undergone such a process. With only a handful of examples graded by PSA and SGC to date, the opportunity to own one of these coveted pieces doesn’t come around often.
While the spotlight may be on the Wagner card, the auction is brimming with other notable items for sports enthusiasts. From vintage baseball cards dating back to the late 19th century to modern classics, collectors are in for a treat:
– Two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers Mike “King” Kelly and Harry Wright.
– Early career showcases of Ty Cobb in E102 and T206 cards.
– A Cy Young Portrait card capturing the essence of the legendary pitcher.
– Pre-war treasures like P2 Sweet Caporal pins and rare Ty Cobb items in E103 and T3 variations.
– Collector-grade Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio cards from iconic sets.
– A near-complete 1947-66 Exhibit set, a 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams, and a 1955 Topps baseball set featuring a Roberto Clemente rookie card.
One standout feature of the auction is the autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, with individual cards of baseball legends like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays up for grabs. Basketball fans can snag PSA graded Michael Jordan cards, while football enthusiasts have a chance to add high-grade Bart Starr cards to their collections.
The memorabilia section of the auction is equally exhilarating, with artifacts like a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball, a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed ball with Ruth and Gehrig’s signatures, and a signed Roger Maris rookie card. Unique collectibles such as vintage pennants, boxing memorabilia, presidential autographs, and entertainment signatures add intrigue to the diverse selection.
Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions aptly describes the event as a melting pot of sports collectibles, catering to all types of collectors with its eclectic mix of items. From ultra-rare vintage cards to historically significant memorabilia, this auction promises to be an unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts and collectors alike.
As the gavel falls on this auction, it not only marks a significant event for collectors but also celebrates the rich tapestry of sports history woven into these timeless collectibles.