Robert Edward Auctions’ March Encore sale was nothing short of a smashing success, with vintage trading cards fetching top dollar and setting new records in the collector’s market. The standout moment from the auction was the sale of a rare 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey Babe Ruth card, which sold for an impressive $32,400, solidifying its status as a highly coveted piece for collectors.
Among the other notable sales was a 1911 E94 George Close Candy Ty Cobb SGC POOR 1, which fetched $28,000, as well as a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Bat Off Shoulder PSA EX 5 with a Tolstoi Back that sold for $27,600, both establishing new benchmarks for these iconic players’ cards. These sales, along with a myriad of other lots, contributed to the auction’s total earnings of over $1.3 million from more than 3,300 items up for bidding.
The excitement didn’t stop there, as collectors eagerly competed for prized cards throughout the auction. A 1976 Topps #500 Reggie Jackson PSA GEM MINT 10 commanded a winning bid of $30,000, while a 1980-1981 Topps Basketball Larry Bird/Magic Johnson Rookie PSA MINT 9 wasn’t far behind, selling for $25,200. Fans of baseball history also saw the value in a 1948-1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson Rookie PSA VG+ 3.5, which was scooped up for $23,400.
Further highlights included the sale of a 1911 M110 Sporting Life Cabinet Honus Wagner PSA GOOD 2 (MK) and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie SGC GOOD+ 2.5, both fetching $14,400. Rare and unique items proved to be in demand as well, with an Extremely Rare 1921 Schapira Bros. Candy Babe Ruth box part going for $10,800, and an 1888 N28 Allen & Ginter John Clarkson PSA EX-MT 6 setting a record at $8,100.
Setting the stage for the auction’s success was the sale of a Billy Southworth Single-Signed Baseball, a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Portrait PSA POOR 1 (Brown Hindu Back) for $7,500, and a 1934 R320 Goudey #37 Lou Gehrig SGC GOOD+ 2.5, which garnered a final bid of $5,280. Brian Dwyer, President of REA, expressed his delight at the robust results, indicating the continued strength of the vintage market and hinting at more excitement to come in the upcoming Spring Catalog Auction.
The March auction at REA proved to be a showcase of the enduring appeal and value of vintage trading cards, where collectors were able to acquire iconic pieces while setting new records for sale prices. With enthusiastic bidders and remarkable items up for grabs, the event underscored the continued allure of collecting and investing in these timeless pieces of sports memorabilia.