The delectable combination of “old” and “new” paid huge dividends for consignors to Heritage Auctions’ Sports Trading Cards Auction on July 19 and 20, as a fresh array of material inspired towering bids from an eager collecting audience.
A new-to-the-hobby find of high-grade 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards added over a quarter million to the tally with a NM+ 7.5 example bringing $204,000, while a PSA EX 5 example from the same find commanded $72,000. An unopened five-cent wax pack from that same issue, graded PSA NM 7, commanded $48,000.
“For those wondering if Topps’ first great issue might be losing steam in its long pricing ascent, this auction clearly puts the concern to rest,” said Chris Ivy, director of Sports Auctions for Heritage. “We’re thrilled to have more 1952 Mantles from that amazing recent find appearing at auction in the coming months.”
High-grade wax was another successful theme, as a 1979-89 O-Pee-Chee wax box, beloved for its possible containment of a Wayne Gretzky rookie, realized $55,200, and an unopened case of 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite collection Basketball drew $66,000. In addition, a rare 1971 Topps Football Series two wax box closed at $28,800.
The pantheon figures likewise exhibited enduring strength, as a 1915 Boston Red Sox real photo postcard picturing Babe Ruth sold for $108,000, and the finest known example of Muhammad Ali’s 1960 Hemmets Journal rookie card drew a winning bid of $90,000.
A 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle #280, PSA Gem Mint 10, sold for $43,200, and a 1909-11 E90-1 American Caramel Joe Jackson, PSA Authentic, sold for $31,200. A 1909 E102 "Set of 25" Ty Cobb, PSA EX-MT 6 - Pop Two, highest PSA grade recorded, sold for $28,800, and a 1974 Topps Baseball 10-cent wax box with 36 unopened packs sold for $10,200.
For more information, visit www.HA.com.