Heritage Auctions Winter Sports Card Catalog Auction, held Jan. 30 and 31, concluded with a total of $14,578,137, driven by demand for modern-era trophies, iconic rookie cards and period-signed autographs from the Golden Age Collection. Leading the event was a 2006 Fleer Buyback Michael Jordan (1986 Fleer-Autograph) #57 PSA Authentic, Auto 10, which realized $884,500. One of just 23 examples signed by Jordan in 2006, the card represents a convergence of rarity, condition and significance, pairing the most important basketball card of the modern era with one of the scarcest authenticated Jordan autographs. The result underscored the enduring strength of the Michael Jordan market and the continued appetite for elite basketball material. This signed 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie card is special for several reasons, outlined Chris Ivy, Heritages director of sports auctions. First and foremost, it is limited to one of only a few examples that were purchased by Upper Deck company and signed by Jordan in 2006 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic card. Following Fleers bankruptcy and liquidation, Upper Deck acquired the assets and brand name of Fleer in July 2005 in a move that paved the way for Upper Deck, which held, and still holds, Jordans exclusive signing rights to purchase 23 examples of his original 1986 Fleer rookie card, have Jordan sign them and then randomly insert redemption cards into packs of 2006-07 Fleer basketball. Of the 23 cards released, only 14 cards are known, graded and in the hands of private collectors, a measure of exclusivity that makes this one of the most sought-after signed Jordan cards in the market, as exhibited by this result. Not surprisingly, Jordans popularity extended beyond the auctions top lot. A vintage signed 1985 Nike Michael Jordan (Promo) PSA EX-MT 6, PSA/DNA Auto 9 scored a winning bid of $106,750, a record for the card, while another example with an Auto 8 grade brought $59,780, the fourth-highest price ever for the card. Post-war baseball stars also delivered standout performances. A1968 Topps Nolan Ryan, Mets Rookie Stars #177 PSA Mint 9, realized $353,800. It is a record for the grade and a result reflecting sustained interest in high-grade examples of one of the most celebrated rookie cards of the modern era. The result was 2.5 times the previous record for a Mint 9 Ryan rookie. His popularity also brought a record $47,580 for a1971 Topps Nolan Ryan #513 PSA Mint 9 and $43,920 for another example, giving Heritage the top two results for the card in the same auction. Yet another record was set for the all-time strikeout king when a1979 Topps Nolan Ryan #115 PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for $40,260, the most ever for a 1979 Topps card other than Ozzie Smiths rookie card. A1973 Topps Willie Mays #305 PSA Gem Mint 10, one of just three graded at the highest level, finished at $146,400, a record for the grade and the most for any Mays card after 1961. Other post-war cards that performed well included a1975 Topps Robin Yount Rookie #223 PSA Gem Mint 10, from a population of just six that achieved $152,500, also a world record for the grade, and one of just three examples of a1973 Topps Johnny Bench #380 PSA Gem Mint 10 that ended at a record $36,600. The auction featured the second installment of The Golden Age Collection, a remarkable assemblage of period-signed cards from the 1940s and 1950s that once again drew intense interest. Among the highlights were a period-signed 1950 Bowman Jackie Robinson #22 PSA VG 3, PSA/DNA Auto 9, that sold for $134,200, a record for a signed version of the card, and a1952 Topps Roy Campanella #314 PSA VG 3, PSA/DNA Auto 9, that brought the highest price ever for a signed Campanella card and the second-highest result for any card for the legendary Dodgers catcher: $106,750. A signed 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101 PSA Poor 1, PSA/DNA Auto 9, ended at $91,500, while a signed 1952 Bowman Willie Mays #218 PSA Good+ 2.5, PSA/DNA Auto 9 reached $30,500, a record for a signed version of the card, further emphasizing the strength of this tightly curated group, which reflects a lifelong pursuit by the original collector to meet players in person and preserve their autographs at the height of their careers. Vintage baseball cards from the Deadball Era and the early 20th century remained a focal point throughout the auction. A1917 E135 Collins-McCarthy Babe Ruth (Blank Back) #147 SGC EX 5 realized $237,900, one of just two known examples and the only blank-backed specimen in the SGC population. Closely following was a1916 Herpolsheimer Co.Babe Ruth Rookie #151 PSA Fair 1.5, one of only five examples in the PSA population, which finished at $231,800. Together, the results reaffirmed Ruths unmatched status in the hobby and the premium commanded by his rarest regional and early-career issues. Another key result included the only example of a1974 Yamakatsu New Japan Andre the Giant (Pro Wrestling-Winning Stamp) #25 PSA EX+ 5.5, issued during the wrestling legends formative years, selling for $24,400. Winning Stamp examples already are significantly scarcer than standard issues, the vast majority having been redeemed for prizes and consequently canceled, making surviving, unredeemed copies exceptionally rare. This result is a record price for the entire set. Beyond sports, the auction demonstrated continued enthusiasm for high-grade non-sports material. A1940 R146 Leader Novelty Superman Near Set (34/36) that is ranked third all-time on the PSA Set Registry flew up, up and away to $128,100. The first true comic book superheros appeal took off in the late 1930s and quickly became a symbol of strength, justice and mass-market appeal. This offered 34-card near-set of PSA-graded cards captures vivid Golden Age artwork drawn directly from early comic issues and reflects the vibrant cross-promotion between candy makers and comic publishers at the time. With many cards lost to time due to their fragile packaging and short-term distribution, surviving examples in this quantity are rare. Complete results can be found atwww.HA.com/50082.