Title: Vintage Sports Cards Triumph: Mile High’s Winter Auction Showcases Record-Breaking Sales
Subtitle: The enduring allure of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market
Meta Description: Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction sets new records as vintage sports cards continue to captivate collectors and fetch impressive prices.
Vintage sports cards have once again proven their enduring allure in the collectibles market, as demonstrated by the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company. The highlight of the auction was the sale of a prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, which fetched an impressive price of $378,997. This record-breaking sale not only signifies the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.
The Winter Auction also saw other notable sales, including a 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, which sold for $104,302. This marked a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000, highlighting the growing interest in rare vintage cards. A 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card garnered $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card went for $89,635. Additionally, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card achieved a sale price of $72,084.
The auction set new records for cards of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, including a 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, which sold for $30,674. Other Stargell cards from 1966 and 1973 Topps also achieved record prices.
Notably, the auction featured sales of various other vintage cards, such as a 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card for $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card for $10,665. A 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card fetched $12,388.
The Winter Auction was not limited to baseball cards, as a 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card attracted a high bid of $79,531. Other classic cards, like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, also drew significant attention, reaching sales of $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.
Memorabilia items also played a prominent role in the auction. A Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topped the memorabilia sales at $40,486. Notable memorabilia included a 1972 California Angels Nolan Ryan signed game-used home jersey, which sold for $56,518, and a circa 1934 Paul & Dizzy Dean “Beech-Nut Tobacco” oversized die-cut advertising sign, fetching $11,403.
The auction also showcased jerseys from baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, each fetching over $13,000. A 1980 Rickey Henderson game-used Oakland A’s alternate jersey sold for $24,639, and a 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. game-used autographed bat used for his 33rd home run of the 1998 Season went for $17,328. A unique item in the auction was a 1962 Post Alpha-Bits unopened box featuring Sandy Koufax, which attracted a bid of $11,028.
The success of the Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company not only confirms the continuing strength and appeal of vintage sports cards but also highlights the rich history and nostalgia these cards and memorabilia evoke. The impressive prices fetched by items associated with legends like Mickey Mantle, Joe Jackson, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Stargell signify the deep connection and reverence fans and collectors have for the golden era of sports. Vintage sports cards and memorabilia remain a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, attracting interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.
