Hold onto your baseball caps, folks, because the news of Willie Mays’ iconic 1951 Bowman rookie card selling for a monumental $390,935 at Robert Edward Auctions’ Summer Catalog Auction has taken the sports memorabilia world by storm. This highest-graded example of Mays’ rookie card to hit the auction block in over 15 years had collectors and enthusiasts alike buzzing with excitement. With eleven eager bidders vying for this prized possession, it was a fierce competition where only one triumphant bidder walked away with this historic gem.
The scarcity of PSA 10 Mays rookie cards, with none in existence, and only eight in a PSA 9, added to the allure of this particular card and left no doubt as to why collectors were willing to go the extra mile to secure it. The recent sale of a PSA 8 copy of the same Mays card for $207,400 at Goldin further emphasizes the escalating demand and value of Mays’ rookie cards, which seem to only be gaining momentum with time.
Aside from breaking records, this sale will have a lasting impact beyond the realms of sports memorabilia. The proceeds from the auction will be utilized to fund a college scholarship endowment, adding a philanthropic touch to an already historic moment. It’s a heartening twist that sets this record-breaking sale apart from the rest.
The Summer Catalog Auction itself was nothing short of a grand slam, amassing over $13.3 million from an impressive 82,000 bids spread across nearly 3,200 lots. The auction featured an array of standout items, with thirteen surpassing the six-figure mark. Notable sales included a 1933 Goudey Nap Lajoie PSA 4.5, which set a new record by fetching $162,000, the highest price ever recorded for that grade.
Among the top performers were an autographed 1949 Bowman Roy Campanella rookie card (PSA 3) with a PSA 9 signature grade, selling for $132,000, and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card (PSA 7 with a 7 autograph rating) fetching $120,000. Additionally, a 1936-1937 Dizzy Dean St. Louis Cardinals game-used road jersey commanded a noteworthy $114,000, establishing a new record for Dizzy Dean memorabilia.
Several other standout sales included items like the 1915 Boston Red Sox Real-Photo Team Postcard with a Babe Ruth rookie, the 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson rookie graded PSA GEM MINT 10, and the 1909-1911 T206 White Border Cy Young Glove Shows boasting a PSA EX+ 5.5 grade.
Brian Dwyer, President of Robert Edward Auctions, expressed his delight at the record-setting auction and extended gratitude to both the consignors and bidders for their valuable contributions in making the event a resounding success. With the September Encore Auction scheduled from September 12-22, the excitement in the world of sports memorabilia is far from over. Mark your calendars for what promises to be another thrilling event filled with exceptional items that are sure to capture the attention of enthusiasts worldwide.
