A supremely rare gem in the world of sports memorabilia is set to make its presence known in an upcoming auction, captivating collectors with its historical significance and scarcity. Clean Sweep Auctions has revealed that an elusive 1913 Honus Wagner card from the Voskamp’s Coffee set will be the star attraction of their September event. This particular card, originally distributed exclusively in the Pittsburgh area, where the legendary shortstop made his mark, has become a coveted piece for enthusiasts over the years.
The 1913 Voskamp’s Coffee Honus Wagner card, once packaged with coffee and tea by Voskamp’s Coffee, a local company in Pittsburgh, is a true rarity in the world of sports cards. With only a handful of graded examples in existence, this card’s appearance at the auction marks a significant moment for collectors. Graded and encapsulated at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, this Wagner card is only the third to be graded by PSA, with SGC grading just four examples to date.
Sports enthusiasts and collectors will not only have the chance to bid on this elusive Wagner card but also explore a plethora of other vintage baseball cards and memorabilia that span the spectrum of sports history. Highlights of the auction include two 1887 N172 Old Judge cards featuring Hall of Famers Mike “King” Kelly and Harry Wright, a graded E102 Ty Cobb card showcasing the early career of the baseball legend, and multiple Ty Cobb T206 cards displaying different variations and grades.
The auction doesn’t stop at baseball treasures; it extends to pre-war gems like a lot of P2 Sweet Caporal pins, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century baseball collectibles, and an E103 Williams Caramel Ty Cobb card, adding to the allure of rare Ty Cobb memorabilia. Adding to the excitement is an E101 Honus Wagner graded by PSA, a T3 Turkey Red Ty Cobb graded by PSA, and a collection of collector-grade 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards capturing the essence of the Sultan of Swat in his prime.
For fans of baseball icons beyond Ruth and Cobb, the auction offers a 1941 Play Ball Joe DiMaggio graded by SGC 5, along with a nearly complete 1947-66 Exhibit set missing just four cards. Notable mentions also go to a scarce 1954 Wilson Franks Ted Williams card graded PSA 1 and a high-grade 1955 Topps baseball complete set featuring a BVG 7 Roberto Clemente rookie card.
Stepping into the realm of autographed sets, the auction showcases a nearly complete autographed 1952 Bowman Baseball set, with individual autographed cards of Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays available. Basketball enthusiasts can bid on a PSA 6 1984-85 Star Michael Jordan or a PSA 8 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan, capturing the early days of the basketball legend’s career.
Football fans are not left out, with pristine sets and high-grade Bart Starr cards spanning from his 1957 rookie card to his final 1971 Topps issue. The auction’s memorabilia section is equally enticing, featuring artifacts like a Walter Johnson single-signed baseball, a 1933 New York Yankees team-signed baseball with signatures from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, and a signed Roger Maris rookie card.
Unique collectibles such as 1914 Joe Tinker and 1920 Brooklyn Dodgers pennants, historical tickets and programs dating back to 1905, boxing cards, presidential autographs, and entertainment memorabilia add an eclectic touch to the auction. Steve Verkman of Clean Sweep Auctions expressed enthusiasm for the diverse mix of offerings, ensuring there’s something for every collector’s taste.
With a blend of rare cards, autographed sets, and unique memorabilia spanning various sports and eras, Clean Sweep Auctions’ September event promises an unforgettable experience for sports collectors seeking the thrill of acquiring pieces that encapsulate the rich tapestry of athletic history.
