Vintage sports cards are proving their enduring allure in the collectibles market, captivating collectors with their rich history and nostalgic appeal. This was once again demonstrated at Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction, where a range of vintage cards fetched record-breaking prices, including a prized 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card.

The undisputed highlight of the auction was the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card, graded PSA 8, which sold for an impressive $378,997. This iconic card not only represents the legendary status of Mickey Mantle in baseball history but also underscores the lasting significance of vintage sports cards in the collectors’ market.

Mile High Card Company’s Winter Auction showcased several other noteworthy sales. A 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Joe Jackson card, featuring a blank back and graded PSA 7, sold for a staggering $104,302, a significant leap from its previous record of $25,000. Similarly, a 1934 Goudey #61 Lou Gehrig card, graded PSA 8, fetched $101,623, while a 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle card, also graded PSA 8, went for $89,635. Additionally, a 1955 Topps #164 Roberto Clemente card, graded PSA 8, achieved a sale price of $72,084.

The auction also witnessed record-setting prices for cards featuring Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. Among these, a 1964 Topps #342 Willie Stargell card, graded PSA 10, commanded a remarkable $30,674, significantly higher than the previous record of $4,154. Other Stargell cards, such as those from 1966 and 1973 Topps, also achieved record prices.

In addition to these notable sales, the auction set new records for various other vintage cards. A 1962 Topps #45 Brooks Robinson card (PSA 9) sold for $30,391, a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays card (PSA 3 VG) fetched $11,732, and a 1969 Topps #100 Hank Aaron card (PSA 9) reached $10,665. Furthermore, a 1972 Topps #229 World Series Game 7 card, graded PSA 10, fetched $12,388.

The Winter Auction at Mile High Card Company was not limited to baseball cards, as other vintage cards also drew significant attention. A 1941 Playball #71 Joe DiMaggio card, graded SGC 8.5, attracted a high bid of $79,531, reflecting the deep nostalgia and respect for the era’s baseball heroes. Classic cards like a 1910-11 Sporting Life M116 Hans Wagner card and a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card also fetched significant prices, reaching $77,770 and $45,776, respectively.

Memorabilia items played a prominent role in the auction, with a Babe Ruth-signed OAL (Harridge) baseball topping the memorabilia sales at $40,486. Other notable items 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 highlighted jerseys worn by baseball legends like Jim Palmer and Brooks Robinson, with each fetching over $13,000. Additionally, 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 emphasizes the enduring strength and appeal of vintage sports cards and memorabilia. The remarkable 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 continue to be a vital and vibrant part of the collectibles market, attracting interest and investment from enthusiasts around the world.

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