logo
ISA Grading Advertisement

Heritage Auctions Hits $1 Billion Milestone in Sports Memorabilia

* We may earn a commission from purchases made through our affiliate links.

heritage-20-years.png

Twenty years ago, Heritage Auctions embarked on an ambitious journey into the sports memorabilia world, a significant pivot for a company previously known for its expertise in other collectibles. With a compact team in a modest office, the company ventured into unknown territory, according to Mike Provenzale, the Production Manager.

The launch was at the Long Beach Expo in September 2004, where Heritage's first sports memorabilia auction significantly exceeded expectations, bringing in nearly $2 million. A highlight was the auction of a 1963 Mickey Mantle game jersey, which sold for $143,400, signifying the auction's success and setting the stage for future achievements.

In a recent announcement, Heritage revealed that its cumulative sales in the sports memorabilia category have surpassed the $1 billion mark, fueled by a landmark $26 million Winter auction. This event featured the sale of a 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey case for $3.72 million, a testament to the company's growth and influence in the market.

Heritage's entry into sports memorabilia was spearheaded by Chris Ivy, Steve Ivy's son, in 2003. The inaugural auction not only featured the notable Mantle jersey but also an uncut sheet of 1933 Goudey baseball cards, including Babe Ruth, which sold for $131,450. Co-Founder Jim Halperin reflected on the auction as possibly the most successful debut in the field, far exceeding initial projections.

The momentum continued with a second major auction in May 2005, consisting of 602 lots and generating over $2 million. Over the years, Heritage has continually set new records, such as the $12.6 million sale of an SGC 9.5 graded Mantle’s 1952 Topps card, the highest-ever for a sports collectible.

From its inception, with annual sales just over $200 million, to last year's company-wide record of $1.76 billion in sales across all categories, Heritage Auctions has solidified its legacy in the sports memorabilia market. Among its landmark sales is a 1958 Mantle jersey that fetched $4.68 million, underscoring the vibrant market and Heritage's pivotal role in enriching the collections of sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Share:

PWCC Auction Advertisement

0 Comments

Related

Sports Card News

2024-25 Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball Checklist and Box Break Overview


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 16, 2025, 10:59 pm

2024-25 Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball Checklist and Box Break Overview


The highly anticipated return of Topps Chrome Sapphire Basketball is here for the 2024-25 NBA season, bringing its signature chromium look and a full lineup of rookies, veterans, and legends. As a special-edition release, Sapphire delivers not only excl...

Read More

One Piece TCG PRB-02 Reprint Set Drops Prices, Welcomes New Players Worldwide


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 16, 2025, 10:56 pm

One Piece TCG PRB-02 Reprint Set Drops Prices, Welcomes New Players Worldwide


This October, Bandai is giving the global One Piece TCG community a major boost with the English release of the PRB-02 reprint set. By bringing back some of the game’s most in-demand cards, PRB-02 is poised to make competitive One Piece decks far more...

Read More

2024-25 Panini Noir Basketball: Set Details, Full Base Checklist, and What Collectors Can Expect


  • bionic Avatar
  • by bionic
  • July 17, 2025, 10:51 pm

2024-25 Panini Noir Basketball: Set Details, Full Base Checklist, and What Collectors Can Expect


Panini’s Noir Basketball returns for the 2024-25 NBA season, bringing its signature blend of luxury design, on-card autographs, and unique cinematic flair to the trading card market. The latest release continues to appeal to collectors who want both ...

Read More