Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction kicked off the year with a bang, achieving over $7.1 million in total sales. Featuring a stunning array of vintage sports cards and memorabilia, the event attracted passionate collectors from across the globe eager to own pieces of sports history.
Babe Ruth Cards Steal the Spotlight
Babe Ruth memorabilia once again proved to be a top draw. Three 1933 Goudey cards, all graded PSA NM/MT 8, collectively sold for nearly $700,000. Leading the trio was the iconic #149 card with its red background, which brought in an impressive $316,736.A rare circa-1920 advertising card featuring Ruth and Carl Mays, graded SGC 3, ignited a bidding war that ended at $95,860. Other notable Ruth sales included:
- 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery Card (PSA 5): $52,102
- 1932 U.S. Caramel Card (PSA 6.5): $48,508
Joe Jackson and Record-Breaking Sales
The standout non-Ruth item was a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, which shattered records for its grade, selling for $173,794. This card was part of a set break that collectively generated over $850,000 in sales.1952 Topps Cards Continue to Shine
The legendary 1952 Topps set remained a major highlight, with three PSA 8-graded cards crossing six figures. The Eddie Mathews high-number card led with $123,484, followed closely by Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards, each fetching significant sums.Mantle Mania: Strong Demand for Mickey Mantle Cards
Mickey Mantle collectibles were among the most coveted items in the auction. A 1959 Bazooka card (PSA 6) fetched $33,586, while a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, sold for $18,575. Four Bazooka Mantle cards graded PSA 10, spanning 1961 to 1966, netted nearly $50,000 in total.Other Mantle highlights included:
- 1953 Topps (PSA 7 NM): $29,012
- 1956 Topps Gray Back (PSA 8.5): $38,879
- 1966 O-Pee-Chee (SGC 9): $16,886
Multi-Sport Highlights
The auction wasn’t limited to baseball. Hockey collectors bid up a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card (PSA 10) to $72,455, while football saw strong sales with:- 1964 Topps Bobby Bell Rookie (PSA 10): $31,558
- 1964 Philadelphia Merlin Olsen Rookie (PSA 10): $19,018
- 1973 Topps Art Shell Rookie (PSA 10): $20,432
Rare Memorabilia Adds to the Excitement
In addition to cards, unique memorabilia items also made a splash:- Ty Cobb Tobacco Tin (1910s): $30,463
- Mickey Mantle Single-Signed Baseball with Rare "#6" Inscription: $20,934
- Mantle Handwritten Letter from His 1951 Rookie Season: $20,934
- Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger Decal Bat (c. 1910-15): $16,121
A Milestone Start to the Year
Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction showcased an incredible lineup of vintage sports treasures, setting a high standard for auctions to come in 2025. With record-breaking sales and fierce bidding competition, collectors have shown their unwavering passion for owning a piece of sports history.Stay tuned for the next Memory Lane event to see what other iconic collectibles will surface.
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