Memory Lane’s first major event of the year proved to be a resounding success, with the Winter Rarities Auction surpassing $7.1 million in total sales. The auction showcased some of the most sought-after vintage sports cards and memorabilia, drawing strong bidding activity from collectors around the globe.
Ruth Cards Lead the Way
Babe Ruth cards dominated the auction, with three 1933 Goudey cards graded PSA NM/MT 8 combining to sell for nearly $700,000. The standout was the #149 card featuring a red background, which fetched an impressive $316,736.
A rare advertising card from around 1920, featuring Ruth and Carl Mays and graded SGC 3, sparked a fierce bidding battle before selling for $95,860. Other Ruth highlights included a 1921 E253 Oxford Confectionery card graded PSA 5, which sold for $52,102, and a 1932 U.S. Caramel card graded PSA 6.5, which brought in $48,508.
Joe Jackson and Other High Achievers
The top non-Ruth item was a 1915 Cracker Jack #103 Joe Jackson card, graded PSA 7, which set a new record for its grade by selling for $173,794. The card was part of a set break that collectively garnered over $850,000 in sales.
1952 Topps Favorites Shine
Three 1952 Topps cards, each graded PSA 8, crossed the six-figure mark. An Eddie Mathews high-number card led the pack, realizing $123,484, while Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays cards also drew substantial bids.
Mantle Cards Draw Strong Interest
Mickey Mantle cards continued to be a focal point for collectors. A rare 1959 Bazooka card graded PSA 6 sold for $33,586, while a complete 1959 Bazooka box featuring Mantle on the back, graded PSA 1, achieved $18,575. Four PSA 10 Bazooka Mantle cards from 1961, 1964, 1965, and 1966 collectively brought in close to $50,000.
Additional Mantle highlights included:
- 1953 Topps PSA 7 NM: $29,012
- 1956 Topps Gray Back PSA 8.5: $38,879
- 1966 O-Pee-Chee Mantle SGC 9: $16,886
Other Baseball and Multi-Sport Highlights
- 1957 Topps Willie Mays PSA 9: $58,961
- 1957 Topps Whitey Ford PSA 10: $56,153
Hockey collectors were thrilled with the sale of a 1965-66 Topps Phil Esposito rookie card, graded PSA 10, which sold for $72,455. Football cards also commanded attention, with notable sales including:
- 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
Unique Memorabilia Finds
Beyond cards, the auction featured rare memorabilia that excited bidders:
- Ty Cobb Tobacco tin (1910s): $30,463
- Mickey Mantle single-signed baseball with rare "#6" inscription: $20,934
- Handwritten letter from Mantle’s 1951 rookie season: $20,934
- Joe Jackson Louisville Slugger decal bat (c. 1910-15): $16,121
A Promising Start to the Year
With record-breaking sales and exceptional items, Memory Lane’s Winter Rarities Auction set a high bar for 2025. Collectors eagerly await the next opportunity to acquire iconic pieces of sports history.
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