MANTLE, CLEMENTE, RUTH BREAKING RECORDS IN VINTAGE BASEBALL CARD MARKET
By Hector Cantú
It seems each new auction of vintage baseball cards brings with it record-setting prices. In some cases, classic cards are realizing higher prices than higher-graded versions that have gone to market before them.
A 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente #164 graded PSA Mint 9, for instance, sold in February for $478,000. It outperformed a PSA 10 that sold for $432,000 four years ago. “The February sale was an auction record for this card at any grade,” says Rob Rosen, vice president of sports at Heritage Auctions.
What’s going on? There are several factors at play, Rosen says.
“Pre-War and early post-War cards are getting their due as a real alternative investment class,” Rosen says. “It’s been happening in antiques and with art and it’s finally happening with these cards.”
In response, it appears the hobby’s traditional base is expanding, Rosen says.
“Some of these cards, like the 1952 Topps Mantle, have surpassed sports collecting and card collecting and have crossed over to Americana,” Rosen says. “You don’t have to be a card collector to want that card in PSA 8 grade, just like you don’t need to be an art collector to want an Andy Warhol Monroe or a comic collector to want Superman No. 1.”
On top of that, the population of pre-War and early post-War cards has most likely reached a peak, tightening the supply and increasing the demand.
“There are no boxes left to open,” Rosen points out. “High-grade vintage cards are like beach-front property and no more are being created. So just try prying these from the kung fu-grip of their current owners.”
We looked at prices realized for cards offered by Heritage Auctions for the 12-month period ending February 2016 and found these record-setting treasures.
RECORD PRICE
1952 TOPPS MICKEY MANTLE #311
Grade: PSA NM-MT 8
Sold for: $525,800
December 2015
The most important, valuable and recognizable card of the post-war era; only 11 examples validated by PSA grade higher. Record price for card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1955 TOPPS ROBERTO CLEMENTE #164
Grade: PSA Mint 9
Sold for: $478,000
February 2016
One of 11 Clemente rookies assessed this grade level. Record price for card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1915 M101-5 BLANK BACK BABE RUTH #151
Grade: PSA EX 5
Sold for: $191,200
February 2016
Perfect specimen of a middle-grade example. Record price for card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1934 GOUDEY LOU GEHRIG #37
Grade: SGC 98 Gem 10.
Sold for: $167,300
February 2016
Finest known, population one.
RECORD PRICE
1909-1911 T206 PIEDMONT TY COBB (GREEN PORTRAIT)
Grade: PSA NM-MT 8
Sold for: $155,350
February 2016
The rarest Cobb, the highest available grade. Record price for this card.
RECORD PRICE
1951 BOWMAN MICKEY MANTLE #253
Grade: PSA NM-MT 8.
Sold for: $137,425
February 2016
Only 10 examples graded higher. Record price for this card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1961 TOPPS ROBERTO CLEMENTE #388
Grade: PSA Gem Mint 10
Sold for: $131,450
February 2016
One of only two in Gem Mint. Record price for this card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1933 GOUDEY BABE RUTH #149
Grade: PSA NM-MT 8.
Sold for: $119,500
February 2016
One of the most popular from the opening salvo of the “bubble gum era” of trading cards. Record price for card in this grade and first at this grade to break the six-figure barrier.
RECORD PRICE
1909-11 E90-1 AMERICAN CARAMEL TY COBB
Grade: PSA NM-MT 8
Estimate:
Sold for: $113,525
November 2015
Of more than 3,800 Type 1 American Caramels reviewed by PSA, only 16 have earned a NM-MT or better rating. Record price for this card in this grade.
RECORD PRICE
1915 CRACKER JACK WALTER JOHNSON #57
Grade: PSA Mint 9
Sold for: $101,575
February 2016
One of five at this grade with none higher. Record price for this card in this grade.