Rare Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth Cards Shine at Heritage Auction

In the exciting world of sports memorabilia, vintage cards hold a special place, and the recent Heritage Spring Sports Card Auction did not disappoint. Among the standout pieces were two iconic cards featuring baseball legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.

The star of the show was a T206 Ty Cobb card, known for its unique tobacco advertisement back. This particular card fetched an impressive $432,000 at the auction, overshadowing even the famous Honus Wagner card in terms of rarity. With only around 25 known to exist, this specific T206 Cobb card stands out not only for its association with Cobb’s tobacco brand but also for the distinctive “King of the Smoking Tobacco World” inscription on the back. The glossy finish of the card adds to its allure, a testament to its origins with a short-lived tobacco product.

Another sought-after piece was the M101-5 Sporting News Blank Back Babe Ruth rookie card, which commanded a price of $348,000. This card, graded PSA 4, is a rare gem in the world of sports cards, showcasing the enduring appeal and value of vintage memorabilia.

The auction also featured other notable sales, including a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that sold for $204,000 and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, which reached $210,000. The event attracted over 2,450 bidders from around the globe, leading to total sales exceeding $10 million.

A highlight of the auction was the sale of a signed 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie card, one of only 31 signed copies known to exist. This rare find, coupled with its fascinating backstory, fetched an impressive $126,000. The interest in vintage materials was further underscored by the sale of unopened items, such as a 1967 Topps Football cello box and a 1970 Topps baseball (Mixed Series) cello box, each selling for $81,000. Additionally, a ticket stub from Jackie Robinson’s UCLA football debut exceeded expectations, selling for $22,800.

One of the most intriguing stories from the auction was the discovery of eight 1914 Lawrence Semon issue postcards, which included a Ty Cobb card. Originally purchased for just $400 as part of an estate sale, these postcards turned into a lucrative investment, selling for an impressive $50,370.

With such remarkable sales and fascinating discoveries, the Heritage Spring Sports Card Auction proved to be a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts alike. For those wishing to delve deeper into the world of vintage sports memorabilia, Heritage Auctions provides detailed insights and information on their website, offering a glimpse into a world where the past meets the present in the most valuable and unforgettable way.

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