Heritage Auctions is no stranger to reaching groundbreaking numbers, but as of May 15, 2016 they produced a record breaking eight-figures in sales. On May 12-14, Heritage hosted the 2016 Sports Collectibles Catalog Auction, resulting in $11 million worth of sales.
“In less than three months, we have dropped the hammer on over $20 million in sales. It was a quick turnaround after our New York Platinum Night, but clearly the hobby’s largest bidding audience was more than ready to meet the challenge,” Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Collectibles at Heritage said.
More than $7 million of the total prices realized came from The Trading Card session on May 12. The auctions top lot, a PSA Mint 9 example of Willie Mays’ 1952 Topps rookie sold for an impressive $478,000. While Frank Robinson's rookie in the same grade realized $57,360.
Other memorable sales included $45,410 for a PSA Mint 9 example of a 1959 Topps Bob Gibson; a little over $50,000 for a 1971 Topps Terry Bradshaw graded PSA Mint 9; and $20,315 for a PSA Gem Mint 10 representation of Walter Payton’s 1976 Topps rookie.
Meanwhile The Dr. David Fischer Dream Team Collection, on May 13, featured game memorabilia and mementos of the historic 1992 Olympic Basketball Gold Medal squad. Two prominent sales include $52,580 for Michael Jordan game worn sneakers and $40,630 for a team signed basketball.
Game worn jersey's dominated in sales with a 1980s Mike Bossy gamer quadrupling estimates to reach $35,850, while a rookie era Pete Rose jersey rocketed past $50,000.
Additional highlights include a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 SGC 84 NM 7 realized at $215,100; a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253 PSA NM-MT 8 sold for $167,300; a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente #164 PSA NM-MT 8 reached $131,450; and a 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax #123 PSA NM-MT+ 8.5 sold for $89,625.
Not to mention a 1932 US Caramel Babe Ruth #32 PSA NM-MT 8 realized at $83,650; a 1951 Bowman Willie Mays #305 PSA NM-MT 8 sold for $77,944; a 1971 Topps Baseball 4th Series wax box with 24 unopened packs reached $77,675; and a 1929 Al Capone signed and fingerprinted police booking card sold for $71,700.
As well as a 1947 Cy Young single signed baseball sold for $43,020; a 1934 Tour of Japan Team signed baseball reached $43,020; a 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain #8 PSA Mint 9 realized at $38,240; and a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson #312 PSA NM-MT 8 sold for $35,850.
