The 1939 All-Star Game pin presented to an ailing Lou Gehrig sold for $171,500 to top bidding in Goldin Auctions’ latest catalog sale.
The pin was the only one not donated by Gehrig’s wife Eleanor to the Hall of Fame, as it was given to one of the nurses who took care of him in his final days. It remained in her family until it was originally sold by her nephew in 1989.
Two other items topped six-figures in the auction, which generated $3.5 million in sales from the 70 live lots that closed May 20 and over 2,000 online lots that ended early Sunday morning. The marriage certificate from the 1954 wedding of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe sold for $122,500 while a 1928 Jimmie Foxx game-used side-written bat graded GU10 by PSA/DNA soared to $108,000, the most ever paid for a Foxx bat.
The auction attracted a record number of bids, winning bidders and unique bidders in the company’s history. “We are thrilled that so many different collectors participated and won,” said company founder Ken Goldin. “The rare premium items in our live auction coupled with the diverse and unique lots we offered online made for a perfect combination to attract a wide variety of collectors. It’s a great event when bidders are excited for their win and our consignors are satisfied with the prices r
ealized.”
Here’s a look at some of the other key items and the final prices:
Lot #41 – 2017 Team USA World Baseball Classic Lucky Eagle – This 24-inch tall, 45-pound porcelain sculpture was the “lucky charm,” accompanying Team USA around the country during their run to the WBC title. The eagle is signed by 28 team members including; Posey, Kinsler, Stanton, McCutchen and Stroman. 100% of the high bid price was donated to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. (Final Price: $62,475)
Lot #9 – Barry Bonds HR #716 Bat and Complete Uniform – The lot includes the bat, complete uniform and batting gloves worn by Bonds on June 5, 2006, when he hit career home run #716 off Marlins pitcher Brian Moehler. It was the only certified game used bat attributed to a home run 700 or higher ever offered for sale. All items include the inscription “6-5-06 #716” in silver marker. The lot included an LOA from Bonds as well as MLB Authenticated and Bonds holograms. (Final Price: $51,450)
Lots #29, 31 & 74 – Don Zimmer NY Yankees World Series Rings – The long-time Yankees bench coach’s three World Series Rings sold for a combined $112,425 with the 2000 World Series ring netting $40,425 while both the 1998 and 1999 rings sold for $36,000.
Lots #59, #434, #435 – Eduard Parent Olympic Medals – In three separate lots, two gold medals and a silver medal from Cuban shortstop Eduardo Paret sold for a combined $62,475. His 1996 Gold Medal netted $24,500; his 2004 Gold Medal fetched $22,050; while his 2008 Silver Medal sold for $15, 925.
Lot #24 – Rare 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series Ring from Backup Shortstop Dick Schofield – Include LOA from Schofield (Final Price $48,000)
Lot #188 – 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card PSA NM 7 – (Final Price $34,300)
Lot #18 – 1928 New York Yankees World Series Champions Team Signed Ball – Included 20 signatures including, Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri among the 9 Hall of Famers and dated May 26, 1926 (Final Price $26,950)
Lot #1404 – 1968 Super Bowl II Packers-Raiders Yellow Variation Full Ticket (PSA/DNA VG-EX4) (Final Price $22,050)
For a look at the entire auction catalog, visit www.GoldinAuctions.com. The company is currently accepting consignments for its upcoming auctions.
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