The sports collectibles market continues to grow in all kinds of ways. Now, a new entry into the auction market is preparing for its inaugural event. Brian Suarez has launched 77 Auctions, specializing in vintage and modern trading cards and memorabilia. The first auction is set to open next month.
“The name 77 Auctions came from the fact that I have been a huge Mickey Mantle collector over the years,” the veteran collector/dealer stated. “My birth year is 1977 so I sort of combined both and it just stuck.”
Suarez actually met Mantle at an autograph signing as a youngster in the 1990s, an event that jump-started his interest in the hobby but it’s not just Mantle memorabilia that will be part of the first sale. 77 Auctions will focus on popular vintage and high-grade modern cards, game-used memorabilia and autographs.
The Southern California-based company will keep its inaugural auction relatively simple, with plans for only about 50 items.
Suarez, the principal owner, says items in the online catalog will be a diverse group that includes game-worn Ted Williams cap from his farewell season of 1960; numerous graded cards including a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie; Mantle autographs on a bat and cap; a game-worn Joel Embiid rookie year jersey, some game-worn NBA and NFL jerseys, Magic Johnson autographed items and a group of rare celebrity-signed baseballs including those inked by Bob Hope, Woody Allen, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, John McCain and Larry King.
“This auction is fresh to the hobby, bringing nearly 30 years of experience handling important high end sports cards and game-used memorabilia,” Suarez stated. “We are offering low consignment fees and competitive buyers premiums. We will have a long reach on social media and traditional advertising and will work tirelessly to ensure our consignors get the most for their items.”
In addition to his Mantle collection, Suarez is also a big fan of the hometown NBA team.
“I would probably be known in the autograph show circuit as the guy hauling around one of the largest sections of the Forum floor around getting all of the Lakers legends to sign it,” he joked.
Registration and consignments are open. The kickoff auction will go online October 11 and close October 25. More info is available at 77Auctions.com.
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