A 1951-52 Parkhurst Gordie Howe rookie card sold for a record-smashing $51,555 in one of the hobby’s final auctions of 2017. 
The sale of the PSA 8 (NM/MT) card tripled the previous record of $17,700 for a card in the same grade. It was one of the featured attractions in Goldin Auctions’ Holiday sale, which closed early Sunday morning. Only three Howe rookies have been graded higher than 8.
Other vintage cards sold included a 1954 Topps Hank Aaron (PSA 8- $27,005, a 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie (PSA 8–$24,550) and a 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie (PSA 10–$19,640).
The top selling item in the auction was a complete First Edition set of 1999 Pokemon cards, all graded PSA 10. The set soared to $100,655.
In all, the auction netted over $1.6 million.
The jersey Steph Curry wore in Games 4 and 6 of the 2016 NBA Finals was the top-selling memorabilia item in the auction. Carrying NBA authentication and Curry’s autograph, it ended at $58,920. Next was a 1950 game-used Ted Williams bat, signed and inscribed “My best personal bat,” which sold for $44,190.
The auction included several items from the personal collection of the late Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams including his 1972 World Series trophy, which sold for $27,005 and a Yankees World Series ring from 1999 which he was given for his role as a team consultant. The ring went for $24,550.
Wrestling fans had a chance to bid on one of Ric Flair’s “Nature Boy” robes from the early 2000s. It drew a crowd of interested bidders and realized $27,005 including the buyer’s premium that was added to each winning bid.
“This was an outstanding year for Goldin Auctions and the entire memorabilia industry and by the results of our 2017 Holiday Auction, it appears collectors are still enthusiastic and optimistic,” said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions. “We want to thank all of our consigners and bidders for making 2017 such a fun and record-setting year, and we look forward to offering even more spectacular collectibles next year.”
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