It’s one of the most challenging post-War Hall of Fame rookie cards to find in any grade. On the rare occasions when a high-grade example comes up for auction, there’s usually a lot of interest. However, Mile High Card Company appears to have reset the bar for the 1948-49 Leaf Satchel Paige. The company offered a PSA 7 (NM) Paige in its latest major catalog auction and didn’t just break the old sales record–it destroyed it. The card sold for $108,039, more than three times more than the previous high set several years ago.
The last PSA 7 Paige rookie sold in August 2014 for $28,058. Only five examples have been graded higher by PSA. Notoriously hard to find, even for 1948 Leaf high numbers, the Paige is usually on the want lists of most collectors who chase the entire set.
That wasn’t he only card to reach six figures in MHCC’s auction, though. A sparkling PSA 8 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie card soared to $179,095 and a BVG 8 1952 Topps Mantle realized $122,827. All prices reflect a 20% buyer’s premium.
Other sales included:
- Walter Johnson game-used bat PSA/DNA GU 8 $93, 327
- 1951 Bowman Willie Mays rookie PSA 8 $71,107
- 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 PSA 8 $68,070
- 1909 T204 Ramly Walter Johnson SGC 82 $50,793
- 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 $47,078
- T206 Ty Cobb bat off shoulder PSA 8 $33,454