Mickey Mantle's baseball career was rounding third and heading for home when London, Ontario-based O-Pee-Chee began producing bubble gum cards through a new partnership with Topps. Thankfully for collectors who have enough trouble affording his American made issues, the Canadian Mantle checklist is pretty small. For just about any collector, completing a run of … [Read more...]
1952 Bowman Baseball: Underrated Elegance
When old baseball card collectors gather around their shoe boxes full of rubber-band-bound stacks and conversation turns to the greatest sets of the post-War era, as it inevitably does, the predictable run of iconic issues fills the air: 1951 Bowman, 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps and Bowman. Sandwiched among these heavyweights of the hobby, maybe the 1952 Bowman set … [Read more...]
Mickey Mantle Headlines Rare 1959 Oklahoma Today Set
In 1959, a rare baseball card set was issued by a regional magazine called Oklahoma Today. Here's a closer look at these unique cards from an unlikely source. About the 1959 Oklahoma Today Set The focus of the magazine, of course, is on the state of Oklahoma. It has been known to cover anything and everything in the state with regards to tourism, restaurants, famous people, … [Read more...]
Historic Photos, T206 Near Set, 1933 All-Star Autographs Among Memory Lane Winter Headliners
A collection of nearly 100 historic photos from decades ago, one of the hobby’s top 20 T206 sets, some unique autographed baseballs and thousands of high-grade vintage sports cards will help kick off the holidays at Memory Lane. The Southern California-based company will open its largest auction in 20 years on December 21, with 1,360 lots up for grabs in its Winter … [Read more...]
2nd Best 1956 Topps Set; Mantle Cards Headline RR Auction Catalog
One of the hobby’s best sets of 1956 Topps baseball cards is among the items up for bids in the upcoming sports catalog from RR Auction. The second best Master Set on the PSA Registry, the 354-card accumulation carries a 9.44 set rating, with nearly every card graded either a 9 or 10. The set includes the 342 standard cards along with 12 additional scarce team card … [Read more...]
Rare 1961 Phillies Cigar Premium is an Affordable Mickey Mantle Issue
More than 50 years after his baseball playing career ended, Yankees Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle remains a beloved figure. Even beyond baseball fans, collectors not only pursue his cards and collectibles, but his items are among the most popular in the entire hobby. Most Mantle items have risen steadily in value over the years and are getting more expensive to the everyday … [Read more...]
Large Yankees Card, Memorabilia Collection Headlines 1,000+ Lot Clean Sweep Auction
Clean Sweep Auctions is offering a massive collection of historic New York Yankees memorabilia as part of its current catalog. In the works for months, the auction includes over 1,000 lots in all. Owner Steve Verkman calls it “one of the very best we have offered. We have worked tirelessly for months putting this together.” Many of the Yankee 187 … [Read more...]
Legendary Player Contracts, Goudey Lajoie, Vintage Sets Headline RR Auction
RR Auction has launched its latest major catalog sale, one that features what it says is the most significant collection of history-making player contracts ever offered. Among those up for grabs: a 1932 New York Yankees contract where Ruth takes a pay cut signed amidst the Great Depression. It dates to the legend of Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert asking Ruth to … [Read more...]
Tim Brown’s Heisman Sells for $435,763 in Goldin Auction
The original Heisman Trophy presented to Notre Dame's Tim Brown in 1987 sold for $435,763 over the weekend, making it the most valuable Heisman ever sold at public auction. The trophy, which came with a letter of authenticity from Brown, was the top seller in Goldin Auctions' latest catalog event. The price, which included a 20% buyer's premium, surpassed the $399,608 … [Read more...]
Ball Signed by Walter Johnson (and Walter Jr.) in New Mile High Auction
You're probably well aware of Walter Johnson but did you know the Big Train had a son who also pitched? The story of Walter Johnson Jr. actually came to a sad, premature conclusion but fans of baseball history will appreciate an item in Mile High Card Company’s current auction that pairs father and son. The newly launched Extra Innings auction includes an American … [Read more...]