Topps will launch its first on site auction via its website Monday. It’s the latest step in the company’s ongoing efforts to revamp and monetize the site, which debuted with a new look earlier this year. Since the site redesign, Topps has focused its efforts on retail sales including boxes, sets, apparel and items from its archives. Now, in addition to straight sales, the company will add an auction feature, likely in attempt to lure more traffic.
Similar to the lots listed in its long-running Topps Vault auctions on eBay, listings are focused on items that are in reach of most collectors. Up for bid will be an original 1992 proof photo used to create the first Bowman card of Manny Ramirez. The card was a bit groundbreaking in that the ’92 Bowman set was the first to create ‘pre-rookie’ cards picturing players in streetclothes. Mariano Rivera also has a similarly designed card.
Other items to be offered in the inaugural auction include:
- 1973 Hank Aaron color photo transparency
- 1989 Yogi Berra signed Topps contract
- 1962 Billy Williams color photo transparency
- 1971 Jim ‘Catfish’ Hunter photo transparency
- 1961 Minnie Minoso photo transparency
1998 Edgar Martinez signed Topps contract
1989 Terry Francona signed Topps contract- 1984 Dale Murphy photo transparency from Topps Glossy redemption set
- Circa 1979 Ozzie Smith color photo transparency
- 1979 and 1981 Johnny Bench color photo transparencies
- 1976 Mike Schmidt color photo transparency
- 1976 Mike Schmidt color photo transparency
At least for now, Topps is continuing its Vault auctions on eBay, offering hundreds of similar items from throughout its history each month.
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