Heritage Auctions is gearing up for a captivating Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction on July 12-13, showcasing a remarkable collection of rare and highly sought-after baseball cards. Among the standout items are a pristine 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card, a gem-mint Michael Jordan Fleer rookie card, and a chrome rookie card autographed by a young Bryce Harper. The event will also feature sealed packs, boxes, and cases brimming with potential hidden gems, making it a must-see for avid collectors. Signed Shohei Ohtani cards and top-tier Ty Cobb tobacco cards further elevate the allure of this summer auction, which includes a plethora of Hall of Fame treasures like Babe Ruth’s iconic “Called Shot” jersey.
A particularly intriguing highlight of the auction is a collection of 1959 baseball cards that were once stapled to containers of Canadian cookies. These cards, deemed exceedingly rare with only 69 listed in the PSA population report, will feature 37 cards in this event. The roster boasts legendary players such as Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Eddie Mathews, Whitey Ford, Ernie Banks, and Yogi Berra.
While the name Dad’s Cookies may not ring a bell for many, the historical significance of these cards in the realm of sports memorabilia is undeniable. Joe Orlando, Heritage’s Executive Vice President in Sports, emphasized the excitement these cards generate among collectors, noting that they represent a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The Dad’s Cookies cards, produced by Exhibits Supply Company, were utilized as promotional items by Dad’s Cookies in 1959, attached to bags and boxes of cookies. Each card featured a message from the company’s Scottish mascot, encouraging kids to collect all 64 “autographed” pictures of “a BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL STAR.” The rarity of these cards stems from their unique distribution method and the limited number of surviving specimens.
The auction will also showcase two highly coveted Ty Cobb T206 cards from the early 1900s. One is the El Principe de Gales Ty Cobb, graded PSA NM 7, with only one known example bearing the El Principe de Gales advertisement on the back. The other is the American Beauty Portrait-Red Cobb, graded PSA EX-MT 6, recognized as the highest-graded specimen of its kind. Orlando underscored the significance of these cards, particularly for ardent T206 collectors, highlighting their rarity and appeal to enthusiasts seeking the finest examples.
In addition to these historic cards, collectors can explore a variety of sealed boxes and cases at the auction. Items like the 1970 Topps Baseball Wax Box (1st & 3rd Series) containing 24 unopened packs potentially housing cards of baseball legends like Carl Yastrzemski, Vida Blue, Rod Carew, Tom Seaver, and Roberto Clemente offer a nostalgic journey with the anticipation of uncovering hidden treasures. Orlando described these items as encapsulating moments frozen in time, invoking childhood memories and the allure of mystery.
The auction extends its offerings to modern boxes and cases as well, such as the 2015 Upper Deck Hockey Series 1 Hobby Unopened Case and the 2020 Panini Flawless Football Factory Sealed Case. These contemporary items present the thrill of discovering rare cards like a Connor McDavid rookie card or a gem-mint rookie patch auto, tantalizing collectors with the possibility of unlocking valuable finds. Orlando highlighted the exhilarating appeal of opening these items, emphasizing their role in the captivating world of sports card collecting.
Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Summer Sports Card Catalog Auction promises an extraordinary experience for fans of sports memorabilia, showcasing a diverse range of rare and valuable baseball cards. From iconic names like Jackie Robinson and Ty Cobb to hidden gems awaiting discovery, this auction is a treasure trove for collectors seeking extraordinary additions to their collections.