August 2024 Heritage Auction

[Rhotchkiss]

Almost all of the stuff I wanted/bid on, and watched closely, in Heritage blew well beyond my higher-end estimates. Specifically, the E107 Wagner and Mathewson. I was the immediate underbidder on the Wagner and in the mix for the Matty, and I was motivated. But they both got to a price I felt was nonsensical and I let them go. It sucks when you think for months you will own something, but get left at the altar bid night.

Regarding the 1952 Topps Mantle, specifically mid-lower grades -- I generally agree that a rising tide lifts all boats. Plus, it seems that Mantle is particularly hot right now. That said, there are very many 1952 Topps Mantles available and I think that will impact the "rising tide". This past Heritage auction had 3, not including the signed one, and the next Heritage auction has 5, not including the one in the complete set. Memory Lane has a 3.5. REA had 3. There are over 25 different 1952 Topps Mantles on Ebay. 1952 Mantles are common, especially in sub-5 grades.

By contrast, high-grade Mantles are not common. Indeed, they are fairly rare. I think the rarity/common disparity will serve to push higher-grade Mantles, while he is especially hot, but put a lid on the growth of lower-mid grade examples.

Good looking, well-centered examples are an exception -- these, too, are harder to come by and I think they are the boats that will be lifted by the rising tide of high-grade Mantle sales.

[NYYFan63]

Can someone explain why the T206 Cy Young portrait PSA 4 went for $11k? I know its from the Ramsburg Collection but wow!

[Touch'EmAll]

I was just going to ask the same thing - about the T206 Cy Young portrait. The back was Sweet Caporal 150/25 - is that a rare back and the reason it went so high ? Or the Ramsburg connection (which the PSA label does not designate) ? It went for over $11.k over double what other recent PSA 4's have sold for.

And the 1935 Wheaties Gehrig, thought I had a chance at reasonable price. Sigh, not to be. I have always wanted on of these orange beauties. I kick myself for not picking up a nice copy when I had the chance years ago.

[Rhotchkiss]

Originally Posted by Touch'EmAll

I was just going to ask the same thing - about the T206 Cy Young portrait. The back was Sweet Caporal 150/25 - is that a rare back and the reason it went so high ? Or the Ramsburg connection (which the PSA label does not designate) ? It went for over $11.k over double what other recent PSA 4's have sold for.

Factory 25 can be difficult. SC 150, 25 is a little tougher. SC 350, 25 can sometimes be downright impossible. I finished a Tinker bat off back run (currently being sold in Memory Lane) and the SC 350, 25 was hand down one of the tougher ones.

That said, I have come to believe that when we see results like this, its a card doctor who feels they will alter the card and make a profit (after PSA grades it a 7 post alteration).

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

…That said, I have come to believe that when we see results like this, its a card doctor who feels they will alter the card and make a profit (after PSA grades it a 7 post alteration).

I had the same thought. Someone plans to take the card for a dip in Kurt’s magic elixir for a hefty profit.

[NYYFan63]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Factory 25 can be difficult. SC 150, 25 is a little tougher. SC 350, 25 can sometimes be downright impossible. I finished a Tinker bat off back run (currently being sold in Memory Lane) and the SC 350, 25 was hand down one of the tougher ones.

That said, I have come to believe that when we see results like this, its a card doctor who feels they will alter the card and make a profit (after PSA grades it a 7 post alteration).

Thank you for this insight.


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[Jdoggs]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

Almost all of the stuff I wanted/bid on, and watched closely, in Heritage blew well beyond my higher-end estimates. Specifically, the E107 Wagner and Mathewson. I was the immediate underbidder on the Wagner and in the mix for the Matty, and I was motivated. But they both got to a price I felt was nonsensical and I let them go. It sucks when you think for months you will own something, but get left at the altar bid night.

Regarding the 1952 Topps Mantle, specifically mid-lower grades -- I generally agree that a rising tide lifts all boats. Plus, it seems that Mantle is particularly hot right now. That said, there are very many 1952 Topps Mantles available and I think that will impact the "rising tide". This past Heritage auction had 3, not including the signed one, and the next Heritage auction has 5, not including the one in the complete set. Memory Lane has a 3.5. REA had 3. There are over 25 different 1952 Topps Mantles on Ebay. 1952 Mantles are common, especially in sub-5 grades.

By contrast, high-grade Mantles are not common. Indeed, they are fairly rare. I think the rarity/common disparity will serve to push higher-grade Mantles, while he is especially hot, but put a lid on the growth of lower-mid grade examples.

Good looking, well-centered examples are an exception -- these, too, are harder to come by and I think they are the boats that will be lifted by the rising tide of high-grade Mantle sales.

I agree with you that higher grade 52 mantles since they have smaller population from PSA 5 and above will appreciate at a higher rate then lower grades sub 5 which are more common. And yes good looking well centered ones will always command a premium.