Chester, NJ - May 18, 2026 - REA’s May Auction closed Sunday night and was led by a lineup of vintage classics. Leading the way was a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Portrait Green Background PSA VG-EX 4 that sold for $38,130, a record for the card in this grade with a Piedmont or Sweet Caporal back. It was followed by a 1933 R319 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth SGC VG 3 that sold for $20,910, a record for the card in this SGC grade, and a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie BVG VG+ 3.5 that finished at $19,680, a record for the card in this BVG grade.

One of the most intriguing items heading into this event, which consisted of more than 3,600 lots, was a 2025 Bowman's Best “Best of 2025 Autographs” #B25-KG Konnor Griffin Superfractor #1/1 PSA MINT 9 that ended up finishing at $12,300. Griffin was baseball’s top prospect heading into the 2026 season and made his debut in April with the Pittsburgh Pirates. While he has a number of desirable cards already, this is one of his most sought after.

Other notable items in this packed event include:

• 1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Honus Wagner SGC VG 3 - $17,220 - Record for the card in this grade
• 1954 Topps #128 Hank Aaron Rookie PSA EX-MT 6 - $17,220
• Circa 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Awaiting Pitch PSA GOOD 2 - $15,990 - Record for the card in this grade
• 1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Ty Cobb SGC VG 3 - $14,145
• 1955 Topps #47 Hank Aaron PSA NM-MT 8 - $12,915
• 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Portrait Red Background PSA VG-EX 4 - Polar Bear Back - $12,300
• 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays PSA EX 5 - $11,378
• 1933 R319 Goudey #92 Lou Gehrig SGC VG+ 3.5 - $10,763
• Circa 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson Bat Follow, White Sleeves PSA VG-EX 4 (MK) - $12,915
• 1985-1986 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Unopened Wax Box (48 Packs) - BBCE - Mario Lemieux Rookie Year - $8,918

“This auction delivered exceptional results across the board, highlighted by the outstanding performance of vintage cards, many of which achieved record prices as collectors continue to pursue these enduring classics with tremendous enthusiasm,” said Brian Dwyer, President of REA.

REA’s next event will be its June Auction that runs from June 11-21.

About REA

REA is one of the leading auction houses in the US specializing in sports and non-sports cards and memorabilia. Through its signature approach to collectibles, REA has established a reputation as the industry benchmark through its unparalleled and unwavering commitment to integrity, knowledge and trust. For more than 30 years, REA has brokered some of the most lucrative sales and handled some of the most coveted pieces of sports memorabilia in the hobby’s history, including the historic sales of the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card for $7.2 million in December 2023 and the T206 Honus Wagner card for $6.6 million in August 2021, a record-setting price at the time. In July 2023, the company acquired Huggins & Scott Auctions. Last year, the company launched its Fixed Price Marketplace that currently features more than 3,000 items available in a “buy now” model. For more information, visit https://collectrea.com/ and follow REA on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook. You can also contact the company and request an auction catalog by emailing [email protected]. 

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