The auction, which generated over $18 million in sales, was highlighted by an extraordinary collection of eight unopened 1952 Topps five-cent wax packs soared to $1,107,000 including buyer’s premium to lead the latest REA sale that closed on August 16, 2026. The cellophane-wrapped “brick,” originating from the celebrated 1990s Seattle find, attracted 42 bids after opening at $250,000.
The remarkable unopened find was followed by a condition rarity featuring Willie Mays. A 1962 Topps #300 Willie Mays graded PSA MINT 9 generated 69 bids, the most among these leading lots and realized $369,000. The result placed the Mays card comfortably ahead of an impressive group of unopened material that dominated much of the top of the auction.
A 1987-88 Fleer Basketball factory sealed 12 box wax case authenticated by BBCE finished third at $332,100 after 48 bids. Two exceptionally rare 1971 Topps unopened baseball wax boxes, representing the first and fourth series, then produced identical $246,000 results.
Another basketball highlight came from a 1986-87 Fleer Basketball unopened wax box with a Michael Jordan rookie visible on top of one pack and five Jordan stickers showing on the backs of packs. The BBCE authenticated box commanded $239,850 after 40 bids.
“This was one of the most energetic and exciting auctions we’ve had in a long time,” said REA President Brian Dwyer. “A record number of new bidders were engaged across all areas of the hobby, countless records were set, and the marquee 1952 Topps brick set a new standard for this incredible piece of history as it joined the seven-figure club.”
Top REA Auction Results
- 1952 Topps Unopened Five-Cent Wax Pack Collection (8) – Cellophane-Wrapped “Brick” $1,107,000
- 1962 Topps #300 Willie Mays – PSA MINT 9 $369,000
- 1987-88 Fleer Basketball Factory-Sealed Unopened Wax Case (12 Boxes) – BBCE $332,100
- 1971 Topps First Series Unopened Wax Box (24 Packs) – BBCE $246,000
- 1971 Topps Fourth Series Unopened Wax Box (24 Packs) – BBCE $246,000
- 1986-87 Fleer Basketball Unopened Wax Box – BBCE, Michael Jordan RC Showing $239,850
- 1961 Topps Football Unopened Wax Box (24 Packs) – BBCE $221,400
- 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks Rookie – PSA MINT 9 $215,250
- 1962 Topps Football Unopened Wax Box (24 Packs) – BBCE $196,800
- 1914 E145 Cracker Jack #30 Ty Cobb – PSA NM 7 $184,500
- T206 Ty Cobb Portrait, Green Background – PSA NM 7 $153,750
- 1921 E121 American Caramel “Babe” Ruth – PSA EX-MT 6 $147,600
Prices include buyer’s premium.
Unopened Material Dominates
One of the clearest themes was the extraordinary strength of the vintage unopened market. Six of the 12 leading lots were unopened packs, boxes or cases, and together those six lots accounted for $2,343,150.
High-Grade Vintage Stars Remain Powerful
Traditional vintage cards still occupied several important positions. The PSA 9 Willie Mays was the standout at $369,000, while a 1954 Topps #94 Ernie Banks rookie graded PSA 9 commanded $215,250 after 61 bids.
Ty Cobb produced two six-figure results. The 1914 Cracker Jack #30 Cobb PSA 7 sold for $184,500, while the classic T206 Green Portrait Cobb PSA 7 reached $153,750.
A 1921 E121 American Caramel Babe Ruth PSA 6 rounded out the group at $147,600 after 50 bids.
For complete results visit https://collectrea.com.
REA’s next event will be its September Auction, which runs from September 10-20. You can register to bid through the company’s website.
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 3,200 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 info@collectrea.com.
