A highly sought-after 1907 Wolverine News postcard featuring a young Ty Cobb is set to be the centerpiece of an upcoming sports memorabilia auction. Graded PSA VG 3, this rookie-era collectible is one of only three known to exist and stands as the highest-graded example. Its rarity and historical significance make it a must-have for serious collectors and baseball historians alike.
The postcard captures Ty Cobb during his first full season in Major League Baseball, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of a player who would become one of the sport's most legendary figures. Issued by Wolverine News, the postcard not only serves as a valuable collectible but also as a piece of baseball history, marking the inception of Cobb's illustrious career.
This exceptional item will be featured as Lot #1 in Robert Edward Auctions' September Encore Auction, emphasizing its prominence among a wide array of vintage and modern sports memorabilia up for bid.
Additional Auction Highlights
The auction isn't limited to the Ty Cobb postcard; it also features an impressive lineup of other rare and high-grade items that span the history of sports collectibles.
- Early Ty Cobb Cards: Complementing the 1907 postcard are other significant Ty Cobb items, such as a 1910 E103 Williams Caramel card graded PSA VG-EX 4 and a 1921 W516-2-1 #5 card graded PSA NM 7. These cards offer collectors additional opportunities to own pieces associated with Cobb's storied career.
- Vintage Baseball Rookies: A 1948-1949 Leaf #8 Satchel Paige rookie short print graded SGC GOOD is among the standout items. Given Paige's monumental impact on the game, this card is a valuable addition for collectors focusing on groundbreaking players.
- High-Grade Classic Cards: The auction features a 1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson graded NM/MT 8, the highest SGC-graded example to appear at a public auction in over two years. Other notable cards include a 1952 Topps #261 Willie Mays graded PSA 7, a 1955 Topps #194 Willie Mays graded PSA NM-MT 8, and a 1959 Topps #514 Bob Gibson rookie card graded PSA NM-MT+ 8.5.
- Rare Yogi Berra Card: A 1950 Bowman #46 Yogi Berra graded PSA MINT 9 is up for grabs, one of only three cards at this grade with none graded higher. This makes it an exceptional find for collectors of Yankees memorabilia or those focusing on Hall of Fame players.
For those interested in autographed items, the auction offers:
- Signed Dizzy Dean Card: A 1934 R320 Goudey #6 Dizzy Dean card graded PSA GOOD 2 (MK) with a GEM MINT 10 signature combines vintage charm with a pristine autograph.
- Mickey Mantle Collectibles: A signed 1968 Topps #280 Mickey Mantle card graded PSA VG-EX+ 4.5 with a GEM MINT 10 signature is a highlight, along with a 1952 Star-Cal Decals Type 1 #70-G Mickey Mantle graded PSA Authentic.
- Willie Mays Signed Cards: Two autographed Willie Mays cards—a 1954 and a 1955 Bowman—come with PSA signature grades of 8 and 9, respectively, adding significant value for collectors of the "Say Hey Kid."
The auction also caters to fans of contemporary sports cards:
- Baseball Superstars: A 2022 Topps Transcendent Collection 1958 Topps Autograph Aaron Judge Superfractor #1/1 graded PSA MINT 9 and a 2018 Topps High Tek Autograph Shohei Ohtani rookie card graded BGS PRISTINE 10 with a perfect signature are among the modern highlights.
- Football Prospects: A 2023 Panini Prizm Football C.J. Stroud rookie snakeskin parallel graded PSA 10 is available for those looking to invest in emerging football talent.
- Basketball Classics: The complete 1986-1987 Fleer basketball set, including 132 cards and a complete sticker set of 11, features the coveted Michael Jordan rookie card, making it a treasure trove for basketball aficionados.
Adding to the auction's historical depth are rare Babe Ruth items:
- Original 1921 Photo: A PSA/DNA Type 1 International Newsreel photo circa 1921 captures Ruth during a pivotal time in his career. This image was notably used for the 1932 Ruth Sanella Margarine card, linking it directly to one of his collectible cards.
- Dual-Signed Photograph: A unique photo signed by both Babe Ruth and his business manager, Christy Walsh, offers a personal touch and insight into Ruth's life off the field.
Robert Edward Auctions' September Encore Auction presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors to acquire some of the most elusive and significant items in sports memorabilia. The inclusion of the rare 1907 Ty Cobb rookie postcard not only elevates the auction's status but also celebrates the rich history of baseball and its legendary figures.