Robert Edward Auctions has always offered high-end collectibles to the sports market and, judging by their latest sale, the tradition continues. When the auction closed, the final tally was $4,943,000 with many lots establishing new price records in various areas of the collecting world. Here's a peek at some of the highlights:

There were many record setting results from the sale and Robert Lifson, President of Robert Edward Auctions, was happy to report the news. "I was really pleased with the results especially after being a bit concerned about the potential impact of the stock market," explained Lifson. "It was probably the worst week possible to hold an auction, but the bidders really came through. What we found was that collectors still want to collect regardless of the stock market. The impact of the stock market was virtually undetectable."

After looking at the highlight list, you can see that there were many incredibly strong prices realized in the sale. Lifson made note of several key items from the auction. "The T202 Mathewson display piece was one of only two known," said Lifson. "The other example sold in our July auction. We were concerned that a second example offered so soon after might not do as well, but when the bidding was over this piece set another record price at a little more than $67,000. We were very pleased with the results across the board."

There were also many other noteworthy, record breaking lots. "The T206 Ty Cobb with the Cobb back broke the previous record by over 50%," said Lifson. "The most we've ever sold this rarity for was $32,600. This example sold for a record $49,223. Our Henry Chadwick signed baseball also set a record, to the best of our knowledge, for the highest auction price ever paid for a non-Ruth single signed baseball. This lot appealed to some very advanced autograph collectors and it reflected in the price. We were also very proud to be able to offer such a tremendous selection of original artwork, especially the Norman Rockwell original oil (which sold for $345,000) and the collection of LeRoy Neiman paintings. This was a landmark sale for the hobby in terms of artwork, and exposed the sports collecting field to thousands of collectors of fine art for the first time."

Lifson was also quick to point out a building trend in the market. "At one time, the name PSA was synonymous only with high grade material," explained Lifson. "Now, collectors are appreciating having cards of all grades authenticated by PSA. There is a tremendous demand for PSA graded medium and even low grade vintage cards, especially rarities and stars such as Ruth and Gehrig, because they are more affordable and represent a solid value for collectors. This is definitely a trend. A lot of collectors are also realizing that when their cards are graded by PSA, it makes the whole process of both buying and selling easier. Many of our strongest prices were for PSA graded cards that were low-to-mid grade or obscure vintage issues."

Robert Edward Auctions is planning on a November sale and they are currently seeking consignments. Robert Lifson can be reached at (908)-226-9900.

You know what they say, "Records are made to be broken." When you combine the legendary Mickey Mantle with a grade of PSA Gem Mint 10, a price record is bound to be in jeopardy. When the bidding ceased at Andy Madec's last auction, a PSA Gem Mint 10 Mickey Mantle from the 1963 Topps set closed at $51,194. This final bid made history as the highest price ever paid for a 1960's baseball card. The overall auction finished with $379,000 in total bids and it featured many pristine rarities. Here's a look at some of the highlights from the sale:

I think it is safe to say that it has been a long time since so many key PSA Gem Mint 10's been offered in one auction. Superior Sports Auctions had the pleasure of offering these fabulous gems to the collecting public and the results spoke for themselves. The auction finished with $579,396 in total bids and many of the prices set records. Here's a look at some of the highlights from the sale:

The auction was filled with very solid prices in virtually all areas of the catalogue. Chris Porter, Director of Auctions for Superior Sports, noticed the bidding balance. "There was no weakness to be found," explained Porter. "What we saw was a continued strength in the market at all levels. The solid demand, across the board, was a great sign for the hobby. When it came to the classic, power cards, the bids were there, no matter what sport."

The amount of quality PSA 10's caught the eyes of many bidders and Porter was pleased with the reaction from bidders. "We were very proud to be able to offer the amount of PSA 10's we had for this auction," said Porter. "It has always been our focus and we try our best each and every auction to provide the best of the best for our most discriminating clients."

While the 10's may have stole the show, Porter noticed a trend in collector demand. "During the last 3-4 months, there has certainly been an upward swing in post-war Hall of Fame rookie cards," explained Porter. "The 1950's and 1960's rookie cards of players like Yastrzemski, Ryan, and even guys like Cepeda have all enjoyed an upswing. It seems as if collectors are working their way back to the basics and rookie cards have always represented a classic way of assembling a collection."

Superior will be holding another auction in late June and they are currently seeking consignments. Chris Porter can be reached at 231-922-9862.

On April 17, Mile High Auctions will be holding a high-grade PSA auction featuring some major stars from days past including early "power" cards and various NM-MT and Mint issues up through the present. Some of the highlights include a PSA 9 T206 Christy Mathewson (dark cap), a PSA 8 1933 Goudey Sport King Babe Ruth, PSA 8 and 9 rookie cards of Mays, DiMaggio, Williams, Aaron, Ford, Banks, Koufax, Rose, and Ryan, and a hoard of PSA 9 Hall of Famers from all eras including everything from a PSA 9 1911 Walter Johnson to a PSA 9 1972 Topps Pete Rose. There is something for everyone in this quality sale and, if you would like more information about the auction, please contact Bryan Drent at 303-840-2784.

Babe Ruth's rookie - 1915 Sporting News

T206 Honus Wagner PSA 1