Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan rookie cards headline October Auction at REA

Two of the most dominant athletes in sports history were NBA great Michael Jordan and flame-throwing pitcher Nolan Ryan, who dominated MLB hitters for nearly three decades.

The two sports legends also have two of the hottest and most valuable rookie cards in the hobby.

Jordan’s 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Rookie (PSA NM-MT+ 8.5) and Ryan’s 1968 Topps #177 Nolan Ryan Rookie (PSA MINT 9) headline REA’s October Auction, which features more than 4,300 lots spanning nearly 150 years.

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The auction, which runs through Oct. 19, also features a few examples from the iconic Cracker Jack sets, including a 1915 E145 #103 Joe Jackson (BGS VG-EX+ 4.5), along with a 1914 E145 #68 Honus Wagner (SGC VG 3) and SGC Authentic examples of 1914 Cracker Jack Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson cards.

Also featured are two vintage football classics in Johnny Unitas’ 1957 Topps Rookie and Y. A. Tittle’s 1950 Bowman Rookie.

“This is another huge event for us that boasts a ton of quality and quantity,” REA President Brian Dwyer said. “There has been a lot of strength in the hobby over the last few months, and I expect to see significant activity and strong results across several different areas of the hobby throughout this auction.”

Other notable items include:

• 1921 E121 American Caramel (Series of 80) "Babe" Ruth (PSA VG+ 3.5)

• 1933 R319 Goudey #127 Mel Ott (PSA NM-MT 8)

• Signed 1948 Bowman #36 Stan Musial Rookie (PSA/DNA GEM MINT 10)

• 1956 Topps #5 Ted Williams White Back (PSA MINT 9)

• 1948 Bowman Basketball #69 George Mikan Rookie (PSA VG-EX 4)

• 2019 Bowman's Best 1999 Franchise Favorites Autograph #SO Shohei Ohtani #26/30 (PSA GEM MINT 10)

• 1979-1980 Topps Hockey #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie (SGC NM/MT 8)

• 1953 Topps #82 Mickey Mantle (PSA EX-MT 6)

• 1970-1971 Topps Basketball #123 Pete Maravich Rookie (PSA MINT 9)

• 1954 Topps #90 Willie Mays (PSA NM-MT 8)

• 2014-2015 Panini Flawless Patch Autographs Basketball #PA-GA Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruby #14/15 (PSA GEM MINT 10 with GEM MINT 10 Signature)