Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson rookie cards highlight Spring Catalog Auction at REA

A 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie card has always commanded high demand and big prices, with a PSA 9 topping $1 million last fall.

Robert Edward Auction has another Clemente rookie in a PSA 9 grade in its Spring Catalog Auction, which launched on Thursday and runs through April 23. The card has an opening bid of $250,000.

Also See: 1921 Babe Ruth bat sells for record $18.5 million 

REA is co-hosting a special pop-up event April 13-14 from 5-9 p.m. at Just Collect in Millburn, N.J. (296 Millburn Ave., Suite 102) where collectors can view and bid on the more than 3,900 items in the auction.

The auction also features several other classic cards in high grades, including: Jackie Robinson’s 1949 Bowman (PSA MINT 9); Bill Russell’s 1957 Topps Rookie (PSA NM+ 7.5); and Jim Brown’s 1958 Topps Rookie (SGC NM/MT+ 8.5).

“Our Spring Catalog Auction is one of the largest we’ve ever had. We’re excited because it not only demonstrates why our pedigree with respect to vintage cards and memorabilia is so strong, but it also showcases the myriad of other rare items our expansive consignor base entrusted us to sell,” REA President Brian Dwyer said. “Original photography, unopened boxes, signed and game-used memorabilia and rare graded game tickets are just a few of the many highlights of this auction that demonstrate the continued growth of our company and the strong interest in our hobby.”

Also See: Rare documents from Babe Ruth sale to Yankees tops Lelands auction

Other notable items include:

• 1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax Rookie (PSA MINT 9) (Starting bid: $100,000).

• 1939 R334 Play Ball #26 Joe DiMaggio (PSA MINT 9).

• Circa 1920 Babe Ruth single-signed baseball (PSA/DNA NM/MT+ 8.5 with MINT 9 signature).

• 1940s Josh Gibson original Type 1 photograph (PSA/DNA) used for his 1950-51 Toleteros Rookie Card.

Also See: Steve Sax Collection up for bid at SCP Auctions 

• 1932 R328 U.S. Caramel #32 Babe Ruth (PSA NM-MT 8).

• 1953 Topps #1 Jackie Robinson (PSA MINT 9).

• Circa 1913 Joe Jackson original Type 1 Charles Conlon photograph (PSA/DNA).

• 1986-87 Fleer Basketball (PSA GEM MINT 10) complete set minus one (131/132).

• 1958 Topps Football #62 Jim Brown Rookie (SGC NM/MT+ 8.5).

• 1957-58 Topps Basketball #77 Bill Russell Rookie (PSA NM+ 7.5).

• 1909 T204 Ramly Tobacco Walter Johnson 1-of-1 (SGC MINT 9; highest graded).

• 1925 Exhibits Lou Gehrig Rookie (PSA GOOD+ 2.5).

• 1959 Topps fourth series unopened cello box (36 Packs) (BBCE) featuring Ernie Banks, two Al Kaline and NL Hitting Kings with Willie Mays showing.

• 1976 Topps Football #148 Walter Payton Rookie (PSA GEM MINT 10).

• 1969-70 Topps Basketball #25 Lew Alcindor Rookie (SGC MINT 9).

• Historically significant Christy Mathewson single-signed baseball; 1921 testimonial at the Polo Grounds (JSA).

• 1948-49 Leaf #3 Babe Ruth (PSA NM-MT 8).

• 1924-25 Aguilitas Cigars Second Series #869 Oscar Charleston (SGC VG+ 3.5).