Autographs
Rare 1961 Topps Willie Mays ‘test’ card tops Huggins & Scott auction
Trading cards of baseball legend Willie Mays have always held strong value. Even “test cards” of Mays are still in high demand.
A rare 1961 Topps Willie Mays Dice Game test issue card graded PSA 5 sold for $156,000 in the Fall Auction at Huggins & Scott Auctions. It was a new all-time high for the card in any grade.
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The 1961 card was a test issue that is extremely difficult to find in any grade, with only 13 total examples graded by PSA and SGC combined. Only three have been graded by PSA, including the record-setting example.
Other top sellers in the auction included: the baseball Ted Williams hit for his 400th career home run in 1956 sold for $52,800; a 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Portrait Red Background (SGC 7.5) for $36,000; and a 1986-1987 Fleer Basketball #57 Michael Jordan Rookie (PSA 9) for $30,000.
“This was a record-breaking event for us in more ways than one,” said Huggins & Scott Vice President & Director of Consignments Ron Oser. “We had an incredible selection of items in this auction, from rare comics and vintage cards to some really interesting pieces of memorabilia and Americana, and the results did not disappoint. This was a fantastic way for us to finish up the year and we’re already excited about some of the things we have lined up for our first event in 2026.”
Other notable sales included:
• 1907 A. C. Dietsche Detroit Tigers Postcard Ty Cobb Rookie (SGC GOOD 2) $18,600.
• 1933 Sport Kings Gum #6 Jim Thorpe (PSA 6) $16,200.
• 1909-1911 T206 White Border Ty Cobb Portrait Green Background (PSA VG 3; MBA Silver Diamond) $12,000.
• 2000 Bowman Chrome Football #236 Tom Brady Rookie (PSA 10) $11,700.
• 2005-2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball Auto Patches LeBron James #/100 (BGS 8, 10 Auto) $10,800.
• 1939 All-America Team winner signed baseball (16) with Rookie Ted Williams and Babe Ruth (JSA LOA) $10,200.
• 1955 All-American Sports Club complete uncut sheet set (16) $9,300.
• 1984 Star Basketball #288 Michael Jordan Rookie of the Year (PSA 6) $9,300.
