DALLAS, TX.- The world’s largest collectibles auctioneer flexed its muscles in impressive fashion last week as it shattered two longstanding pricing records en route to a $2.9 million tally. After a marketing blitz that saw the impending sale of University of Texas Longhorns running back Ricky Williams' 1998 Heisman Trophy promoted by Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and hundreds of other major media outlets, an alumnus of the school claimed victory with the placement of a $504,000 bid for college football's most coveted hardware.
“This is a price only Heritage could achieve,” said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions for
Heritage. “Our vast marketing efforts can reach potential bidders our competition never could. Many participants for this piece were new to the hobby and had learned of the offering from our national media campaign.”
The second-highest price achieved in the 1,100-lot event likewise shattered the standing world record as an oversized New York Yankees promotional nodder manufactured in the early 1960s claimed a $90,000 result. The sale broke the previous record by $30,000, which was also set by Heritage in March 2015 for $60,000.
Championship rings, one of the hottest subgenres in the sports collectibles marketplace, continued their meteoric pricing ascent in the two-day event, the most noteworthy result being $69,000 for Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter's 2005 Super Bowl XL model. Five rings commanded five-figure prices.
Other highlights Included:
• $49,200: 1998 Doak Walker Award Presented to University of Texas Longhorns Running Back Ricky Williams.
• $38,400: 1915 Boston Red Sox Pitching Staff with Rookie Babe Ruth Original News Photograph, PSA/DNA Type 1.
• $28,800: 1923 Green Bay Packers Stock Certificate, one of the most significant early Green Bay Packers artifacts to surface on the hobby.
• $27,600: Signed 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle #253, PSA/DNA Authentic Auto 8.
• $18,000: circa 1919 "Shoeless Joe" Jackson Original News Photograph, PSA/DNA Type 1.
• $16,200: circa 1920 Reach Sporting Goods Sign.
