You probably remember the collection that shocked world a few months ago when the family of "Uncle Jimmy" unearthed a treasure that would make the Baseball Hall of Fame look paltry. If you didn't follow the collection after the breaking news, you're probably not aware that the cards are at auction and are about to come to a close! Read where you can bid in the cards to own a piece of baseball history.
Uncle Jimmy
James Micioni passed away earlier this year at the age of 97. The WWII veteran was a life-long bachelor and focused his attention on baseball collectibles. Spending a lifetime picking up pieces of memorabilia, "Uncle Jimmy" would occasionally pass down items to his seven nieces and nephews. Spending years collecting autographs and cards either through the mail, or in-person, Jimmy told his family that the good stuff was in the attic.
Living in the same Northern New Jersey home for his life, Jimmy's attic truly did hold "the good stuff." After Jimmy's passing, the family discovered a collection that looked like a time capsule; a capsule worth millions.
This blog is sponsored by JUST COLLECT where we specialize in buying vintage cards, autographs, and collections. If you have any of THESE cards, we'd love to chat! We're always interested in buying any Babe Ruth vintage cards, too!
The Collection
We'd run out of space if we ere to list out each item that Uncle Jimmy's nieces and nephews discovered in the attic! We can, however, drop a few highlights here to make you drool.
SIX (6!) Signed 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth cards
The Bambino has four different cards in the '33 Goudey set, and Uncle Jimmy has them all - autographed. Obtained through the mail, Ruth's signatures are nice and bold on the classic cards. Jimmy even has doubles. PSA has 20 signed Ruth Goudey cards on the registry, and six were in one man's attic, unknown to the world until 2020.
Signed 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig
You didn't think Uncle Jimmy, a Yankee fan, would stop at just the Babe did you? Card number 92 is signed with a autograph grade of PSA 8; the highest-graded signed Gehrig in the set out of only seven known.
Signed 1939 Play Ball Ted Williams Rookie
Despite being a Yankee fan, Uncle Jimmy respected the greatest players, it seems. The only true Teddy Ballgame rookie card has just 11 known examples, and this auto is graded an an 8 out of 10.
Signed Newspaper Clippings
Many newspaper clippings were sent out to players for signatures and there are plenty available from Jimmy's collection. Phil Rizzuto and Pee Wee Reese stand out.
The Rest
Aside from the highlights, there are dozens of signed Goudey, Play Ball, and Topps cards available. Even "common" player-signed cards are appealing; 87 + year-old cards, autographed!
If you can't afford the six-figure price for a signed Ruth card, some of the auction prices are very reasonable! The allure of a card that was signed almost a century ago, coming from a man that loved our hobby more than we'll ever know - would be an honor to have one or two in our collection.
Note: This is the THIRD installment of the Uncle Jimmy auction. Pieces are being auctioned off in batches; the man just had SO much stuff!
This auction does have TWO of the signed Ruth Goudey cards as well as the Ted Williams and Lou Gehrig!
If anything, head over to the auction site and see what Uncle Jimmy left behind; these cards are INCREDIBLE. You may never see a collection like this again.
Chances are that you don't have an attic like Uncle Jimmy did, but perhaps you have vintage collection of cards or unopened wax you've been looking to sell. Maybe your uncle left behind cards you know nothing about. We can help!
Just Collect offers a FREE APPRAISAL; we'd love to hear from you!
If there is something on your radar to but but you're unable to go searching, check out our JUST COLLECT website, give us a call at (732)-828-2261, or reach out to info@justcollect.com!