02 December 2025
|
Hake’s Auctions closed out its 2025 Premier Series with a $2.3 million online sale held November 18–19, pushing the pop-culture powerhouse to $12.5 million in total sales for the year.
Here are some highlights of the this years best moments with Hake Auction House.
X-Men #1 Leads the Charge
The star of the auction was a CGC 9.2 NM- Marvel X-Men #1 (1963), which rocketed to $131,334 after 13 competitive bids. Revered for introducing Professor X, Magneto, and the original X-Men lineup, the book drew major attention thanks to its exceptional condition.
Political Rarity Sets a World Record
A pristine 1920 Cox & Roosevelt jugate campaign button—called the “crown jewel” of political pinbacks—soared to $50,740, a world-record price for its size and type.
Star Wars Prototype Breaks Records
Collectors battled over a 1984 Kenner Luke Skywalker (Imperial Stormtrooper outfit) first-shot prototype, the only AFA-graded example known. It achieved $33,748, well above expectations.
Rare Mormon Plate Makes History
A unique circa-1847 Mormon plate featuring Hyrum and Joseph Smith and the Nauvoo Temple set a record for any Mormon ceramic, selling for $20,768.
Original Comic Art Finds Its Fans
Luis Dominguez’s eerie original cover art for DC’s Ghosts #82 (1979) sold for $12,136, showcasing strong demand for Bronze Age horror art.
Transformers Icons Impress
A high-grade 1984 Hasbro Optimus Prime, AFA 85 NM+, commanded $15,340, while a 1985 Shockwave lit up the room with $11,450—both outperforming expectations in the booming Transformers market.
Negro League & Cuban Baseball Photos Surge
Two standout photographs from the Richard Merkin collection delivered huge results:
-
1932 Pollock’s Cuban Stars team photo featuring legends Jimmy Claxton and Luis Tiant Sr. slid home at $9,086.
-
A rare Satchel Paige signed Indians portrait, inscribed to Minnie Minoso, hammered for $7,211, far above estimate.
