A piece of baseball history is about to take the auction world by storm, as one of Babe Ruth’s iconic trading cards is set to go under the hammer. Robert Edward Auctions (REA) is presenting one of the ten known copies of Ruth’s inaugural trading card in its Fall Catalog Auction, opening today.
This specific card, graded SGC 3 (VG), is a 1914 Baltimore News card, a rare gem that showcases a youthful 19-year-old Ruth during his minor league days with the Baltimore Orioles. Not only does it feature the future baseball legend, but it also boasts a unique back displaying the team’s schedule.
The significance of this auction cannot be overstated. It has been over a decade since a 1914 Baltimore News Ruth card has been on the public market, and this particular card is hailed as the finest example to be offered in over fifteen years.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, leaves no doubt about the card’s importance, stating, “The Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card stands as the pinnacle of baseball cards. It is not just a rare sports memorabilia item; it represents a piece of Americana, symbolizing the emergence of the Babe Ruth legend—a figure who is synonymous with baseball itself.”
According to the SGC Population Report, the card’s condition is top-tier within its class, surpassed only by a single PSA 4 in the entire collectibles sphere.
The journey of this card is as captivating as the player it represents. In June 2021, it was acquired by a passionate collector from Florida for a staggering $6 million, with fractional ownership opportunities offered through the Collectable platform. However, the collective ownership was dissolved earlier this year.
This card has a remarkable provenance, having been treasured by a Baltimore family for a century before its previous sale in this decade. It was on display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum for the public’s enjoyment from 1998 until earlier this year. Fans of the legendary “Bambino” and avid memorabilia enthusiasts will have the chance to view the card once again before the auction. REA has arranged a public display of the card, along with a blue variant, on November 15 from 2-4 PM. Exclusive private viewings will also take place on the evening of November 15 and later in New York City on November 29.
For those eager to witness this rare artifact in person, REA invites them to reach out for an invitation to these exclusive events.
The Ruth card is expected to steal the spotlight among the impressive collection of 4,000 lots in the auction, scheduled from November 17 to December 3. Considering the trajectory of sports memorabilia, it’s impossible not to recall REA’s 2012 sale of a PSA 1 example of the same card, which fetched over $450,000—a sum that now pales in comparison to today’s market. A recent sale of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card shattered records with a staggering $12.6 million.
Dwyer perfectly captures the allure of the Ruth card, stating, “This is the dream card, the one that every collector aspires to possess. Its rarity is such that those who own one of these gems are reluctant to part with it. This might be the only opportunity to acquire one for many years.”
Undeniably, this upcoming auction presents collectors with a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card represents not just a valuable collectible but also the genesis of an American sports legend. Its value goes beyond the physical card; it embodies the legacy of Babe Ruth and a bygone era of baseball that continues to captivate the imagination of fans and collectors alike. This auction is more than a transaction; it is a historic event that celebrates the enduring impact of one of the most iconic figures in sports history. With only a handful of these cards known to exist and the market for rare sports cards reaching unprecedented heights, it is highly likely that this auction will set a new standard for sports collectibles, with the Ruth card potentially commanding an eight-figure selling price.
