A piece of baseball history is about to hit the auction scene, and it has the potential to make waves in the sports memorabilia world. Robert Edward Auctions (REA) is presenting one of the ten known copies of Babe Ruth’s inaugural trading card in its highly anticipated Fall Catalog Auction, which began today.
The card in question is a 1914 Baltimore News card, featuring a youthful 19-year-old Babe Ruth during his minor league days with the Baltimore Orioles. Graded SGC 3 (VG), this rare artifact comes with a unique back that displays the team’s schedule.
The significance of this auction is remarkable. It has been over a decade since a 1914 Baltimore News Ruth card has appeared in the public market, making this particular card an extraordinary find. Considered the finest specimen to grace the auction stage in fifteen years, it is highly coveted among collectors.
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’s not only a rare sports memorabilia item; it represents the dawn of the Babe Ruth legend—a figure synonymous with baseball itself.”
Within its class, the card is in top-tier condition, according to the SGC Population Report, with only a singular PSA 4 outranking it in the collectibles sphere.
The card’s journey is as fascinating as the player it depicts. In June 2021, it found a new home in the private collection of a passionate collector in Florida, who acquired it for an astonishing $6 million. Back then, fractional ownership opportunities were also available through the Collectable platform. However, as of January this year, the collective ownership was dissolved.
This remarkable piece of memorabilia has a storied history. It can be traced back to a single Baltimore family, who held onto it for a century before selling it earlier this decade. The card was enjoyed by the public as it was displayed at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum from 1998 until earlier this year. Fans and collectors will have one last chance to view the card before the auction, as REA is organizing a public display on November 15, along with a blue variant. Private viewings will also be held on the evening of November 15 and later in New York City on November 29. Those interested in attending can reach out to REA for an invitation to these exclusive events.
The Ruth card is set to be the star attraction among the 4,000 lots in the auction, which will run from November 17 to December 3. Looking back at the trajectory of sports memorabilia, it’s hard to ignore REA’s sale of a PSA 1 example of the card in 2012 for over $450,000. This amount pales in comparison to the current market, where a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card recently shattered records with a staggering $12.6 million sale.
Dwyer perfectly captures the allure of the Ruth card, stating, “This is the dream card, the one that every collector aspires to hold. It’s so rare that those who possess 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 a once-in-a-lifetime chance for collectors. The Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News card is not just a valuable collectible but also the genesis of an American sports legend. Its value goes beyond the physical card itself; it represents the lasting legacy of Babe Ruth and an era of baseball that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike. This auction is not just a transaction; it is a momentous occasion celebrating the everlasting impact of one of the most iconic figures in sports history. With only a few examples in existence and the market for rare sports cards reaching unprecedented heights, this auction could very well witness the card achieve an eight-figure selling price, setting a new benchmark in the world of sports collectibles.
