A piece of baseball history is about to make waves in the auction world with the potential to command a price as legendary as the player it depicts. Robert Edward Auctions (REA) is set to offer one of the rarest and most sought-after pieces of sports memorabilia: Babe Ruth’s 1914 Baltimore News rookie card. With only ten known copies in existence, this auction is generating significant excitement among collectors and fans alike.
Graded SGC 3 (VG), the card showcases a young and promising 19-year-old Ruth during his time with the minor league Baltimore Orioles. What sets this card apart is not only its depiction of the future baseball icon but also the unique back featuring the team’s schedule. It is considered the pinnacle of baseball cards and a seminal piece of Americana, embodying the dawn of the Babe Ruth legend.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, emphasizes the card’s importance, stating, “The Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card stands as the pinnacle of baseball cards. This isn’t merely a rare sports memorabilia item; it’s a seminal piece of Americana, representing the dawn of the Babe Ruth legend—a figure who is synonymous with baseball itself.”
In terms of condition, the card ranks among the top-tier within its class, according to the SGC Population Report, and is surpassed only by a single PSA 4 in the entire collectibles sphere. Its rarity and historical significance have contributed to its remarkable journey in the collecting world.
In June 2021, the card entered the private collection of a passionate collector from Florida, who acquired it for an astounding $6 million. Additionally, a fractional ownership opportunity through the Collectable platform was offered, allowing fans to claim a share of this cherished piece. However, the collective ownership was dissolved earlier this year.
The card’s provenance can be traced back to a Baltimore family, where it resided for a century before being sold earlier in the decade. It was proudly exhibited at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, allowing the public to appreciate its historical value. To provide one last chance to view this rare artifact, REA is organizing a public display of the card alongside a blue variant on November 15 from 2-4 PM. Exclusive private viewings will also take place on the evening of November 15 and in New York City on November 29. Interested individuals can contact REA for an invitation to these select events.
The upcoming auction, running from November 17 to December 3, will feature the Babe Ruth card as the star attraction among a vast collection of 4,000 lots. Reflecting on the trajectory of sports memorabilia, it’s worth noting that a PSA 1 example of this card sold for over $450,000 in an REA auction back in 2012. However, the current market for rare sports cards has reached unprecedented heights, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card recently setting a new record with a staggering $12.6 million sale.
“The dream card, the one that every collector aspires to hold” is how Dwyer describes the allure of the Ruth card. Its rarity makes it highly coveted, and those fortunate enough to possess one are reluctant to part with it. This auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire this valuable piece of history. The 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card represents not only a significant collectible but also the genesis of an American sports legend. It symbolizes the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and a bygone era of baseball that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike.
With only a handful of examples in existence and the market for rare sports cards reaching unprecedented heights, this auction has the potential to set a new benchmark in the world of sports collectibles. As the bidding begins, the anticipation grows for the remarkable price this historic Babe Ruth card is expected to command at auction, potentially reaching eight figures. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of one of the most iconic figures in sports history.
