A piece of baseball history is about to make waves in the auction world, and it comes in the form of a legendary Babe Ruth card. The highly coveted 1914 Baltimore News card, featuring a young 19-year-old Ruth during his minor league days with the Baltimore Orioles, will be auctioned off by Robert Edward Auctions (REA) in their Fall Catalog Auction, which begins today.
This particular card, graded SGC 3 (VG), is not only rare but also holds a unique place in baseball card lore. It not only showcases the future baseball icon but also features the team’s schedule on the back. One of only ten known copies, this card holds immense significance in the world of sports memorabilia.
According to Brian Dwyer, President of REA, the Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card is the epitome of baseball cards. Dwyer describes it not only as a rare collectible but also as a piece of Americana that represents the start of the Babe Ruth legend, a figure who is synonymous with the sport itself.
In terms of its condition, the card ranks among the highest in its class, according to the SGC Population Report. It is surpassed only by a single PSA 4 card, making it a truly exceptional specimen in the collectibles world.
The journey of this card has been nothing short of remarkable. In June 2021, it found its way into the hands of a passionate collector in Florida who acquired it for a staggering $6 million. The card was also made available for fractional ownership through the Collectable platform. However, the collective ownership was dissolved earlier this year.
With a storied past, this card has deep roots in Baltimore. It remained in the possession of a single family for a century before being sold earlier this decade. It was later exhibited at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, allowing fans and collectors to marvel at its historical significance. Prior to the auction, REA is organizing a public display of the card alongside a blue variant on November 15 for enthusiasts to have another chance to see this rarity up close. Exclusive private viewings will also be arranged on November 15 and later in New York City on November 29.
The Babe Ruth card will take center stage among the 4,000 lots in the upcoming auction, which will run from November 17 to December 3. Looking back at the trajectory of sports memorabilia, it’s hard not to recall REA’s sale of a PSA 1 example of the card in 2012 for over $450,000. Today, sports collectibles have reached unprecedented heights, with a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card recently fetching a record-breaking $12.6 million.
Brian Dwyer emphasizes the allure of the Ruth card, stating that it is the dream card every collector aspires to own. Its rarity is such that those who possess one of these gems are hesitant to let go of it. This auction may be the only opportunity to acquire such a card for many years to come.
This highly anticipated auction provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance for collectors to own a piece of history. The 1914 Babe Ruth Baltimore News card represents not only a valuable collectible but also the genesis of an American sports legend. Its value goes beyond the physical card itself; it symbolizes the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth and a bygone era of baseball that continues to captivate fans and collectors alike.
With just a handful of examples in existence and the market for rare sports cards soaring, this auction has the potential to set a new benchmark in the world of sports collectibles. It wouldn’t be surprising if this iconic Babe Ruth card achieves an eight-figure selling price, solidifying its place as one of the most sought-after and valuable sports collectibles in history.