A piece of baseball history is about to make waves in the auction world, as one of the most coveted sports collectibles is set to go under the hammer. Robert Edward Auctions (REA) is presenting one of only ten known copies of Babe Ruth’s inaugural trading card in its highly anticipated Fall Catalog Auction, opening today.
The featured card, graded SGC 3 (VG), is a 1914 Baltimore News card—a rare gem that showcases a young 19-year-old Ruth during his minor league days with the Baltimore Orioles. What sets this card apart is not only its depiction of the future baseball icon but also its unique back, which includes 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 offered in the public market. Furthermore, this specific card is hailed as the finest specimen to grace the auction stage in over fifteen years.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, leaves no room for doubt about the card’s importance, stating, “The Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card stands as the pinnacle of baseball cards. It’s not just a rare sports memorabilia item; it’s a seminal piece of Americana, representing the dawn of the Babe Ruth legend—a figure synonymous with baseball itself.”
According to the SGC Population Report, this card’s condition is top-tier within its class, ranking second only to a singular PSA 4 in the entire collectibles sphere.
The card’s journey is just as fascinating as its image bearer. In June 2021, it was sold to a passionate collector in Florida for an astounding $6 million, accompanied by a fractional ownership opportunity through the Collectable platform. However, the shared ownership was dissolved earlier this year.
The card’s provenance can be traced back to a single Baltimore family, where it remained for a century before being sold this decade. It was on public display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum from 1998 until earlier this year, delighting fans of the Great Bambino and memorabilia enthusiasts. Prior to the auction, REA is organizing a public display of the card alongside a blue variant on November 15, from 2-4 PM. Additionally, exclusive private viewings will take place on the evening of November 15, followed by showings in New York City on November 29.
Collectors and fans alike interested in beholding this rarity can contact REA for an invitation to these exclusive events.
The Ruth card will undoubtedly steal the spotlight among the vast collection of 4,000 lots in the auction, scheduled to run from November 17 to December 3. Reflecting on the trajectory of sports memorabilia, one can’t help but recall REA’s 2012 sale of a PSA 1 example of this card for over $450,000. This figure pales in comparison to recent records set by sports collectibles, such as the $12.6 million sale of a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card.
Dwyer captures the allure of the Ruth card, explaining, “This is the dream card, the one that every collector aspires to hold. Its rarity is such that those who possess one of these jewels are loath to part with it. This might well be the only opportunity to acquire one for many years.”
The upcoming auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance for collectors. The Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News card represents not only a valuable collectible but also the genesis of an American sports legend. Its value transcends the physical card itself; it embodies the legacy of Babe Ruth and a bygone era of baseball that continues to captivate fans and collectors. This auction is more than a mere transaction—it’s a historic event that celebrates the enduring impact of one of the most iconic figures in sports history. With only a handful of examples known to exist and the market for rare sports cards reaching unprecedented heights, this auction has the potential to shatter records and establish a new benchmark in the world of sports collectibles.
