Top 10 Babe Ruth Cards
Hey collectors! Matt here, and today we’re talking about how the allure of Babe Ruth baseball cards remains as strong as ever. Notwithstanding the rarity and elusive nature of Ruth’s earliest cards, a handful from more commonly traded sets have recently been sold for impressive sums. These particular cards originate from series such as the 1932 U.S. Caramel and the diverse Sport Kings set.
Key Points:
- Accessibility and Demand: We concentrate on cards that are not just valuable but also more accessible to collectors, reflecting their active presence in the trading sphere.
- Historical Legacy: Each card encapsulates a piece of Babe Ruth’s enduring legacy, underlining why he remains a legend in the realm of baseball.
- Market Performance: The recent sales figures for these cards are not merely transactions but a testament to Babe Ruth’s undiminished significance in American culture and history.
As we explore these top 10 cards, we recognize them as more than mere financial assets; they are tributes to the iconic “Sultan of Swat,” continuing to fascinate and engage enthusiasts around the globe.
Now, without any further ado, let’s jump into this list!
1922 E121 American Caramel Series of 120 “Babe” Ruth (Holding Ball)
- Grade: PSA 1
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- Sale Date: October 2023
- Sale Price: $8,100
Market Analysis: 1922 E121 American Caramel Series of 120 “Babe” Ruth (Holding Ball)
Supply: PSA has graded 43 of the “Babe” Ruth Holding Ball variation with 1 grading mint 9, 2 PSA 5 and the remaining PSA 4 or less.
Sales Overview:
- PSA 1:
- Sold: October 2023
- Price: $8,100
- Key Insight: The card exhibits adhesive staining on the back and some surface damage on the front. Despite these issues, the card retains an overall stunning appearance. As of now, PSA has graded only forty-two examples of Ruth’s 1922 E121 baseball card.
- PSA 2.5:
- Date Sold: February 2022
- Sale Price: $18,000
- Key Insight: PSA population 1 of 3 with 10 graded higher.
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Set Details and Investment Considerations:
- E-121 Baseball Card Set: Also known as E-121 in “The American Card Catalog” by Jefferson Burdick.
- Era: Early 1920s, alongside the E-120 set.
- Issuer: American Caramel Company.
- Mystery: Unclear why it was issued in the same year as E-120; the total number of cards in the set is unknown.
- Design: Black-and-white photos with a black line and white border; includes player’s name, position, team, and league.
- Variations: Some cards have 120-card set advertisements on the back; others are blank or contain different ads.
- Rarity: Over 220 E-121 cards are known to exist; variations and errors add to rarity.
- Babe Ruth Cards: Collectors and investors should assess the rarity and condition for investment potential.
- Investment Insight: Front photographs are pivotal for collectors; the back can vary, so focus on the image quality and authenticity when investing.
1921 W551 Strip Card Babe Ruth
- Grade: PSA 8
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: May 2023
- Sale Price: $12,300
Market Analysis: 1921 W551 Strip Card Babe Ruth
Supply: PSA has graded 160 of the 1921 Babe Ruth baseball strip cards with none grading 10, one mint 9, four near-mint-to-mint 8 and the remaining near mint 7 or below.
Sales Overview:
- SGC 3.5:
- Sold: August 2023
- Price: $4,080
- Key Insight: The SGC 3.5 VG+ grade reflects a card that’s well above average for the W551 series, considering its age and production method. Its value at over $4k indicates solid investor interest in mid-grade vintage cards.
- PSA 6:
- Sold: June 2023
- Price: $10,800
- Pop Report: 1 of 6, with nine graded higher
- Key Insight: This card’s rarity in such a high grade (PSA 6) significantly boosts its value. A price point of $10,800 demonstrates strong market demand for higher-grade Ruth cards, especially those from the early 1920s.
- PSA 8:
- Sold: May 2023
- Price: $12,300
- Key Insight: The combination of a high PSA grade and exceptional eye appeal makes this card a premium investment. Its sales price reflects the growing collector interest in high-grade, visually appealing vintage cards.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Set Details and Investment Considerations:
- Historical Context: The 1921 W551 strip cards, often dispensed via vending machines or as store prizes, hold significant historical value. Their distribution method and the era they represent add to their collectability.
- Card Characteristics: Ruth’s card, with its side profile and striking red background, stands out for its aesthetic appeal. The intact left border, a result of Ruth’s position on the original strip, adds to the card’s rarity and condition.
- Market Dynamics: The varying price points reflect a clear grade-based value hierarchy. Higher grades (PSA 6 and above) attract premium prices, evidencing their rarity and the high demand among serious collectors and investors.
- Investment Outlook: The W551 Ruth cards, especially those in higher grades or with notable eye appeal, are proving to be solid investments. Their increasing value over time, combined with their historical significance, makes them attractive for both short-term gain and long-term appreciation in a diversified portfolio of vintage sports cards.
1922 E120 American Caramel Babe Ruth
- Grade: SGC 3
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions Auctions
- Sale Date: January 2022
- Sale Price: $17,400
Market Analysis: 1922 E120 American Caramel Babe Ruth
Supply:
- PSA has graded 54 of the 1922 E120 American Caramel Babe Ruth baseball cards with 2 grading NM-Mt and the remaining PSA 6 or less.
- SGC has graded 10 with 3 grading VG 3 and the remaining SGC 2 or less.
Sales Overview:
- SGC 3:
- Sold: January 2022
- Price: $17,400
- Key Insight: The SGC 3 is the highest grade achieved by any 1922 E120 Babe Ruth card submitted to SGC. The card is percetnyl-centered and offers a sharp image of the Sultan of Swat.
- PSA 4:
- Sold: June 2023
- Price: $36,000
- Auction House: Goldin Auctions
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Set Details and Investment Considerations:
- E-120 American Caramel Baseball Card Set:
- Known as the 1922 American Caramels issue, cataloged as E-120.
- Recognized for being the most popular candy card issue of the 1920s.
- The set is composed of 240 cards and is considered one of the more attractive sets due to its aesthetic appeal.
- Card Design:
- Features a player photograph, typically a posed shot, within an elaborate oval frame.
- The frame includes drawings of baseball equipment in the corners.
- Player’s full name, position, team, and league are printed at the bottom.
- Cards of National League (N.L.) players are printed in blue/green, while American League (A.L.) players’ cards are in sepia.
- Card Backs:
- Unnumbered and match the front of the cards.
- Include the city name, league, team nickname, manager’s name, and a checklist of the 15 players for the team in the set.
- An advertisement at the bottom offers an album for the set.
- Represents 16 teams in total.
- Variations and Advertising:
- Investment Insights for Graded Card Investors:
- The E-120 set’s popularity and aesthetic value make it a prime candidate for investment, especially for those seeking Babe Ruth cards.
- Rarity and the condition of Babe Ruth cards, particularly in higher grades, could command significant value.
- Investors should verify authenticity and pay attention to the grading of cards due to potential creases and the presence of advertisements which can affect value.
- Some card backs carry advertisements for Neilson’s chocolate bars.
- Cards are printed on thin cardboard and are often found with creases.
1921 E121 American Caramel Co. Babe Ruth
- Grade: SGC 8
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: October 2023
- Sale Price: $38,400
Market Analysis: 1921-1922 E121 American Caramel Babe Ruth Cards
Supply: PSA has graded 160 of the 1921 Babe Ruth baseball strip cards with none grading 10, one mint 9, four near-mint-to-mint 8 and the remaining near mint 7 or below.
- BVG 2.5:
- Sold: May 2023
- Price: $37,200
- Key Insight: The BVG 2.5 grade reflects a card that’s well above average for the W551 series, considering its age and production method. Its value at over $37k indicates solid investor interest in mid-grade vintage cards.
- SGC 3:
- Sold: October 2023
- Price: $38,400
- Key Insight: This card’s rarity in such a high grade (SGC 3) significantly boosts its value. A price point of $38,400 demonstrates strong market demand for higher-grade Ruth cards, especially those from the early 1920s.
- PSA 3.5:
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Investment Considerations:
- Historical Context: The 1921 E121 American Caramel cards are highly sought after, given their production during Ruth’s prime and the infancy of the candy card era. Their historical significance adds an intrinsic value beyond the card’s physical condition.
- Condition Sensitivity: These cards, especially in higher grades, are scarce due to their age and the initial distribution method, making well-preserved examples premium investments.
- Market Dynamics: Ruth’s E121 cards exhibit strong value retention and appreciation, particularly those with higher grades or eye appeal. The consistent high sales across various grading scales underline the robust market for Ruth’s vintage cards.
- Diversification within Ruth Cards: The variance in pricing across different issues and conditions illustrates opportunities for diversification within a single player’s card portfolio. Investors can leverage this by targeting different grades and issues of Ruth’s cards to balance risk and potential returns.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144
- Grade: PSA 6
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: June 2022
- Sale Price: $45,600
Market Analysis: 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Baseball Card #144
Supply: PSA has graded 1,636 of the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth baseball card #144 with four grading mint 9 condition and none grading higher. Additionally, thirty-one are NM-MT 8, forty-three NM 7, and the remaining 6 or less.
Overview:
The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 card is a highly sought-after collectible in the sports card market. Its value is underpinned by Babe Ruth’s legendary status and the card’s historical significance. This analysis focuses on recent sales data to provide insights for investors interested in this particular card.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Recent Sales and Trends:
- PSA 1:
- Sold for $4,920 (October 2023)
- Represents entry-level investment in this card.
- PSA 1.5:
- PSA 2:
- PSA 4:
- Sold for $22,200 (September 2023)
- PSA 6:
- Sold for $45,600 (June 2022)
- A substantial leap in price, indicating rarity and demand for higher-grade cards.
- PSA 7:
Investment Insights:
- Grade and Value Correlation: Higher grades (PSA 6 and above) command premium prices. The condition is a key factor in investment potential.
- Eye Appeal Importance: Cards with high PWCC eye appeal ratings tend to fetch higher prices. Investors should note the added value of eye appeal.
- Market Stability: The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 card shows a stable to increasing trend in value, particularly for mid to high grades.
- Long-Term Viability: Given Babe Ruth’s iconic status and the card’s historical significance, it remains a strong long-term investment.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
- Grade: PSA 6
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: September 2023
- Sale Price: $40,800
Market Analysis: 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Baseball Card #53
Supply: PSA has graded 1,187 of the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth baseball card #53 with one grading mint 9 condition and none grading higher. Additionally, fourteen are NM-MT 8, twenty one NM 7, and the remaining 6 or less.
Overview:
The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53 card is a cornerstone in the sports card collecting world. Its value is not only rooted in its rarity and the iconic status of Babe Ruth but also in its representation of the golden era of baseball cards. As an investment piece, its performance in the market is a key interest for collectors and investors alike.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Recent Sales and Trends:
- PSA 2:
- Sold for $8,100 in October 2023
- Trend: Stable to increasing demand, with a notable uptick in value from earlier in 2023.
- PSA 3:
- Sold for $16,800 in September 2023
- Trend: Consistent value, reflecting steady interest in mid-grade vintage cards.
- PSA 4:
- Sold for $19,200 in September 2023
- Trend: High demand for VG-EX grade, but market fluctuations evident.
- PSA 5:
- Sold for $50,400 in July 2023
- Trend: Exceptional eye appeal and quality boost value significantly.
- PSA 6:
- Sold for $40,800 in September 2023
- Trend: Significant appreciation over time, highlighting the premium on higher grades.
- PSA 7:
- Sold for $132,000 in February 2022
- Trend: The highest grade available in recent sales, commanding top market prices.
Investment Insights:
- Grading Impact: There’s a clear correlation between card grade and sale price. Higher grades (PSA 6 and above) command significant premiums, reflecting their rarity and condition.
- Market Stability: The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53 card shows a generally stable to increasing market trend, especially in mid to high grades.
- Eye Appeal Factor: Cards with higher PWCC eye appeal ratings (Top 15% or 5%) tend to fetch higher prices, regardless of the technical grade. This factor is crucial for investors.
- Long-Term Investment: The historical significance of Babe Ruth and the 1933 Goudey set makes this card a strong long-term investment. Its value has shown steady growth over time.
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1933 Sport Kings Babe Ruth #2
- Grade: PSA 6
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: January 2023
- Sale Price: $43,200
Market Analysis: 1933 Sport Kings Babe Ruth Baseball Card #2
Supply: PSA has graded 595 of the 1933 Sport Kings Babe Ruth baseball card #2 with two grading mint 9 condition and none grading higher. Additionally, twenty-two are NM-MT 8, thirty-one NM 7, and the remaining 6 or less.
Overview:
- Sport Kings Set:
- Contains 48 cards, with only three being baseball players, including Babe Ruth.
- It is one of the few 20th-century card issues featuring women athletes.
- Popular among collectors, even though it includes multiple sports.
- Card Design:
- Front: Color painting of the athlete, with silhouettes below depicting their sport.
- Back: Similar to 1933 Goudey baseball cards; includes athlete’s name, sport(s), biography, and a card number.
- Investment Insights:
- Historical Significance: As one of the few sets to include women athletes and a broader range of sports, it holds a unique place in sports history.
- Collectability: Despite the mix of sports, the set’s popularity can enhance the value of Babe Ruth’s card for investors and collectors.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Recent Sales and Trends:
1948 Leaf Babe Ruth #3
- Grade: PSA 8
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: February 2023
- Sale Price: $65,000
Market Analysis: 1948 Leaf Babe Ruth Baseball Card #3
Supply: PSA has graded 1,508 of the 1948 Leaf Babe Ruth baseball card #3 with five grading mint 9, forty-one NM-Mt 8 and the remaing NM 7 or less.
Overview:
- The 1948 Leaf Babe Ruth stands as an icon in the sports card investment realm—a testament to timeless design that transcends eras, reminiscent more of an avant-garde Andy Warhol piece than a conventional trading card.
- Issued in the year of Babe Ruth’s passing, adorned with his legendary number “3,” this card captivates with its enigmatic portrayal of Ruth, rivaling the mystery of the Mona Lisa’s smile.
- It’s a collector’s gem, particularly because Leaf’s production runs were dwarfed by those of Topps or Bowman, making any Leaf Ruth card on the market today a rare and treasured piece, often graded by PSA for authenticity and condition.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
- PSA 2:
- Sale Date: 6/04/2023
- Sale Price: $3,600
- BVG 6:
- Sale Date: 11/02/2023
- Sale Price: $6,900
- SGC 8
- Sale Date: 9/29/2023
- Sale Price: $27,000
- PSA 8 NM-MT
- Sale Date: 2/01/2023
- Sale Price: $65,000
- The standout sale is the PSA 8 NM-MT at $65,000, reflecting the high premium placed on top-graded vintage cards.
- The BVG 6 EXMT, selling for $6,900, offers a more accessible entry point for collectors seeking a balance of quality and affordability.
- This card, with its iconic status and Ruth’s perennial popularity, continues to be a blue-chip asset in the sports card market.
1932 U.S. Caramel Babe Ruth #32
- Grade: PSA 8
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: July 2023
- Sale Price: $84,000
Market Analysis: 1932 U.S. Caramel Babe Ruth #32
Supply: PSA has graded 149 of the 1932 U.S. Caramel Babe Ruth cards with 2 grading mint 9, 13 NM-Mt 8, and the remaining NM 7 or less. SGC has graded 81 total cards with 2 grading NM-Mt 8, 3 NM+ 7.5 and the remaining 6.5 or less.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Recent Sales and Trends:
- SGC 7.5:
- Sale Date: September 2023
- Sale Price: $84,000
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions
- PSA 4:
- Sale Date: December 2022
- Sale Price: $33,600
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- PSA 1.5:
- Sale Date: April 2022
- Sale Price: $18,000
- Auction House: Goldin Auctions
1932 U.S. Caramel Set:
- This set is one of the last and rarest caramel card issues, marking the end of an era dominated by baseball cards since the late 1800s.
- Contains 31 cards with 26 baseball players, three boxers, and two golfers.
- Card Features:
- Front: Black-and-white photographs set against a red background with a white border.
Investment Insights:
- Historical Significance: Being one of the last caramel sets, it holds a special place in card history, which could appeal to collectors and investors.
- Market Value: The rarity and historical significance could make Babe Ruth cards in this set highly valuable, especially if found in good condition.
- Completeness: The difficulty in completing the set due to the rarity of some cards can drive up the value of individual cards for collectors aiming to complete the set.
1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #181
- Grade: PSA 8
- Auction House: PWCC Auctions
- Sale Date: July 2023
- Sale Price: $210,000
Market Analysis: 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth Baseball Card #181
Supply: PSA has graded 1,301 of the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth baseball card #181 with one grading gem mint 10, six mint 9, thirty-two NM-MT 8 and the remaining NM 7 or less. One of the 32 PSA 8 examples went up for auction recently and ended at $210,000.
Overview:
Similar to the other 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth vintage baseball card, the values of Ruth’s #181 card are significantly influenced by grading and eye appeal. High-grade cards offer substantial investment potential, but even lower grades maintain good market interest. The addition of rare features like autographs can vastly increase value, appealing to serious collectors and investors in sports memorabilia.
🔥 Invest In Babe Ruth Baseball Cards on PWCC Marketplace
Recent Sales and Trends:
- PSA 1: $6,300 – January 2023
- PSA 2: $12,000 – January 2023
- PSA 3: $13,800 – July 2023
- PSA 4: $19,200 – June 2022
- PSA 4.5: $20,700 – May 2023
- PSA 5: $25,200 – August 2022
- PSA 6.5: $51,600 – February 2023
- PSA 7: $78,000 – January 2023
- PSA 8: $210,000 – July 2023
- PSA Autograph: $288,000 – June 2022 – Population 1 of 8 Graded
Observations and Investment Insights:
- Grade Impact: Higher grades show exponential price increases, with the PSA 8 NM-MT commanding a high value of $210,000.
- Auto DNA Rarity: The PSA AUTHENTIC with Auto DNA 9 at $288,000 illustrates the immense value added by rare autograph grading.
- VG and VGEX Market: Steady interest and consistent pricing in the VG (PSA 4) and VGEX (PSA 4.5) categories.
- Exceptional Grades: The PSA 7 NRMT and PSA 6.5 EXMT+ demonstrate strong market demand for high-grade cards.
- Eye Appeal Factor: Cards with top eye appeal ratings in lower grades (e.g., PSA 2.5 GD+) fetch higher prices than typical for the grade.
Final Thoughts
The pursuit of Babe Ruth’s baseball cards is more than a hobby; it’s a journey through the annals of sports history, where each card is a storied chapter of an illustrious career. The vibrant trade and high valuations of Ruth’s cards are clear indicators of his undying relevance in the collectibles arena. While the rarer cards may be a beacon for the few, the more widely traded issues represent a shared legacy that many can aspire to own. They serve not just as a testament to Ruth’s monumental impact on baseball but also as a symbol of the lasting connection between the pastime and its fans. As the market continues to evolve, the consistency in demand for Babe Ruth cards assures us that the legend of the Bambino will persist, transcending generations and continuing to be a pinnacle of sports memorabilia investment.
From a young age, Matt dove deep into sports card valuation, turning to esteemed price guides like Beckett and Tuff Stuff. Eventually he extended to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!. With a vision to sustain and nurture the hobby he loved, Matt established the ‘Graded Card Investor’ YouTube channel and website. He aims to foster a healthy community and offer invaluable insights to those entering the world of sports cards and TCGs. His depth of understanding, from the card market’s 2020 pinnacle to its 1990s valleys, is consistently fortified by meticulous research.
