Babe Ruth’s Legendary ‘True Rookie’ Card Hits Auction with $7 Million Valuation
Babe Ruth’s Legendary Rookie Card Returns to Auction Block
Rare 1914 Babe Ruth Rookie Card Hits Auction Again
Babe Ruth’s coveted 1914 Baltimore News baseball card is set to go under the hammer once more, marking its second auction appearance in less than two years. Widely regarded as the authentic rookie card of the legendary Sultan of Swat, this piece belongs to a rare 11-card set issued by a Baltimore newspaper. The set featured players from the Orioles, where Ruth played as a minor league pitcher, and the Terrapins of the Federal League.
Color Variants and Historical Significance
The card comes in two color variants: red and blue. The card currently up for sale at Heritage Auctions is a red version, noted for its team schedule details on the reverse side. This particular example, graded as SGC 3, is one of only ten known copies, with just one grading higher. Its rarity is considered to be six times that of the more famous T206 Honus Wagner card, bolstering its status as one of the world’s most significant and valuable baseball cards.
Historic Journey and Auction Milestones
The last public appearance of this Babe Ruth rookie card was in December 2023 at an REA auction, where it achieved a staggering $7.2 million. This card has an illustrious history, having been preserved within a Baltimore family for over a century before being exhibited at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum from 1998 to 2023. The card first emerged in the collecting community in the 1980s, with its initial public sale achieving $6,600, according to historical records.
Current Auction Highlights and Pre-sale Estimates
Heritage Auctions has set a pre-sale estimate of $7 million for this iconic card. This estimate reflects a slight decline from its previous sale price, likely influenced by the short interval between auctions. Nevertheless, with bidding currently reaching $3.11 million and over three weeks remaining, expectations remain high for a strong performance at auction.
Will Stern, a reporter and editor for Emegypt, provides insights into the cultural significance and market trends of collectible items like this rare Babe Ruth card. Enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly anticipate the final outcome of this remarkable auction.
