A piece of baseball history is about to make waves in the world of sports collectibles. Robert Edward Auctions (REA) is set to offer one of the most sought-after baseball cards in its Fall Catalog Auction, and experts predict it could fetch eight figures. This rare artifact is none other than Babe Ruth’s inaugural trading card, a 1914 Baltimore News card that features a young Ruth during his minor league days with the Baltimore Orioles.
The significance of this auction cannot be overstated. It has been over a decade since a 1914 Baltimore News Ruth card has appeared on the public market, making this a truly special opportunity for collectors. What sets this specific card apart is not just its rarity but also its condition. Graded SGC 3 (VG), it is considered one of the finest specimens to grace the auction stage in over fifteen years.
Brian Dwyer, President of REA, emphasizes the importance of the card: “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 who is synonymous with baseball itself.”
According to the SGC Population Report, this card is in top-tier condition within its class, outranked only by a singular PSA 4 in the entire collectibles sphere. Its rarity is undeniable, and its journey has been just as remarkable. The card was part of a private collection in Florida, where it was sold for a staggering $6 million in June 2021. It was also offered as a fractional ownership opportunity through the Collectable platform. However, the collective ownership was dissolved earlier this year.
The card’s provenance can be traced back to a single Baltimore family, who held onto it for a century before it changed hands earlier this decade. It was on public display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum from 1998 until recently, allowing fans and collectors to marvel at its significance. Prior to the auction, REA is organizing a public display of the card alongside a blue variant on November 15, giving enthusiasts one last chance to see it in person. Exclusive private viewings will also take place on November 15 and in New York City on November 29.
The Ruth card will undoubtedly be the star of the auction, which features a vast collection of 4,000 lots running from November 17 to December 3. Looking at the trajectory of sports memorabilia, it’s hard not to consider the 2012 sale of a PSA 1 example of the Ruth card for over $450,000. Compared to the current market, where a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card recently sold for a record-breaking $12.6 million, it’s clear that the value of rare sports cards has skyrocketed.
Dwyer captures the allure of the Ruth card perfectly: “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.”
Indeed, this 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 goes beyond the physical card; it’s a tangible representation of Babe Ruth’s legacy and a bygone era of baseball that still captivates fans and collectors today. The auction of this card is not just a 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 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, with the card potentially achieving an eight-figure selling price.
