Rare Babe Ruth Rookie Card Sells For $7.2 Million!
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A 109-year-old Babe Ruth card fetched $7.2 million at an online auction on November 17, 2023. This is the most paid for an item belonging to the famed player and the third-highest price for a baseball card ever. However, it was far less than the over $10 million estimated by New Jersey-based Robert Edward Auctions (REA).
The collectible measures about 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) by 3.6 inches (9.2 cm). It was created in 1914 by The Baltimore News. The front features a 19-year-old Ruth, who was then with the Baltimore Orioles in the International League. The reverse side displays the team's home and away game schedule. Notably, this card was made during the season when Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox. The skilled pitcher and outfielder eventually rose to become one of the most exceptional players in baseball history.
While the newspaper originally handed out numerous cards, only ten are still in existence. The most recently auctioned card was once owned by Archibald Davis. The Baltimore, Maryland, resident had received the card from the newspaper when he was 16 years old. It was part of a collection of 15 cards he had passed on to his family. Prior to the sale, the 1914 card had been on public display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore.
"Simply put, The Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card is the most significant baseball card ever produced," said REA president Brian Dwyer. "This card is the genesis of Babe Ruth, a man who transcends the game of baseball. This card is not only one of the most elusive pieces of sports memorabilia, it's one of the rarest collectibles in American history."
Resources: Robertedwardauctions.com, nbcnewyork.com, thebaltimorebanner.com
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54 Comments
- potatodude11 monthsBro, I only have like a 25th-anniversary Pikachu worth like $20.
- zeus5611 monthsI only have a $30 dollar run over Mewtwo.
- slay-12311 monthsThat's a lot of money 🤑
- oreocookie6411 monthsThat's insane, but I can sorta see why because it's over 100 years old and Babe Ruth has made a serious impact on the baseball word, to simply put it.
- rnkim11 monthsThats crazy! The most expensive card I own is a 60 dollar charizard in bad condition. :'(
- williamlee11 monthsThe most expensive I have is a charizard + Reshriham gx tag team from 2019 in good condition. PSA 8.5
- easy1111 monthsI need to save my Pokémon cards then.
- slay-12311 monthsI have a old card I forgot the name but bad condition I can sell it for about 50$
- live10011 monthsWho would spend that much money
- tigersword11 monthsin my opinion these cards are honestly of no use. they're just for decoration and for the owner to brag about it. in the real world, it would have no value
- zo-bro11 monthsSeriously? A card Millions of dollars? Now that’s REALLY awesome-sauce!
- dogo22liamwang11 monthsWow
- mararigg11 monthsomg that's one old peise of paper!
- live10011 monthsAnd a lot of money. The person who bought it must really like sports.