In an astonishing turn of events in the world of sports memorabilia, a rare 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth baseball card was recently sold for an incredible $7.2 million. This extraordinary sale now places the card as the third most valuable sports card ever sold. The card, which was graded 3 (VG) by SGC, attracted widespread attention across the nation, with fifteen bids placed, including one on the auction’s final day.

Measuring 2 5/8″ by 3 5/8″, the card showcases a 19-year-old Babe Ruth as a member of Baltimore’s minor league team. Originally distributed with the newspaper, the card was part of a set featuring player images on the front and a team schedule on the back. Despite falling short of the estimated $10 million, the final sale price still made waves in the sports memorabilia community. The buyer’s identity, however, remains undisclosed.

The sale of this Babe Ruth card marked the first time in over a decade that such a card had been offered. Additionally, it was the highest-rated copy to appear in an auction in more than 15 years. Brian Dwyer, the President of Robert Edward Auctions (REA), expressed his belief that this card could potentially be the only one available for purchase for many years to come.

Notably, the card boasts the distinction of being the highest-graded example on the SGC Population Report and is considered the second-best example in the hobby, surpassed only by a single PSA 4 graded card.

This exceptional card’s journey to its monumental sale has been a lengthy one. In June 2021, it was acquired by a private collector in Florida for $6 million, and fractional ownership stakes were also sold on the Collectable platform. However, these shares were later liquidated earlier this year.

Prior to its recent sale, the card remained in the possession of a Baltimore area family for over a century. It was proudly displayed at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum from 1998 until earlier this year, adding to its historical significance.

The auction of the Babe Ruth card not only proved to be a highlight for the card itself but also for REA and the sports memorabilia collecting hobby as a whole. Brian Dwyer emphasized the significance of this event, stating that “this auction was a watershed moment for the Baltimore News Babe Ruth card, for REA, and for the hobby.” He expressed his delight with the record-setting result, adding that REA is proud to have brought such an incredibly significant card to auction.

Alongside the Ruth card, other items from the same set were also offered, including a card featuring Jack Dunn, the man credited with discovering Ruth. Unfortunately, these cards did not meet their reserve prices.

The Babe Ruth card now joins the ranks of the most expensive sports cards ever sold, coming in second to the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 9.5, which sold for $12.6 million, and a T206 Honus Wagner card, which fetched $7.25 million.

The auction also featured several other notable items, including a 1933 R319 Goudey #149 Ruth graded PSA 8, which sold for $396,000. Additionally, one of only six known copies of the 1921 Frederick Foto Babe Ruth (SGC 2) sold for $168,000. Other top sellers included a PSA 7 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card at $246,000, a 1955 Bowman Mantle PSA 9, also at $246,000, a 1997-1998 Skybox Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Basketball card featuring Michael Jordan, valued at $240,000, and a 2013 Tom Brady game-used Patriots jersey, which sold for $264,000.

This auction was a remarkable moment for REA as it celebrated its 30th anniversary. A staggering 93,151 bids were placed by a record number of bidders, resulting in over $22.1 million in sales. This tremendous achievement not only highlights the enduring allure of sports memorabilia but also underscores the significant value attached to items associated with legendary figures like Babe Ruth. The sale of the rare 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card is a testament to its rarity and historical importance, as well as a reflection of the deep passion and investment collectors have in preserving and valuing sports history.

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