Search

Graded VG 40 by SGC (submitted by REA). Presented is a magnificent example of Babe Ruth's rookie card, universally regarded as one of card collecting's most recognizable and highly prized baseball-card rarities. This is a card that is a classic in any condition! It would be hard for a piece of cardboard to better symbolize the history, the essence of American sport, than this Sporting News rookie card of Babe Ruth. The distinction between the rookie status of the M101-4 and M101-5 Ruth cards, which feature the very same image and card number, has been blurred since it has been discovered that both sets were actually issued in 1916. Both qualify equally as Ruth's first Major League card. (Note: The 1914 Baltimore News card of Ruth featuring him as a minor leaguer, of course, predates both the M101-4/5 issues.) The rookie card of Babe Ruth is one of the most significant cards in all of card collecting. This is a stunning example, presenting as Excellent, with only the slightest hint of wear to the strong, square corners and a minor print line related to the manufacturing process. It is centered very slightly to the right (which is especially common for this card), with a crisp, flawless image of a slender Ruth in his pitching follow-through. Both the front and blank back are bright, crisp, and clean. Downgraded due to a very faint wrinkle in line with Ruth's left hip near the top border and visible under close inspection. This is a very striking card with outstanding eye-appeal. While this card will be much more affordable than a higher-grade example, all Ruth rookie cards have seen a tremendous surge in pricing as collectors appreciate the hobby's most important cards in all grades. This is a magnificent midgrade example of one of the most famous and highly prized of all baseball cards. Reserve $25,000. Estimate $50,000+.