Search

1933 R319 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth, boldly signed by Ruth in black fountain pen across his image. PSA/DNA has encapsulated the card, grading the signature MINT 9 and certifying the card as "Authentic." This is the finest Ruth-signed Goudey card we have ever seen. It is also, to the best of our knowledge, the highest grade PSA/DNA has ever assigned to a Ruth signature on a Goudey card, as we have never seen or heard of an example graded GEM MINT 10. As most collectors are aware, Ruth-signed 1933 Goudey cards are scarce. Those featuring high-grade signature examples are rarer still. Interestingly, of the four different Ruth cards in the set (#'s 53, 144, 149, and 181), we have seen far fewer autographed examples of card #181, making it the most elusive of all Ruth-signed Goudey cards. Although we do not know the history of this card, it's obvious that it was signed under ideal conditions, most likely for someone close to Ruth. The boldness of the strokes and the care he took to make sure his signature stayed within the confines of the white background of his uniform indicate that Ruth was not rushed when he took pen to card. The result speaks for itself, making this a paragon in the field of Ruth-signed baseball cards. The card displays light corner wear and an ink stain on the reverse, which in no way detracts from its overall Very Good appearance. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open).