Babe Ruth’s 1914 Card Sells for Over $4M as a Rare Gem
The auction world recently witnessed a remarkable event as a 1914 Babe Ruth baseball card sold for over $4 million. This card, known as the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card, fetched an impressive $4.026 million during Heritage’s Fall Sports Catalog Auction. Such a sale highlights the strong market demand for rare sports memorabilia.
Babe Ruth’s Rare Rookie Card
The 1914 card was issued when Ruth was just a 19-year-old minor league pitcher in Baltimore. Fewer than a dozen examples of this card are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest collectibles from Ruth’s early career. Chris Ivy, the director of sports auctions at Heritage, noted that only 10 of these cards have ever been graded and encapsulated.
The Auction Details
- Sale Price: $4.026 million
- Date of Auction: Recent Fall Sports Catalog Auction
- Number of Known Cards: Fewer than 12
- Graded Cards: 10 encapsulated examples
This particular card previously featured at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, where the baseball legend, George Herman Ruth, was born. Ruth, often referred to as the “Sultan of Swat,” enjoyed a stellar career, first as a dominant pitcher with the Boston Red Sox and then as an iconic slugger for the New York Yankees from 1920 to 1934. He passed away in 1948 at the age of 53.
Significance of the Sale
The recent auction marked only the second instance in a decade where a Baltimore News Ruth card was offered for sale. The overwhelming final bid reflects both the rarity and desirability of this unique piece of baseball history.
As the auction industry continues to thrive, memorabilia like Babe Ruth’s rookie card remains a prime investment for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
