This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/11/2019
Babe Ruth autographs show up with regularity on cuts, photos, single-signed balls, team-signed balls, and just about any flat surface that a wild-eyed fanatic could grab when catching a glimpse of "The Bambino" approaching. But one such item that you rarely see adorning a Babe Ruth signature is the one that makes the most sense; a baseball card. It's not all that surprising considering that Ruth entered the league years after the T206 series and just about every issue Ruth appeared in was regional and limited in production. It wasn't until the 1933 Goudey series that baseball cards were again distributed nationwide, allowing collectors the opportunity to get a Babe Ruth autograph on not just one but four different card issues. Maybe it was because Ruth was in the twilight of his career at the time, or maybe it was just that people though having Ruth sign a card just wasn't as appealing as something larger and more personal like a photo, but the result is that there are very few Babe Ruth autographed cards out there. Just recently, a few have sold publicly (and privately) for well into six-figure territory, sporting Ruth autographs that rate in the PSA/DNA 6 to 8 range. But the hobby has never seen anything like the item offered here; a PSA/DNA 9 MINT autograph of Babe Ruth on a 1933 Sport Kings card. While Sport Kings was also produced in 1933 and a Goudey Gum product, it was primarily a collection of subjects from lesser celebrated sports and activities, along with Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, and didn't enjoy the same popularity as the Goudey baseball series, so it was even less likely to be the canvas for a Babe Ruth signature. This example is not just the only one ever evaluated by PSA/DNA; it's the only one known to exist! For that reason alone, the value of this specimen is clearly in excess of the recently sold Goudey signed cards, but the fact that the signature is superior to all other known specimens, evaluated to be MINT by PSA/DNA with additional LOA from JSA, adds another dimension to this one of a kind masterpiece that makes it worthy of an honored place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ruth has signed the card in bold black ink over several creases that run horizontally but does not detract from the vivacity of the autograph. The first letter in Babe is perhaps a half-shade lighter than the rest of the letters in his full name, likely the only reason the signature wasn't deemed GEM MINT though is probably still deserving of the honor. The single greatest piece of autographed Babe Ruth memorabilia is within your reach, all it takes now is a winning bid!
VIDEO: Kevin Keating PSA Authenticator Discussing Signed Babe Ruth Cards