(LOT 390)
1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth PSA 7 NM
Finding a 1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth subject with a well-centered image is synonymous to "finding needle in a haystack". While that somewhat overused "needle in a haystack" cliché can sometimes suffice as overbearing, its intent is perfectly suited for this magnificent PSA 7 Ruth offering. Locating any Near Mint 7 #149 Goudey Ruth is a painstaking task, let alone one that boldly exhibits one of the finest centered illustrations you will ever come across. The scarcity of the card itself at this technically assessed tier is substantiated by PSA's prestigious "Pop" Chart that only lists 2.7% of the nearly 1,100 encapsulated specimens at the sanctified NM 7 plateau. Most significantly, it is no secret that the pricing points for high-grade #149 Goudey Ruth subjects have surged synonymous to an uncontrollable tsunami, justified by the record-setting $156,000 public auction sale earlier this year for a #149 PSA 7 example! The prestigious Goudey Gum Company issued their landmark set a year after Ruth's iconic "called-shot" in Game #3 of the 1932 World Series. The 1933 campaign would mark Ruth's 20th big-league season, with Ruth eclipsing the .300 batting mark (.301) for the 17th and final time of his unparalleled career.

His 34 home runs and 114 runs batted in would also represent the last time this colossal slugger would breach the 30+ homer/100+ runs batted in marks, ending his remarkable 22-year MLB tenure two years later with the Boston Braves. His overall diamond achievements and incomparable persona will surely "echo for eternity", as well as his unpretentious love for children for no player ever adored his captivated youthful fan base more than the flamboyant "Sultan of Swat". Ruth's unequivocal stature truly justifies why a myriad of collectors are obsessed with seizing his prized cards and NONE could possibly be more desirable than a high-grade Goudey. One of the critical aspects of the #149 Goudey Ruth is the imposing half-body swinging pose originally struck by none other than illustrious photographer Charles M. Conlon. It is this pose that also graces two other Ruth Goudey subjects (#'s 53 & 144), and the "Babe's" majestic swinging image is a testament to his immortality as he watches another mighty wallop sail towards the grandstands.

The robust red background is seemingly flawless, a fitting backdrop for Ruth's iconic batting pose, and the aforementioned fine centering (with only a slight favoritism towards the lower edge) is a critical attribute rarely seen on any of the #149 Goudey Ruth subjects typically reflecting skewed illustrations. Virtually unimprovable clarity, sharp perimeter edging, square corners consistent with the grade, and a clean verso are the final compliments substantiating the highly coveted near mint assessment. We cannot overemphasize the momentous achievement of capturing this museum worthy cardboard masterpiece that has defied "father time" by retaining a majority of its original factory issued attributes over the past 88 years. Its sparkling aesthetics, hallowed "7" grade and meteoric-like $150K+ value all combine to justify its world-class standing, and like the "Babe" himself, this esteemed offering places an indelible mark on the card collecting circuit!

MIN BID $25,000
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