(LOT 21)
Remarkable 1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth PSA 8 NM-MT – Only 2 Graded Higher!
Finding a high-grade 1933 Goudey #149 Babe Ruth subject with a well-centered image is synonymous with "finding needle in a haystack." While that somewhat overused cliché can sometimes suffice as overbearing, its intent is perfectly suited for this magnificent PSA 8 Babe Ruth #149 Goudey offering that has stubbornly defied "father-time" for the past 88 years. Locating any NM-MT #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 only listing 1.8% of the nearly 1,100 encapsulated specimens at the sanctified "8 NM-MT" plateau, with a paltry two examples graded higher! Indeed, only two PSA 8.5s (there are no 9s or 10s) have managed to best this world-class marvel, and we cannot imagine either of those 8.5 examples possibly surpassing the breathtaking aesthetics of this "scarce for the grade" offering. Most significantly, it is no secret that the pricing points for high-grade #149 Goudey Ruth subjects have surged synonymous with an uncontrollable tsunami, justified by the record-setting $540K public auction sale this past summer for a PSA 8 #149 Ruth Goudey. No doubt, the floodgates have opened with regard to the true value for any high-grade Ruth Goudeys, with the staggering $4.2 million pricing point for a PSA 9 #53 Goudey Ruth paving the way.
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 final 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 specimen appropriately assessed at the PSA 8 NM-MT level. The sports card market is currently experiencing a remarkable pricing surge for the most coveted cardboard keepsakes, and it is no secret that the four '33 Goudey Babe Ruth subjects proudly stand as the some of the most hallowed collectibles on the planet. After a significant period of tobacco and candy related manufacturers releasing sports cards to promote their popular brands, the Boston-based Goudey company started issuing bubble gum and baseball cards in their sealed wax packs. Indeed, a new era was born in the collectibles field, with a seemingly infinite number of enthralled kids counting their pennies and storming their local candy stories to purchase Goudey baseball card packs in a passionate effort to capture their most exalted diamond heroes.

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 the slightest 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, razor sharp corners consistent with the grade, and near-immaculate surfaces complimented by a super clean verso are the final compliments substantiating the highly coveted- assessment. To reiterate, we cannot imagine either of those two PSA 8.5's besting the eye appeal and technical attributes of this timeless cardboard treasure that has defied insurmountable odds by retaining virtually all of its original factory issued qualities. The aforementioned $540K sale of another PSA 8 #149 Goudey Ruth is a bona fide testament to this card's incredible prestige, and we can only assume that the pricing points for both this sanctified offering as well as other high-grade Ruth Goudey subjects will continue escalating to unprecedented heights. In lieu of these meteoric pricing points that seemingly know no bounds, now is the perfect time to emulate the "Babe" himself by seizing this extraordinary PSA 8 memento before it ultimately reaches the seven-figure mark!

MIN BID $100,000
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