(LOT 333)
1922 E121 "Babe" Ruth Holding Ball (Babe in Quotes) PSA 4 VG-EX - "POP 2"; Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
While many enthusiasts scramble to obtain the popular 1933 Ruth Goudey cards, it is the "Bambino's" early 1920s black & white caramel cards that are extremely rarer, arguably providing greater investment potential versus his 1930s gum cards. In the early 1920s, the American Caramel Company produced several sets with imposing black & white images. The 1922 E121 "Series of 120" set included many high-end Hall of Famers including three different variations of the immortal Babe Ruth ('Holding Bird"; "Photo Montage"; & "Holding Ball" subjects). Presented here is arguably the most popular and valuable of the three images, Ruth's Holding Ball illustration with "Babe" in quotes, graded a seldom surfacing PSA 4 VG-EX. At the time this was written, PSA had encapsulated only a single other Ruth Holding Ball with "Babe" in quotes example at the VG-EX plateau, with a meager two specimens graded higher! As is the case with virtually all of Ruth's early 1920 Yankee candy cards, locating mid-grade subjects is synonymous to the iconic phrase "finding a needle in a haystack", and PSA's prestigious population report surely justifies that notion.

Recently, we have seen an incredible pricing surge for low-grade "black & white" early 1920 Ruth cards, with several "2.5 Good+" and "3 VG" sales realizing $16K - $19K pricing points. That said, we cannot even begin to speculate as to the whopping value of this PSA 4 marvel, taking into account its extremely "rare for the grade" stature. After joining the Yankees in 1920, Babe Ruth propelled the game to another level, highlighted by his mammoth home runs and spirited personality that captivated an entire nation. The "Colossus of Swat" was literally out-homering nearly every MLB team, and his record breaking 59 round-trippers in 1921 prompted a frenzy among his myriad of followers who relentlessly pursued attaining his ultra-desirable candy cards. It is no secret that companies seized the opportunity of capitalizing on Ruth's immense popularity to promote their brand, with various candy manufacturers "throwing their hat into the ring" by utilizing the "Sultan of Swat's" image on their baseball card subjects. Virtually every serious vintage collector seeks to obtain an early 1920s card of the great "Bambino", and the offered "4 VG-EX" example suffices as one of his most popular artifacts.

The contrast and clarity of the black and white Ruthian "holding ball" image is virtually unimprovable, with the illustration miraculously eluding any obtrusive blemishes. Fine centering only reveals a mild partiality towards the left edge, and the bold "BABE" Ruth O.F. – New York Americans text has retained its original luster. The somewhat clean "Series of 120" American Caramel ad back is an additional highlight, and no glaring surface flaws are evident. Most likely preventing a higher assessment is the modest/even corner wear that reveals an eye pleasing uniformity. Babe Ruth's hobby stature continues multiplying at an exponential rate, justified by one of his 1921 E121 pitching pose cards selling for a record-setting $338K in our July 2021 auction. It therefore makes perfect sense that Ruth's significantly undervalued 1922 American Caramel cards are now primed to likewise take off in value synonymous with an ICBM missile. Rarely do we strongly applaud a "VG-EX" assessment, but this card's super condition sensitivity, extreme low population for the grade, and the fact it represents baseball's undisputed all-time greatest player all combine to place it as one of the most significant early 1920s Ruth offerings on the planet!

MIN BID $5,000
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