(LOT 11)
Extraordinary 1932 U.S. Caramel #32 Babe Ruth PSA 8 NM-MT – Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
PSA 8 CARAMEL RUTH!!! This extraordinary PSA 8 NM-MT Babe Ruth 1932 U.S. Caramel issue joins a meager twelve other examples at this lofty plateau, with only two specimens graded higher! Indeed, synonymous with Ruth's unparalleled stature as baseball's greatest all-time player comes this pack-fresh marvel standing near the top of the illustrious PSA Pop report. Although momentous in appearance, the U.S. Caramel #32 Ruth has always been one of the most underrated cards in the hobby. Regardless of grade, the U.S. Caramel Ruth presents a scant existence versus the 1933 Goudey Ruth population. At the time this was written, there were only 146 of the Caramel Ruth subjects encapsulated by PSA versus a substantial 5,200+ for all four Goudey Ruth subjects, an average of some 1,300+ per subject. Simple math tells us that the 1932 U.S. Caramel Ruth PSA population is only 11% of a single Goudey Ruth, substantiating why this hallowed PSA 8 NM-MT marvel is a vastly underrated offering.

Recently, a PSA 8 U.S. Caramel Ruth did fetch $210,000 in a public auction, yet that number is still significantly lower than its potential worth, especially considering that a PSA 8 Goudey Ruth consistently fetches between $350K and $500K+. In fact, a PSA 8 Yellow Goudey #53 Ruth realized a whopping $942,000 in the May 2022 Memory Lane auction, and three separate sales for the #149 Red Goudey Ruth have eclipsed the $500,000 mark as well, with PSA's Pop chart listing twenty PSA 8 NM-MT Goudey #149 Ruth, seven more PSA 8 than the significantly rarer U.S. Caramel counterpart. Based on the population numbers, it's beyond puzzling that the immensely scarcer U.S. Caramel Ruth remains far behind its Goudey Ruth brethren with regard to ultimate value. Indeed, when you consider the superior paucity level of the U.S. Caramel Ruth subject versus its Goudey peers, it truly justifies its lucrative investment potential, which hasn't even touched the tip of the iceberg. Additionally, the $12.6 million record sale for an SGC 9.5 Gem Mint 1952 Topps Mantle in August 2022 has highlighted the card hobby's affluent uptick for iconic cardboard treasures, and the Sultan of Swat is the perfect player to continue feeding this pricing frenzy.

Conceptually like the 1933 Goudey Sport Kings issue, the 1932 U.S. Caramel set issued several non-baseball sports figures; five of the 32 subjects were boxers or golfers, with the remaining 27 being baseball stars. Synonymous with every issue since Ruth's inaugural appearance in a MLB uniform, the immortal Babe's subject prevails as the most coveted and valuable card in the set. The overwhelming pop chart disparity versus its Goudey Ruth counterparts leads us to believe the U.S. Caramel Ruth will continue gaining ground with regarding its climbing value, and as previously stated, several PSA 8 Goudey Ruth subjects are now selling in excess of $500,000. That said, it makes perfect sense that this breathtaking offering is the perfect investment card to add to your esteemed portfolio. Babe Ruth's iconic standing has elevated his name to a pinnacle level in all of sports, justifying why his vintage cards are highly sought-after in the collecting community. Bar none, he is the undisputable greatest baseball player who ever graced a baseball diamond, and this miraculous PSA 8 masterpiece is destined to be a centerpiece attraction in any sophisticated Ruthian collection.

Considering a picture is worth a thousand words, the eye-appeal of this amazing gem merits the highest hobby accolades, starting with an outstanding Bambino portrait pose depicting Ruth's sheepish, good-natured grin. Ultra-rich facial hues, a flawless fire-engine red background, near-perfect centering (only depicting a smidge of favoritism towards the upper edge), and super clean surfaces are the spine-tingling highlights of this prestigious keepsake. Preventing a higher assessment is microscopic "touching" at several of the right-angled corners, with the somewhat pinpoint corners consistent with the grade. Portraying pack-fresh quality to say the least, its world-class assessment and sparkling aesthetics place it as one of the most formidable Ruth cards you will ever come across, issued during the season when the immortal Babe would turn the baseball world upside down via his legendary "Called Shot" in Game #3 of the 1932 World Series.

Ruth would clout 41 homers, knock in 130 runs, compile a .341 batting average, and post a sensational 1.150 OPS for the 1932 campaign, with the Yankees besting the Chicago Cubs in four straight games while claiming their fourth World Championship. This revered PSA 8 Ruth offering is synonymous with that glorious campaign, residing as the only mainstream Ruth card issued during the 1932 calendar season. Indeed, this iconic candy card treat boasts awe-inspiring eye appeal, a rare for the grade assessment, and as an added attraction, the unique George Herman "Babe" Ruth image that only appears on the one and only U.S. Caramel #32 subject. Fresh off the heels of the $210,000 sale of another PSA 8 example in April 2023, this remarkable cardboard heirloom is finally taking baby steps towards its merited pricing points, with its true worth still significantly lower than the resounding sales for PSA 8 Goudey Ruth!

MIN BID $40,000
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