(LOT 15)
1930 W554 Babe Ruth Hand-Cut PSA 6 EX-MT – POP 1; Highest Graded Example on the Combined PSA & SGC POP Charts for ALL 18 Subjects!
BEST OF THE BEST BABE!!! This miraculous PSA 6 EX-MT 1930 W554 Babe Ruth hand-cut masterpiece just happens to be the SOLE and HIGHEST graded example on the combined PSA and SGC census reports, the irrefutable finest of its kind Ruth! Indeed, while this is an outstanding accomplishment, the full story is even more amazing because this pinnacle marvel just happens to be the highest graded PSA specimen for ALL 18 W554 subjects. Indeed, not a single other PSA 6 or higher W554 player is listed on the PSA Pop Chart, which includes nearly 100 encapsulated copies, of which only 22 represent Babe Ruth. Furthermore, SGC's population report only lists a single 6 EX-MT example (Douglas McWeeny) with none graded higher for their 168 graded specimens. One of Babe Ruth's most eclectic issues, W554 cards measure approximately 5" x 7" and were printed on heavy stock, with their imposing sepia-toned images being extremely popular with vintage collectors. Hand-cut, the player's name, position and team are affixed to the lower border, and the typically seen blank versos sometimes include an advertisement stamp, with a Bonemery Ice Cream Confectionery Ruth graded a PSA Authentic that sold for $24,000 in April 2021.

Most impressive are the popular 1929 R316 Kashin images that were likewise utilized for this obscure W554 issue, with Babe Ruth obviously the most desirable and valuable subject in this majestic set. The Ruth batting pose is a truly awe-inspiring depiction of the mighty Babe, who by 1930 had already established himself as our national pastime's greatest player. The Sultan of Swat would once again captivate his fan base for the 1930 campaign, pacing the Junior Circuit for the fifth consecutive season in both home runs (49) and OPS (1.225). Substantiating the one of a kind PSA 6 assessment is a super clean Bambino batting pose as he sets his sight on walloping another horsehide sphere towards the Yankee Stadium upper deck, the lack of any glaring surface flaws, a super fine hand-cut perimeter, and a relatively clean blank back. Safe to say, locating any PSA 6 W554 subject is synonymous with finding a needle in a haystack, and it is only fitting that the sole and highest graded best of the rest example just happens to represent George Herman "Babe" Ruth, who likewise stands as baseball's greatest all-time player!

MIN BID $3,000
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