(LOT 252)
1922 E120 American Caramel Babe Ruth PSA 5 EX
It is no secret that Babe Ruth baseball card issues are skyrocketing in value with each and every passing sale. Ignited by the pricing escalation for Ruth's four 1933 Goudey issues, attention has now swayed to his much scarcer early 1920's cards, demonstrated by the recent $83K sale of an SGC 3.5 1921 E121 American Caramel Ruth. Presented here just happens to be another one of Babe Ruth's highly coveted early 1920's issues, the seldom surfacing 1922 American Caramel E120 in an outstanding PSA EX 5 holder. Typically, we do not use the term "outstanding" for "EX" cards, but due to its ultra-condition sensitivity, this "rare for the grade" card is seldom seen in mid-grade. PSA's illustrious population report supports that notion, listing only 3 other examples at this tier with a meager 6 specimens graded higher! The Lancaster, PA. based American Caramel Company followed up their highly successful 1921 black & white candy card baseball card set by issuing a colossal-like 240-subject gathering in 1922 that included an exalted Babe Ruth "holding ball" subject.

Whether it is his hallowed rookie card, tough to find early 1920 caramel issues or the ever-popular Goudey gum cards, there is an on-going frenzy to capture almost anything associated with the "Babe's" revered name. The classic Babe Ruth "holding ball" half body image graces the elaborate sepia oval frame, with the Bambino's hallowed pose reflecting fine contrast and superb resolution. One look at this Ruthian pose "freezes time", literally removing the viewer from their present state and sending them back to an illustrious era when the "Babe" ruled our National Pastime. No obtrusive surface flaws are evident, the corners reveal even wear consistent with the technical assessment, and atypically, the portrays fine centering (most E120 Ruth subjects exhibit skewed images). The final "thumbs up" is the verso's Yankees team listing and American Caramel Co. advertisement that are affixed to a relatively clean surface. To reiterate, while early 1920's cards of Babe Ruth are certainly spiking in value, they still retain significant growth potential via their low-end population report counts (vs. 1933 Goudeys). Reasonably speaking, it is only a matter of time before the pricing points for 1920's Ruth Caramel cards such as this spectacular PSA 5 keepsake soar to stratospheric levels, since the increasing demand for an early 1920's N.Y. Yankees "Sultan of Swat" card will far surpass the limited supply!

MIN BID $5,000
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