(LOT 249)
1932 U.S. Caramel #32 Babe Ruth SGC 5 EX
SCARCE CARAMEL RUTH!!!... Presented here is an outstanding SGC 5 EX Babe Ruth 1932 U.S. Caramel issue, one of only four SGC examples at this plateau with a mere eleven specimens graded higher. Although momentous in appearance, until recently, this has always been one of the most underrated Babe Ruth cards in the hobby. Simply stated, 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 79 U.S. Caramel Ruth's encapsulated by SGC versus a substantial 2,200+ SGC Goudey Ruth's for all four subjects (an average of some 550 per subject!). Simple math tells us that the 1932 U.S. Caramel Ruth PSA population is only 14% of a single Goudey Ruth, substantiating why this hallowed SGC 5 example is a most significant offering! Collectors are catching on to the relative scarcity of the U.S. Caramel Ruth, with an SGC 4 example fetching $36,000 some five months ago in a public auction. While an EX 5 hasn't sold publicly for nearly a year, when you take into account the immense rarity of the U.S. Caramel Ruth subject versus Goudey Gum cards, it stands to reason that its true value should extensively exceeds its Goudey brethren.

In lieu of the staggering pricing points being realized for some of our National Pastime's greatest players, we cannot imagine a better player to continue feeding this tsunami-like pricing frenzy than the incomparable Sultan of Swat. Conceptually similar to 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/golfers with the remaining 27 baseball stars), and synonymous with every issue since Ruth's original appearance in a Major League uniform, the 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 regard to its potential value. Indeed, it makes perfect sense that this significant offering is the perfect investment card to add to your esteemed collection. 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. He is the undisputable greatest baseball player of all-time, bar none, and this superb SGC 5 offering is destined to be a centerpiece attraction in any esteemed Ruthian gathering. Considering a picture is worth a thousand words, the overall aesthetics of this sanctified gem merits serious hobby accolades, starting with an outstanding Bambino portrait pose depicting Ruth's sheepish good-natured grin.

Rich facial hues, a flawless-like fire-engine red background, relatively clean borders and surfaces that have eluded any glaring flaws are the highlights of this prestigious keepsake. Accounting for the assessment is even corner wear depicting an eye pleasing uniformity, as well as standard toning along the borders and verso. Issued during the season when the Babe would turn the baseball world upside down via his "Called Shot" homer in Game #3 of the 1932 World Series, it precedes the Goudey Gum cards by a full season, conjuring up vivid memories of how the Sultan of Swat arguably blasted the most iconic round-tripper in World Series history. The Yankees would best the Chicago Cubs in four straight games while claiming their 4th world championship, and this grandeur Ruth offering is synonymous with that glorious campaign, truly residing as the only mainstream Ruth card issued during the 1932 calendar season. Indeed, this world-class offering has everything going for it including stellar aesthetics, a fine mid-grade assessment, an extensive period of time since its last appearance at public auction, and most of all, the unique George Herman "Babe" Ruth image that only appears on his one and only U.S. Caramel #32 subject. A keeper to say the least, we will ultimately defer to the sophisticated collector to determine its true worth, with this momentous Ruthian offering firmly residing as one of his most undervalued cardboard heirlooms!

MIN BID $7,500
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