(LOT 34)
1923 W572 Babe Ruth PSA 4 VG-EX - POP 2; Only 2 PSA Examples Graded Higher!
RUTH HOLDING BALL!!! The W572 set includes a total of 121 baseball subjects in strips of 10 cards; also included are a few boxers, and with the exception of Ty Cobb, all of the images were taken from the prestigious 1922 E120 set. It is the immortal George Herman "Babe" Ruth's W572 that is presented here in a super-eye-pleasing PSA 4 VG-EX 4 holder, one of only two examples at this mid-grade plateau with a paltry two specimens graded higher! The rise of early 1920s black-and-white Ruth cards has now spread to all of his early Yankees' issues, as justified by another SGC 4 W572 Ruth selling for $13,200! By 1923, Ruth has established himself as baseball's most dominant slugger, and 1923 would be the season Ruth would lead the Yankees to their inaugural World Championship via his 41 homers, 130 runs batted in, 1.309 OPS, and incredible .393 batting average.

This is arguably the most elusive of all 1923 Ruth strip cards, with the iconic "hand holding ball" pose likewise gracing his E121, E120 and W573 issues. Portraying fine resolution and somewhat dark contrast, the well-centered image resides between four toned borders that also depict some scattered soiling. No glaring surface blemishes are evident, and the even corner wear is consistent with the grade. Only two PSA examples have managed to surpass this highly coveted PSA 4 assessment that is seldom seen for any century-old Ruth black-and-white issue. No longer a best kept secret, this esteemed heirloom has rightfully taken its place alongside other Sultan of Swat early 1920s black-and-white issues as one of the Bambino's most revered cardboard mementos!

MIN BID $2,000
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