Babe Ruth is one of the most iconic baseball players in history. His legendary career spanned over 20 years, and he set numerous records that stand to this day. Ruth memorabilia, especially baseball cards, are highly sought after by collectors.
In this article, we will explore the 8 most expensive Babe Ruth baseball cards ever sold. We’ll look at the history behind each card, examining what makes them so valuable and recounting the record-breaking auction prices they have commanded.
8. Babe Ruth PSA 1923 W-515-1 Yankees Strip Card
Date Sold: Unspecified
Card Grade: PSA 7
Sold Via: Unspecified
Image source: PSA
The rare 1923 W-515-1 Babe Ruth Strip Card depicts Ruth in a colorful, exaggerated style and is one of the most valuable Ruth cards ever. Only a few authenticated examples of this oversized strip card exist. Drawn from a 1923 photo, it has a unique look compared to standard Ruth cards.
In 2021, a PSA 8 example sold for a record $5.2 million at auction. The high value reflects its scarcity and limited distribution, likely only at East Coast fairs and events during its era. However, counterfeits exist due to their distinct, desirable look.
Authentic cards have specific textures and coloring. Proper authentication is a must for this coveted rarity that cements its status among vintage baseball card collectors.
7. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #144 Baseball Card
Date Sold: Unspecified
Card Grade: PSA VG-EX 4
Sold Via: Unspecified
Image source: Heritage Auctions’ Sports
The 1933 Goudey #144 Babe Ruth Card is considered one of the most valuable Ruth cards ever sold. Unlike other cards in the 1933 set featuring just headshots, this card displays Ruth in a full-body pose mid-swing on the ball field.
Capturing the slugger’s athleticism and power, this iconic card represents the prime of his illustrious career. Despite its PSA grade of VG-EX 4 diminishing value compared to mint condition, this rare Ruth card still commanded an impressive $100,000 at an unspecified auction.
6. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #181 SGC 7.5 NRMT Baseball Card
Date Sold: Unspecified
Card Grade: SGC 7.5
Sold Via: Unspecified
Image source: Sports Card Investor
The 1933 Goudey #181 Babe Ruth Card also stands out for its eye-catching design featuring the Sultan of Swat’s portrait against a green background. This distinctive color scheme nicely complements Ruth’s black outline and the black text.
While not his rarest card from the iconic 1933 set, mint condition copies of #181 are still scarce. This particular #181 Ruth card in a superb SGC grade of 7.5 NRMT commanded an impressive $100,000 at auction.
Even though more #181 cards were printed compared to other Ruth issues, the lack of pristine specimens gives this card incredible value among collectors.
5. 1921 Oxford Confectionary Babe Ruth Baseball Card
Date Sold: Unspecified
Card Grade: PSA 6
Sold Via: Unspecified
Image source: PSA
With only 4-5 speculated to exist, the 1921 Oxford Confectionary Babe Ruth Card is another one of the holy grails of baseball card collecting. This incredibly scarce card depicts a young Ruth posing at the Polo Grounds in a black and white portrait.
Its texture and antique look make it a prize for collectors. Despite being graded PSA 6, far from mint condition, this Ruth rarity still commanded an astounding $800,000 at auction. The card’s near-mythic status among Ruth memorabilia fuels massive demand that lifts its value. Analysts note it often opens bidding near $1 million at an auction.
4. 1921 Shotwell Babe Ruth Baseball Card
Date Sold: November 2023 (new round of auction)
Card Grade: PSA Fair 1.5
Sold Via: Heritage Auctions
Image source: PSA
The 1921 Shotwell Babe Ruth is likewise one of the rarest and most coveted Ruth cards in existence with only a few known copies. This scarce card shows a young Ruth in his Yankees uniform playing catch.
The black and white image and vintage style contribute to its huge value among collectors. In November 2023, a PSA 1.5 graded Fair condition Shotwell Ruth stunned the sports memorabilia world by selling for an astonishing $1,000,000 at auction through Heritage Auctions.
It encapsulates the Bambino’s legendary status during the nascent stage of his career. Owning this card represents the holy grail for baseball card investors and Ruth fans seeking his most prized memorabilia.
3. 1916 M101-4 Sporting News Babe Ruth #151
Date Sold: July 2021
Card Grade: PSA 6
Sold Via: Memory Lane Auctions
Image source: Heritage Auctions
The 1916 M101-4 Sporting News #151 marks Babe Ruth’s iconic rookie issue at the outset of his legendary career. This card depicts a young Ruth during his time with the Boston Red Sox before rising to prominence as a Yankee.
There are less than 40 PSA-graded copies of this prized rookie card known to exist. In July 2021, auction house Memory Lane shocked the hobby when a PSA 6 Ruth rookie sold for an astounding $2,000,000.
Despite not being mint, its extreme rarity and status as Ruth’s first card fueled record bidding. As his only true rookie issue, it encapsulates the genesis of the Sultan of Swat’s career. For serious Ruth collectors, owning this card represents the ultimate prize.
2. 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #53
Date Sold: July 2021
Card Grade: PSA 9
Sold Via: Memory Lane Auctions
Image source: PSA
Out of the iconic 1933 Goudey set, the #53 Babe Ruth card stands above as one of the most coveted and expensive issues ever released. This card features a regal Ruth portrait against a bright yellow background. The 1933 set elevated the hobby by pairing collectible cards with packs of gum, appealing to children.
While Ruth appears on several cards, the sublime PSA 9 mint grade #53 is the undisputed gem. Its flawless condition is unmatched among existing copies. In July 2021, this pristine #53 sold for an astounding record of $4.212 million at auction through Memory Lane, one of the highest prices ever paid for a trading card.
1. 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth
Date Sold: June 2021
Card Grade: PSA 1
Sold Via: Private Sale
Image source: PSA
The 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth card is considered the most expensive Babe Ruth card ever sold in an auction. This card depicts a 19-year-old Ruth during his brief stint with the Baltimore Orioles before becoming a legend. With only a handful produced by the Baltimore News, this ultra-rare card shows a young Bambino before his rise to stardom.
Its scarcity and Ruth’s early career impact make it one of the most coveted cards ever. In June 2021, this PSA 1 graded Ruth rookie garnered an astounding private sale of $6 million, the highest price paid for a sports card. This year it will be displayed again in Baltimore to be auctioned open to the public. It is expected to be sold at a staggering $10 million up to $12.5 million.
