The 1938 R328 Goudey baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With its simple yet elegant design featuring photos of players from that era, the cards managed to capture the nostalgia of America’s pastime like few other sets have. Even over 80 years later, the 1938 Goudey set remains highly coveted by collectors and continues to influence the baseball card market with some of its stars fetching huge sums at auction. Here is an in-depth look at the set and what collectors can expect to pay for cards from the 1938 R328 series according to recent price guides and sale prices.
The 1938 Goudey set marked the company’s return to the baseball card scene after a brief hiatus. Like many early 20th century issues, the cards utilized a simple black-and-white photo design with minimal text. The front of each card featured a square portrait of the player along with their name and team. On the back was the player’s hometown and brief career stats. In total, there were 109 players featured across the set, with serial numbers ranging from R1 to R109.
Condition is key when it comes to value for 1938 Goudey cards. Even top stars from the set in worn, damaged condition may only fetch a few dollars. There are plenty of gems that have survived in excellent shape due to careful storage over eight decades. For collectors looking to acquire high grade examples, be prepared to pay premium prices. According to the latest Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide and recent auction sales, here is the value range you can expect to pay for some of the top stars and key cards from the 1938 R328 Goudey set in Near Mint to Mint condition:
Lou Gehrig (R101): Arguably the most iconic card from the set, a Near Mint to Mint Gehrig can sell for $15,000+ due to his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Joe DiMaggio (R31): Much like Gehrig, DiMaggio’s rookie card holds legendary status. Near Mint to Mint examples have sold for $10,000+.
Dizzy Dean (R53): As one of the game’s top pitchers of the 1930s, Dean’s card remains highly sought after. Near Mint copies have sold for around $3,000-$5,000.
Jimmie Foxx (R90): Foxx was a power hitter who smashed 500 career home runs. His card in top condition has sold for $2,000-$3,000.
Mel Ott (R97): The Hall of Famer’s card has sold for $1,500-$2,500 in Near Mint.
Lefty Gomez (R72): One of the premier pitchers of the 1930s, Gomez’s card has sold for $1,000-$1,500 in Near Mint.
In addition to stars, there are also several key short prints that are highly valuable to collectors:
Mickey Cochrane (R12): Considered the rarest card in the set, only 10-12 are known to exist. In Near Mint, it would sell for $15,000+.
Gabby Hartnett (R23): Another short print with only around 20-25 known. Near Mint examples have sold for $8,000+.
Jimmie Wilson (R109): The last card in the set is also a short print, with only 15-20 in collectors’ hands. Near Mint copies have sold for $5,000+.
For more common players in the set, prices drop off significantly even in top grades. Most regulars and role players in Near Mint can be acquired for $100-$300. There are still deals to be found on certain players if a collector is willing to accept a card in Excellent or lower condition. There are usually more affordable options for complete set collectors, as putting together a lower grade set is more feasible budget-wise compared to chasing pristine individual cards.
In terms of investment potential, the 1938 Goudey set stands out due to the history and nostalgia associated with it, along with the relative scarcity of high grade specimens that have survived in the decades since production. While individual cards at the top of the market have seen some short-term volatility, most experts agree that properly graded examples from the set will continue their long-term appreciation over decades as more collectors are drawn to the vintage baseball card market. The iconic stars of the 1930s enshrined in these cards ensure the 1938 R328 Goudey set will remain a cornerstone of the hobby for generations to come.
