Babe Ruth is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his baseball cards are some of the most valuable in the hobby. Ruth dominated Major League Baseball from 1914 to 1935, setting numerous career records that still stand today. As one of the earliest baseball superstars, Ruth’s playing career coincided with the rise in popularity of baseball cards in the early 20th century. Let’s take a look at some of Ruth’s most notable and valuable baseball cards throughout the years.
1914 Cracker Jack (R314-1) – One of the earliest known Babe Ruth cards, the 1914 Cracker Jack is incredibly rare with only a handful believed to exist in collectors’ hands. The card depicts a young Babe Ruth in his Baltimore Orioles uniform from his early playing days before being sold to the Red Sox. In pristine gem mint condition, a 1914 Cracker Jack Babe Ruth has sold at auction for over $5 million, making it one of the highest valued baseball cards ever. Even well-worn low-grade examples in poor condition can still fetch six-figure prices.
1914 Baltimore News (R314-2) – Like the 1914 Cracker Jack, the Baltimore News card is one of the earliest known depictions of Babe Ruth as a young player for the Orioles. Only a small number are believed to exist and they are highly coveted by serious Ruth collectors. In top grades, a 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth has sold for over $1 million at auction. More commonly, examples will trade hands for $300,000-$500,000 depending on condition. Even poorly preserved copies still demand five-figure sums.
1915 Cracker Jack (R315-1) – The 1915 Cracker Jack is the first widely distributed Babe Ruth card produced during the height of his playing career. While more readily available than his earlier 1914 issues, high grade examples are still extremely valuable. A PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 1915 Cracker Jack Ruth recently sold at auction for $657,600, setting a new record price for the issue. Most collectors are willing to pay $100,000 or more for a well-centered example in top condition. The 1915 Cracker Jack remains one of the key Ruth rookie cards highly desired by collectors.
1916 Sporting News (R316-4) – As one of the earliest baseball star cards produced, the 1916 Sporting News Babe Ruth is a major key issue. Only approximately 100 are believed to exist in collectors’ hands today in all grades. Examples in the lowest of low grades still sell for five figures. A high grade example in near mint to mint condition would be worth at least $300,000 on today’s market. The 1916 Sporting News is one of the true Holy Grail cards for dedicated Ruth collectors.
1918-1919 M101-5 – Also known as the “Play Ball” card, the 1918-1919 M101-5 issue is one of the most iconic Babe Ruth baseball cards produced during his playing career with the Red Sox. While produced in higher quantities than his ultra-rare early issues, examples in top PSA/SGC grades are still valued well into six figures. A pristine PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 just sold for $228,000 at auction. Most near mint to mint copies will sell for $50,000-$150,000 depending on exact condition assessment.
1920 W516-1 – As one of the first Babe Ruth cards produced after his record-breaking breakout 1919 season with the Yankees, the 1920 W516-1 is a highly significant issue. While several thousand are believed to have been printed, high quality specimens are still scarce. A PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 example sold for $240,000 at auction in 2018. Most serious Ruth collectors are willing to pay $100,000 or more for a well-centered, sharp example in near mint or better condition.
1933 Goudey #53 – The 1933 Goudey set is one of the most iconic vintage issues and Ruth’s card is the key chase. Only approximately 100 are graded PSA/SGC Mint 9 or better. A pristine PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 specimen sold for $576,000 in January 2020, setting a new record price. Most VG-EX examples in lower grades still sell for $5,000-$15,000. The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth remains the single most valuable common card issued during his playing career.
In summary, Babe Ruth’s early 1914-1915 tobacco issues as well as his 1916 Sporting News rookie are true untouchable treasures worth over $1 million even in low grades. Keys from his playing days like the 1918-1919 “Play Ball”, 1920 Yankees debut, and 1933 Goudey regularly break six-figure auction prices when high quality specimens become available. No other player commands the respect, admiration, and financial worth in the collecting hobby quite like the legendary Babe Ruth. Whether a key rookie or a common issue from his dominant MLB tenure, his baseball cards remain among the most prized possessions for dedicated collectors around the world.
