The 1938 R323 baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1930s. Issued by the Goudey Gum Company, the set featured players from both the American and National Leagues. While production numbers were higher than some earlier tobacco card issues, high-grade specimens from the 1938 Goudey set can still fetch huge prices at auction given the set’s historical significance and popularity among collectors. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the 1938 R323 set, including details on design, production, key cards and their valuations.
Design and Production:
The 1938 Goudey set included a total of 253 cards issued in series. The front of each card featured a black-and-white photo of a player in action with their team name and position listed below. On the reverse, each card had the player’s name, team, batting and fielding statistics from the 1937 season. The cards measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and had a gray border around the photo. They were issued in wax paper packs with 3 or 5 cards per pack along with a stick of gum. Estimates suggest around 20 million cards were printed, making the 1938 set one of Goudey’s highest production runs. High grades are still scarce today due to the fragility of the thin cardboard stock used and over 80 years of wear and tear.
Key Cards and Valuations:
There are several key cards in the 1938 Goudey set that can fetch huge prices in top condition. Here are some of the most valuable:
Babe Ruth (R314): Considered the key card of the set, an PSA/SGC Gem Mint 10 grade Ruth is worth around $200,000-$300,000. Even lower graded copies still sell for tens of thousands.
Lou Gehrig (R312): As one of the most iconic players of the 1930s, a Gem Mint Gehrig can reach $50,000-$75,000. Lower grades still sell well into the thousands.
Jimmie Foxx (R313): Foxx was one of the game’s best power hitters and his card has gained value in recent years. A Mint 9 could sell for $15,000-$25,000 with lower grades around $3,000-$5,000.
Mel Ott (R321): The Hall of Fame slugger’s card has also appreciated well. Near Mint-Mint copies trade hands for $8,000-$12,000 depending on centering and corners.
Dizzy Dean (R323): The title card of the set, Dean won 30 games in 1934 and his card remains a popular one. Near Mint examples can reach $5,000-$7,000.
Joe DiMaggio (R308): A rookie card for the future Yankee Clipper, Mint 9 copies have sold for $4,000-$6,000 with lower grades less.
Hank Greenberg (R309): Another rookie card, a well-centered Near Mint Greenberg brings $3,000-$4,000.
Pricing Considerations:
As with any collectible, there are several factors that influence pricing beyond just the player and condition. Centering, corners and edges all impact grade and therefore value. Complete set sales versus individual cards also see different market levels. Authenticity is also critical given the value of these older issues – expert verification from grading services like PSA or SGC adds confidence. And of course, rarity of the higher grades has pushed prices up significantly over the decades. Overall the 1938 Goudey set remains one of the most beloved issues from the classic era of baseball cards. Even in lower grades, examples provide an accessible link to the history and nostalgia that makes the hobby so popular.
