The 1936 R313 baseball card set is one of the most coveted and valuable sets from the early 20th century. Produced by the Goudey Gum Company, the 1936 R313 set featured players from both the American and National Leagues. With its vibrant color images and historic significance, the 1936 R313 set remains a highly sought after collection for both casual and serious baseball card collectors.

The 1936 R313 set contained a total of 253 cards that featured players, managers, and umpires. What makes this set so unique is that it was the first baseball card set to use color lithography to print the player images in vivid shades. Prior to 1936, most baseball cards used simpler monochrome printing techniques that did not showcase the players and uniforms as realistically. By using the advanced color lithography process, the 1936 R313 cards brought the players to life in a way never seen before.

In terms of condition and grading, the 1936 R313 cards are quite fragile due to their age. Truly high grade specimens in Mint or Near Mint condition above a grade of 8 are exceptionally rare. Even well-centered cards in Excellent-Very Good condition between grades 5-7 hold significant value. The cardboard stock used in 1936 was not as durable as modern card materials. As a result, issues like centering, edges, and corners tend to be problematic even for lightly played examples. Professional grading is highly recommended to accurately assess condition and preserve long-term value.

Some of the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1936 R313 set include the following:

Lou Gehrig (#53) – In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, this card has sold for over $100,000 due to Gehrig’s iconic status. Even well-centered examples in PSA 8-9 grade bring thousands.

Babe Ruth (#159) – As the greatest player of all-time, Ruth’s 1936 card is exceptionally rare in high grades. PSA 10s have reached $150,000 at auction. Near Mint 8s still sell for $15,000+.

Joe DiMaggio (#175) – Prior to his legendary 56-game hitting streak, DiMaggio’s rookie card is a key piece of memorabilia. PSA 10s have sold for $50,000. Even lower graded copies retain value.

Mickey Cochrane (#42) – The Hall of Fame catcher’s card is quite scarce in top condition. A PSA 9 recently sold for over $20,000 at auction.

Lefty Grove (#93) – One of the most dominant pitchers ever, high grade examples of Grove’s 1936 card are rarely available. Even PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.

Dizzy Dean (#138) – As another pitching great, Dean’s card is quite valuable. PSA 10s have sold for $15,000 while lower grades still reach thousands.

Bill Dickey (#64) – The Yankee catcher is highly sought after. A PSA 9 of his card achieved $10,000 at auction.

Carl Hubbell (#126) – The Hall of Fame lefty’s card holds value due to his iconic pitching ability. PSA 8s have sold for over $5,000.

Schoolboy Rowe (#183) – The Tigers flamethrower has a very rare card in top condition. A PSA 9 recently sold for $12,000 at auction.

In addition to individual star cards, there are several other factors that influence 1936 R313 prices:

Complete Sets – Obtaining a full 253 card collection in lower grades is still a six-figure achievement. PSA/SGC verified sets in grades of Good to Very Good have sold for $150,000+.

Team Sets – Groupings of cards for notable franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, etc. hold premium value, especially in higher grades.

Rookie Cards – First year issues for future Hall of Famers will always be in high demand. Examples include DiMaggio, Williams, Feller, etc.

Authenticity – As the set ages, fakes and reprints become an issue. Professional authentication either through grading or verification is essential for high value transactions.

Grades – Even small differences in condition between PSA 7 and 8 can mean thousands of dollars. Professional grading provides consistency in the marketplace.

Population Reports – Understanding census data on population statistics at each grade level helps determine relative scarcity and value.

The 1936 R313 Goudey baseball card set revolutionized the industry as the first true “modern” issue. Nearly 90 years later, it remains one of the most iconic collectibles in the sports world due to its colorful images, historic player selection, and limited surviving population. Condition is critical, and professional services are highly recommended for high value specimens. Condition census data and recent sales are the best indicators for pricing valuable 1936 R313 individual cards and complete sets.