High Grade Babe Ruth Cards Available in REA's Summer Auction

Featured Five: High-Grade Ruth Cards Up For Bid

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Pre-War Cards

High-Grade Babe Ruth Classics Up for Grabs in REA Summer Auction

The REA Summer Catalog Auction features several of Ruth’s classic and candy gum cards, from a 1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80, to a 1935 R321 Goudey “4 in 1”. While these high-grade examples are fit to be the centerpiece of any collection, there are plenty more cardboard representations of the “Great Bambino” available, at a more accessible cost. Let’s take a look at a few of the more premium options.

1933 R319 Goudey #53 Babe Ruth

This is a magnificent example of one of Babe Ruth’s most classic cards: #53 with yellow background from the 1933 R319 Goudey series. The “yellow background” pose of Babe Ruth is, without a doubt, his most difficult to obtain and sought-after card in the 1933 Goudey set. This card is also a condition rarity compared with other Ruth cards in the set. This is a particularly attractive example, with a bright yellow background, outstanding registration, and strong corners showing just a hint of even wear. The back is clean with bold green text. This is a stunning example of one of Babe Ruth’s most classic cards from the popular 1933 Goudey Gum series which would be a very significant addition to any 1933 Goudey set Babe Ruth card collection.

1932 R328 U.S. Caramel #32 Babe Ruth

This is one of Ruth’s rarest 1930s cards and one of the key cards to the U.S. Caramel set. The 1932 multisport set produced by U.S. Caramel is considerably rarer than Goudeys and most other 1930s sets and has long been recognized as among the most desirable issues of the era. This is a superb high-grade example of this card – well-centered with bold colors, a crisp image, and light wear to the corners. The reverse is boldly printed. As the last card in the set, the R328 Ruth tended to gravitate to the bottom of the stack, exposing it to much more wear than other cards. This is an outstanding high-grade example of this classic and desirable 1930s Babe Ruth card. Awarded an MBA Gold Diamond by Mike Baker Authenticated for high-end eye appeal. A corresponding MBA sticker is affixed to the front of the holder.

1933 V353 World Wide Gum Canadian Goudey #80 Babe Ruth

Only one example has been graded higher by SGC to date. This #80 is one of two Ruth cards in the set and features beautiful colors, excellent registration, and strong corners. The reverse is clean with bold green lettering printed only in English (which is considered somewhat rarer than the cards with English and French backs). This is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of this scarce Ruth card REA has offered in the past 21 years!

1921 E121 American Caramel Babe Ruth

This is one of the premier early Ruth cards and one of the very few dating from the early 1920s. Bright and crisp with honest corner wear and centering slightly toward the left. Boldly printed reverse displaying light soiling. One of several different cards of Ruth in the E121 set, this is one of the all-time classic Ruth cards of the 1920s. This popular card features Ruth in a full-length throwing pose. It is interesting to note that the young but already very celebrated Ruth is pictured on this card in a Boston uniform, though he is appropriately identified below as a member of the New York Americans. “Boston” (mostly covered by Ruth’s throwing arm) can be clearly seen across Ruth’s chest upon close examination. In fact, this photograph is the same image that was used on Ruth’s 1917 E135 Collins-McCarthy candy card. Apparently, the American Caramel Company was going to print and did not have the time to pursue an updated image of Ruth with his new team. This is a very attractive example of this classic Babe Ruth card worthy of any advanced Babe Ruth or pre-war card collection.

1935 R321 Goudey “4 in 1” Babe Ruth

Unsurprisingly, the key card from the 1935 Goudey “4-in-1” set, features Babe Ruth, and is the final card issued during his playing days. The offered card is one of two examples graded at this level by SGC, and displays four strong corners, vibrant colors, and outstanding registration. While Ruth is identified with the Boston Braves, Goudey actually borrowed and cropped the Yankee dugout pose image of Ruth’s card #181 from the 1933 Goudey series. The three other players who appear on the card are McManus, Brandt, and fellow Hall of Famer Rabbit Maranville. The puzzle section on the reverse is “Picture 5 Card A.” This is a striking example of one of Babe Ruth’s most overlooked but significant cards.

Of course, Ruth is just the tip of the iceberg in the stacked Summer Catalog Auction. Head over to the auction site and take a look before bidding closes on August 17th.