This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/20/2015
While the "yellow Ruth" from the 1933 Goudey series is credited as being the most challenging of the Bambino quartet to find in high-grade, the "red Ruth" is actually not far behind in scarcity and clearly more difficult than the other two. Perhaps in has something to do with the artwork as the two share the same portrait of Ruth, bat perched upon his right shoulder as if just completing his legendary home run swing. Whatever the reason may be, high-grade Goudey collectors are well aware that when a superior specimen of card #149 comes along, you have to make a serious effort to obtain it for your collection. This virtually uncirculated example hails from the break-up of a top 10 Goudey collection, and the benign centering preference for the bottom may be the sole reason that it isn't at least a half-grade higher. Above-grade NM to NM/MT corners surround a finely detailed and well-registered image of Ruth amidst an ocean of deep red color. The reverse has very dark, green print against a stark, white canvas that carries a red silhouette around the edges from the intense red color on the front, a common occurrence with Goudey cards that actually adds to the allure and enhances the timelessness of this 80+ year old pasteboard. Particularly sharp for the grade and a wise acquisition for any elite collector in need of this iconic pasteboard!