This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2021
Every hobbyist worth his salt knows about the celebrated 1933 Goudey baseball card release, and more importantly, the four cards included within devoted to the game's greatest hero, Babe Ruth. However, it wasn't until relatively recently, 1994 to be exact, that a small horde of different cards from that year depicting the Bambino made its way to the market: the Blue Bird juice card, a virtually unknown card even to the most advanced of collectors. These oversized cards measured 3 7/8" x 5 7/8," printed on extremely thin card stock and utilized a familiar image; that which appears in a modified form of card number 144 from the '33 Goudey release, known as the "full body pose." The reverse of the cards featured a redemption offer encouraging boys to retain 29 bottle caps, which could be exchanged along with $1.39 for a Spalding Babe Ruth professional glove, or with a mere $.89 for a Spalding Official League ball. A second variation with a side view of the Sultan was discovered in 1999 and is almost always seen in poor condition. The presented example, however, features the front view and has emerged from the PSA grading chambers with a stunning NM/MT 8 designation, one of just 4 in the grade with just two higher. The image of Ruth is presented in such incredible detail that an almost three-dimensional effect is produced, as his likeness seems to leap to the forefront in contrast to the slightly blurred background. Technically speaking, a very light, almost microscopic, touch to the upper left corner must have prevented the graders from allocating this one as the first MINT 9 specimen on record, but the visual appeal of this specimen is truly overwhelming, and with no sign of the two 8.5's surfacing any time soon, this is a unique opportunity to own the best of the best. A stunning Ruthian keepsake offered with our highest recommendations!