A Legendary 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149 Card Goes Up for Bid
Rare 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth
Get ready for Ruthamania as Fanatics Collect hosts an auction from November 7 to November 21 for one of the most legendary baseball cards: a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149, graded PSA 8.5 NM-MT+ (PWCC-A). This card is the ultimate showpiece of baseball history that brings fans closer to the unforgettable legacy of Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, in a way few items can.
For over 14 years, no card of this caliber has surfaced on the open market, and with only three examples ever receiving the prestigious PSA 8.5 grade, this particular Babe Ruth #149 is among the finest in the world. Of the four Ruth cards in the iconic 1933 Goudey set, #149 holds the lowest total non-Qualified PSA population count, with only 1,148 known examples. This scarcity, combined with its PSA 8.5 grade and PWCC–A Eye Appeal designation, which highlights its stunning visual appeal, makes it a true gem.
Better than the Smithsonian
What makes this card so special? For starters, it boasts a vibrant red background tretainstain its vibrancy across nine decades, a feat rarely seen in cards of this era. The card’s centering is nearly flawless, with sharp edges demonstrating how well this card has been handled. For collectors, these attributes are like striking gold. The preservation of the original card stock, complemented by the absence of the typical gum stains or discoloration seen on many vintage cards, elevates it to museum-worthy status—surpassing even the Ruth #149 in the Smithsonian collection.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this card also captures the spirit of Babe Ruth himself, a towering figure who reshaped baseball and American culture. Ruth’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of fame is the stuff of legends, and his impact on the sport was immense. His exploits on the field, highlighted by his record-breaking home runs, made him a household name. Ruth transcended baseball, becoming one of America’s earliest sports icons and a symbol of resilience, showmanship, and excellence. Owning a piece of his legacy is like holding a piece of the sport’s soul.
1933 Goudey Set’s Importance
The 1933 Goudey set was groundbreaking, elevating baseball cards with its bold, colorful portraits and premium design—a far cry from earlier black-and-white issues. This set introduced a new level of artistry and detail in trading cards, and Goudey’s inclusion of gum with the cards made the set all the more desirable to young fans in the 1930s. Each card featured a meticulously crafted image that brought baseball heroes into homes across America, connecting fans to players they had only read about.
As Ruth’s athletic and cultural impact soared in 1933, Goudey honored him with not one but four cards in the set. His appearances on cards #53, #144, #149, and #181 are revered among collectors, but the #149 version has always held a unique mystique, both for its rarity its visual appeal. And now, from November 7 to November 21, Fanatics Collect gives fans and collectors a rare chance to bid on this nearly immaculate ex. This opportunity that may not come again for decades.
Babe Ruths for all Budgets
The 1933 Goudey comes with a gaudy price tag that makes it out of reach for most collectors. Luckily, Fanatics Collect offers Ruth cards at a variety of price points. Even if the 1933 Goudey is not in your budget, you can still collect a Ruth (or two).
