by A rare 1928 Babe Ruth baseball card discovered in a Southeast Missouri attic is expected to sell for up to $8,000 (approximately ₹6.6 lakh) at auction, according to a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow.
The card, once belonging to a Polish immigrant farmer, stunned its owner with its high appraisal value.
What Happened
During a recent filming of Antiques Roadshow, a woman brought in a vintage Babe Ruth baseball card found while cleaning out her late great-great uncle’s farmhouse attic.
The card was discovered inside a paper bag between the rafters. Experts valued the card at $6,000 to $8,000, marking it as a rare collectible.
Key Details
- The card belonged to the woman’s great-great uncle, a Polish immigrant and farmer in Southeast Missouri.
- He was a devoted baseball fan who once traveled to see the St. Louis Cardinals.
- The Babe Ruth card dates back to 1928 and was produced by the Exhibition Supply Company.
- These exhibition cards were originally sold for just one cent at penny arcades via vending machines.
- Exhibition cards are larger than typical tobacco or gum cards and were made purely for sport enthusiasts.
- The card was graded a 5 out of 10, the highest known grade for this specific card, despite some edge wear.
- Interest in exhibition baseball cards has increased in recent years, pushing their market value higher.
Reactions or Statements
Expert appraiser Leila Dunbar commented that the card’s rarity and condition made it highly valuable, estimating a sale price between $6,000 and $8,000.
The owner reflected emotionally, saying, “Good old Stanley would really love that,” referring to her great-great uncle who originally owned the card.
Investigation or What’s Next
The card will likely go to auction soon, where collectors with growing interest in rare baseball memorabilia will bid. This discovery highlights how forgotten items stored away for decades can emerge as prized collectibles in today’s market.
FAQs
Q: Who was Babe Ruth?
A: Babe Ruth was an iconic American baseball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.
Q: What makes exhibition baseball cards different?
A: Exhibition cards were larger, not tied to tobacco or gum products, and produced in smaller quantities, making them rarer than typical cards.
Q: How is the value of a vintage baseball card determined?
A: Factors include rarity, condition, historical significance, and collector demand.
Q: Can old sports cards be valuable?
A: Yes, especially rare cards in good condition from legendary players can fetch high prices.
Q: What should I do if I find old cards or memorabilia?
A: Have them appraised by a trusted expert or take them to a reputable antiques show for evaluation.
Summary / Final Takeaway
This story from Missouri underscores the hidden value of vintage collectibles. A forgotten Babe Ruth card, tucked away for decades, has become a valuable asset due to rarity and rising collector interest.
For anyone clearing out attics or storage, this serves as a reminder that treasured finds may be waiting to be uncovered.
