2017 October Legends Closing November 11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/12/2017
Graded EX 5 by PSA. Hall of Famer. This is one of just two examples at its tier (with one graded higher) among a total of thirty-two copies recorded in PSA's census reporting. Here is an especially worthy, superstar example from a scarce release that was distributed with ice cream. Harrington cards are extremely difficult to find in any condition, with Hall of Famers in a presentable state being virtually unheard-of. This Ruth specimen is visually striking, and stands as a beautifully preserved, key element from a challenging issue. An elite offering, this collectible is tied for the position of "second-finest" of its type graded by PSA to date: its status is nominally exceeded only by a lone PSA EX-MT 6 example.
Market trends, in general, point to a pronounced surge in pricing for Ruth/Pitching or Ruth/Throwing poses. To illustrate: a 1921 E121 American Caramel "Series of 80" Babe Ruth PSA EX-MT 6 card sold for more than $115,000 at auction in January 2017, and a PSA EX 5 example of that same collectible realized nearly $44,000 at auction one month after that sale. Recent sales of E121 "Series of 80" Ruth examples in PSA VG 3 condition have realized nearly 5-times multiples of those cards' average selling prices during the 2006-2009 period (based on the four recent and the four oldest examples).
The outstanding Harrington's Ruth seen here boasts corners that maintain a very high degree of their original integrity. The item's centering is exceptional for the issue (as is the illustration's sharpness and focus). The piece's reverse, which carries an advertisement for Harrington's Ice Cream, is commendably clean. Truly admirable Excellent condition.