The 1921 fall event at Robert Edward Auctions has become even more exciting with the emergence of a rare piece of baseball history featuring the legendary Babe Ruth. This card, however, is not the well-known 1914 Baltimore News card but rather a scarce 1921 Frederick Foto card. As of Sunday evening, early bids have already raised the card’s value to an impressive $110,000. With only six known to exist from the past century, this card holds a grade of 2 from SGC, indicating its rarity and vintage condition.
The value of this particular card has noticeably increased over the years. In 2015, REA brokered its sale for a mere $42,000, which is a fraction of its current bid. What makes the Frederick Foto card even more exceptional is its obscurity compared to the already scarce Baltimore News card. The 1921 series, which featured both major and minor league players, remains shrouded in mystery, as a complete checklist has yet to be confirmed. The cards in this series lacked numbering, making it challenging to determine a full set, although it is estimated to consist of over 100 cards.
These cards were distributed by the Frederick Foto Service of Sacramento, California, but unfortunately, they were not of the highest quality production. Player photographs were simply glued onto cardboard, displaying the player’s name, team, and the Frederick Foto brand on the front. The reverse side of the cards is blank. Their size generally matches that of tobacco cards from the era, but inconsistencies are frequent, likely due to crude production techniques or subsequent trimming. These variations often result in cards with disproportionately large white borders.
The exact dating of the series has sparked debates among collectors, with 1921 being widely accepted as the year of issue, although some disagree on the precise timing.
The Babe Ruth card from this series holds particular significance. Not only does it feature Ruth with the ‘N.Y.’ insignia of the Yankees, but it also intriguingly depicts him in a Red Sox uniform. This detail adds to its rarity as one of the earliest cards showing Ruth associated with the Yankees. Furthermore, the photograph on this card is unique. REA has acknowledged that this specific image of Ruth does not appear on any other card, nor can it be found in any other type of media—making it a truly singular representation of the baseball legend.
The auction for this rare piece of baseball memorabilia will conclude on December 3, and it is already creating a buzz among collectors and historians alike. The combination of the card’s scarcity, vintage condition, and the unparalleled photograph of Babe Ruth make it an exceptional find for any baseball enthusiast. The bidding war for this rare gem is sure to be an exciting event and a must-watch for all those interested in the rich history of the sport. Additionally, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history that is truly one-of-a-kind.