A treasure trove of vintage baseball cards, featuring iconic players like Babe Ruth and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, has recently been discovered. The collection, found in a 100-year-old tobacco tin by the son of a dedicated collector, is now set to be auctioned by Auction Monthly.
The collector, Ed, a purchasing agent from Northern California, had assembled the collection with great care and passion. Known for his love of baseball, Ed diligently obtained cards from the 1920s, which include the legendary 1919 “Black Sox” team and other Baseball Hall of Famers. With the intention of preserving these historical gems, Ed’s family has taken great care in their upkeep over the years.
Among the prized cards in the collection are some rare finds, including the 1919-21 W514 “Shoeless” Joe Jackson card and multiple Babe Ruth cards from various series. These cards, although not in gem-mint condition, still possess significant value and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Brandon, the vice president of Auction Monthly, expressed the rarity and excitement surrounding this find. The collection has an initial estimate in the high six figures, reflecting the incredible historical value and desirability of these cards. This discovery has truly captivated the attention of baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike.
While Ed’s son has made the difficult decision to part with most of the collection through auction, he plans to keep a few cards along with his father’s baseball glove as cherished mementos. The upcoming auction offers a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history and engage with the spirit of a lifelong fan’s passion for the game.
The collection is filled with a wide range of historical treasures. Alongside the iconic Babe Ruth and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson cards, it includes cards of nearly every player from the infamous 1919 “Black Sox” team. The variety of cards spans several series, such as the 1921 E220 National Caramel Babe Ruth and the 1922 American Caramel E121 Babe Ruth. Also noteworthy are the Ty Cobb cards from the same era, showcasing the depth and range of this extraordinary collection.
Though the cards may not be in perfect condition, their historical significance and rarity make them highly desirable. Collectors anticipate that some of the cards will reach prices in the thousands of dollars. The collection serves as a testament to a bygone era of baseball, encapsulating the memories and spirit of the sport during the 1920s.
Auction Monthly is preparing for an influx of interest in the first quarter of 2024, as approximately 80 of the cards undergo grading. This grading process will provide further insight into their condition and bolster their appeal to collectors. The auction promises to be an exciting event, attracting baseball enthusiasts from around the world.
As Ed’s son embarks on the downsizing process, this auction serves as an opportunity for fans, collectors, and history enthusiasts to acquire a tangible connection to the past. The vintage baseball cards, carefully preserved for a century, offer a glimpse into the golden age of the sport and represent a valuable piece of Americana. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of baseball history.