In the seemingly endless battle against dusty attics and forgotten belongings, a routine sorting of a deceased parent’s keepsakes led two Ohio siblings to an unexpected fortune. Their journey from sentimental decluttering to unimaginable profits began with an unassuming cigar box tucked away in the rafters. Instead of finding what one might expect—old letters, miscellaneous knick-knacks, or at most, a few faded photographs—the siblings stumbled upon what could only be described as a treasure trove of America’s cherished pastimes: baseball cards featuring the inimitable Babe Ruth.
In what can be likened to the discovery of a modern-day pirate’s loot, these well-preserved artifacts of America’s sporting history sent ripples through the card-collecting community. The siblings opted for privacy regarding their newfound allegiance to nostalgic riches, opting to stay out of the limelight as their rare collection made headlines. It was auctioneer Jack Kiko who got the ball rolling for them. He guided the cards from an Ohio attic to the virtual limelight of the online auction block hosted by Stark County’s Kiko Auctions.
What set this discovery ablaze was the inclusion of over 200 cards from the famed 1933 Goudey Big League Gum set. For the uninitiated, this set was to baseball cards what The Beatles were to rock music—a game-changer. Famous for being the first collection to include a stick of gum with each card pack, the 1933 Goudey cards quickly became a collector’s Holy Grail due to their illustrious lineup of Hall of Famers and their nostalgic flair, capturing a golden era of baseball.
The auction, which opened its digital doors on May 28 and closed June 2, reeled in an impressive $120,699 in bids across 623 lots, primarily comprising these nostalgic beauties. With an additional 10% internet premium and a 6.5% sales tax, the final tally soared past the $140,000 mark.
An astute bidder, ostensibly recognizable from their user ID, hit the jackpot, likely securing a significant segment of this collection. The highlight was undoubtedly a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card, resplendent with a striking red background, achieving a monumental sale price of $8,000 on its own. The full set of Ruth cards sold for a remarkable $35,250 before fees and taxes.
Collectors face a thrilling uncertainly with these cards as none had undergone professional grading. For those engrossed in the vintage card scene, it’s all part of the excitement—the possibility of unearthing a diamond hidden in plain sight, or rather a priceless piece encased in paper.
These cards cartwheeled through time from a forgotten corner of Ohio to the vast, eager hands of collectors around the globe. They embody not just historical significance but also rekindle the collective memories of America’s favorite pastime. These cards, once stagnant and forgotten, now embody the rich narrative of the nation, a reminder of summer days spent at the ballpark, of legends whose shadows still loom large.
The sale represents a surge in appreciation not only for the value of nostalgia but also for the stories that these storied relics tell—a canvas of baseball’s pantheon of greatness mingling with the personal histories of those who cherished them anew. It’s these stories that make tearing through an old box such a romantic and possibly financial venture. For the time being, America is reminded once more of the abiding allure of baseball, an echo from the annals of history reverberating in today’s economy of memory and sentiment.
From an attic cloaked in the shadows of the past within the Buckeye State to an auction captivating a worldwide audience, the cards and their legacy have found vindication in the joy they continue to bring. America’s pastime, shrouded in nostalgia, proves once again it knows exactly how to strike a perfect chord with each swing.
