Two 1933 Babe Ruth baseball cards are sharing the spotlight in the same auction, but which one will ultimately hammer for more money?
Early bidding gives us some hints on which one is more in demand, but there’s still a lotta ballgame left for this one. Miller & Miller Auctions, based in New Hamburg, Ontario, has slotted two 1933 Goudey Ruth cards into its 154-lot Spezowka Collection sale, which closes on September 27: the “Red Ruth” (#149) and the “Green Ruth” (#181).
Despite their differences in presentation, grading companies, and current bids, both went to auction with identical CA$25,000–$35,000 estimates.
Since the Goudey set only produced four Ruth cards, having two land in the same auction is special. It also sets up an interesting head-to-head competition between a pair of similar, but very different, cards.
Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards? Here’s How to Do It Quickly & Easily
Two 1933 Babe Ruth Baseball Cards, Two Different Looks
Lot 71 is the 1933 Goudey #149, graded SGC 4.5 VG-EX+. As the card’s nickname suggests, it includes a red background behind the Great Bambino. Right after it is Lot 72, which is the #181, graded PSA 4 VG-EX, and shows Ruth against a green background.
Both were included in Goudey’s original four-card Ruth run within its legendary 240-card 1933 release. It’s also worth noting that #149 has the same pose and photo as the “Yellow Ruth” (#53). And obviously, as we can see below, the #181 shows Ruth in more of a lounging/relaxed position.
The Red Ruth (#149) Is Scarcer Than It Looks
Grading population reports have typically ranked the #149 as the second-toughest of Ruth’s four Goudey cards to find, and that scarcity shows up in the sales history.
According to Sports Cards Pro data, a card with a grade of PSA 6 could land in the vicinity of $30,000-$40,000. Even lower-grade survivors — like the one currently available at Miller & Miller — have still easily cleared five figures.
As of this writing, the current highest bid is already at CA$29,000. So, this lot is tracking right at the middle of its estimate before the real bidding activity typically kicks in during the final days.
The Green Ruth (#181): The One That Looks Different for a Reason
The #181 carries a different kind of appeal and feel altogether. Its unique image makes it a chase card for anyone assembling all four Ruth variations.
PSA’s own set notes point out that while it wasn’t double-printed like the #144, high-grade examples still don’t appear often. Sales data from Sports Cards Pro across different grading tiers shows that mid-grade copies have had a comparable average price to the #149. However, historical auction results typically have it coming in a little less expensive.
But let’s be serious here — if you have either one of these cards in your possession in mid-grade condition, you’re in line for a nice payday. The highest bid for #181 at the time of this writing was CA$23,000. So, this PSA 4 copy has plenty of potential to surpass its own CA$25,000-$35,000 estimate.
Which Ruth Card Would You Rather Have?
As mentioned above, both cards are part of the Spezowka Collection, a 154-lot, single-owner sale built over 12 years by collector Dan Spezowka and consigned through Miller & Miller Auctions.
These aren’t the only noteworthy items for sale, either. Some other eye-popping vintage baseball cards are also up for grabs, with other highlights including a 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle, a 1954 Topps Hank Aaron rookie, and a 1948 Leaf Babe Ruth tribute card, according to a press release.
Based on all the variables and facts at our disposal, it’s easy to lean toward the Red Ruth (#149) finishing as the higher sale. It’s the scarcer of the two cards by grading population, already has a CA$6,000 lead, and history shows it tends to either hold pace with, or edge out, the #181 at comparable grades.
As we can see from the current highest bid, it’s not like the Green Ruth still won’t sell for a considerable amount of money, though. Which of these classic Babe Ruth cards would you rather have in your possession?
Enjoyed this one? Sign up for the Bases Loaded Bulletin — my monthly print newsletter — for deep dives like this delivered straight to your mailbox. Or grab a copy of The Power Kings for the full story of every MLB franchise’s greatest home run seasons.
