The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149 is one of the most beloved pre-war baseball cards. Babe Ruth appears on four cards in the 240-card 1933 Goudey set (#53, #144, #149, #181), and #149 — featuring Ruth in a Yankees pinstripe portrait — is among the most desirable. PSA 9 examples have sold for $4.6 million in 2021, while PSA 8 copies typically trade in the $400,000–$700,000 range.

Why the 1933 Goudey Ruth matters

The 1933 Goudey set, produced by the Goudey Gum Company of Boston, was the first major baseball card set since the pre-WWI tobacco era. It re-launched baseball cards as a serious mass-market product after a 15-year gap. Babe Ruth appearing four times across the set was a marketing decision that paid off — every kid in America wanted “the Babe.” Today, all four Ruth cards are highly collectable; the #149 in particular is loved for its bold, classical portrait pose.

How to identify a genuine card

The card measures 2 ⅜ × 2 ⅞ inches (slightly smaller than modern cards). The front shows Ruth in a Yankees pinstripe uniform with a yellow background, the team name “YANKEES” in red, and “BABE RUTH” along the bottom. The back is printed in green ink and includes a biography. Card stock is slightly textured cream-coloured, with characteristic 1933-era printing dot patterns under magnification. Counterfeits and reprints are common — the 1989 Goudey reprint is the most frequently encountered, and is clearly marked “REPRINT” on the back. Watch for trimmed cards (smaller than 2 ⅜ × 2 ⅞), bleached cards (artificially white), and recoloured cards (red and yellow restored) — all of which significantly reduce value.

Grading and value

PSA, SGC and Beckett are the trusted grading services. Public prices: PSA 1–2 (heavily worn): $5,000–$15,000; PSA 3–4: $20,000–$45,000; PSA 5–6: $50,000–$120,000; PSA 7: $150,000–$280,000; PSA 8: $400,000–$700,000; PSA 9 (only 7 examples known): $1.5–$4.6 million. The 2021 PSA 9 sale at Memory Lane Inc. for $4.6 million remains the public record.

Where to see one

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown holds multiple 1933 Goudey examples. Heritage Auctions, Memory Lane Inc., Robert Edward Auctions and Goldin all hold public previews of high-grade examples whenever copies come to market. The Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum in Baltimore displays a small but excellent collection of period memorabilia.

For families and beginners

The 1989 Goudey reprint set is a wonderful affordable introduction — clearly marked as reprints, the entire 240-card set sells in complete form for $30–$80 and provides faithful reproductions of all four Ruth cards. Pair with a visit to a minor-league baseball game, a children’s biography of Babe Ruth, or a viewing of The Babe Ruth Story (1948) for a lovely family afternoon.

Care and storage

Pre-war cards are exceptionally fragile. Use semi-rigid card savers inside top-loaders for storage and PSA-style holders only for graded examples. Store vertically away from sunlight, at 18–22°C and 45–55% RH. Never tape, write on, or attempt to clean a vintage card; even gentle moisture can lift ink. Insurance riders are inexpensive and highly recommended for any card valued over $5,000.

Read next

Continue with the other 1933 Goudey Ruths (#53, #144, #181), the iconic 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, and the 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig — the cornerstone cards of the entire pre-war hobby.

About This collectible

The Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9) is a notable entry in the collectible category. Whether you are a seasoned collector or evaluating your first piece, understanding provenance, condition, and market context is essential for confident decisions. This guide summarizes what makes this item collectible and how to evaluate examples in the market.

Identification & Authentication

Authenticating a Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9) requires attention to period-correct materials, manufacturing marks, signatures, and chain of custody documentation. Where third-party authentication exists (PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, PCGS, NGC, or category-specific authenticators), graded examples carry significant premium over raw pieces. Consult a recognized authenticator before high-value purchases.

Valuation & Market Pricing

Values for the Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9) vary by condition, provenance, completeness, and demand. Track recent sold prices on major venues including Heritage Auctions, Goldin, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and eBay completed listings to benchmark fair market value. Realized sales reflect true value; asking prices do not.

Condition & Grading

Condition is the largest variable affecting value. Use the grading scale appropriate to the category and document defects honestly. For graded items, verify certification numbers on the grader’s website. For raw items, photograph all surfaces under neutral lighting and disclose any restoration or imperfections.

Where to Buy & Sell

Reputable venues include major auction houses, established dealer networks, specialty shows, and vetted online marketplaces. Avoid private cash transactions with unknown parties for high-value pieces. Use buyer protection or escrow when transacting at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9) is authentic?

Authenticity is best confirmed by a recognized third-party authenticator. Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient for high-value pieces.

What is a Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9) worth?

Value depends on condition, provenance, and completeness. Check recent sold prices on major auction venues for comparable examples.

Where should I sell my Babe Ruth 1933 Goudey #149 (PSA 9)?

For high-value pieces, established auction houses with category expertise typically deliver the best results. For mid-market items, vetted online marketplaces or dealer networks balance reach and fees.

Does grading add value?

For most categories, third-party grading adds meaningful value to top-condition examples. For lower-grade pieces, the grading fee can exceed the value uplift.