Nov 6, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
Featured here is a colorful and exceptionally rare example of the Sultan of Swat from the W516 hand-cut series produced in 1920-21. There are five types in this elusive strip card issue, each of which has 30 player subjects including Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Mathewson. Two types (W516-1-1 and W516-1-2) have the player image reversed. Two other types (W516-2-1 and W516-2-3) have typewriter style font. The fifth type (W516-2-2) has both variations. There are two different card numbers among the five types, with the first two types differing from the other three.
By far the scarcest version, this W516-2-3 card #10 features The Babe as an outfielder throwing against a red-orange background with blue font below. Strong attributes across the board have warranted a VG+ 3.5 assessment from SGC, which stands as the highest grade ever awarded by any of the top card authentication companies. Very-well centered, it has vibrant colors, bold font and a clear image of Ruth. The blank back is clean as well. This highly coveted cardboard treasure rarely comes up for auction, and who knows if an example of this caliber will ever surface again!
According to the SGC population report, just one other W516-2-3 Ruth in VG+ 3.5 exists, with none higher out of the ten authenticated in the grading company's history. In the PSA pop report, a grand total of four have ever been authenticated, and only one has earned a number grade (GD 2.5). This version's scarcity pales in comparison to the other four.
W516-1-1: 127 slabbed by PSA and 104 by SGC
W516-1-2: 18 PSA and 18 SGC
W516-2-1: 30 PSA and 28 SGC
W516-2-2: 55 PSA and 48 SGC
W516-2-3: 4 PSA and 10 SGC
For more info on this series...https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/five-types-of-1920-21-w516-strip-cards/
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