In a tale as American as apple pie laced with bases and bats, a humble Ohio attic proved to be an unexpected source of immense value. Nestled among the forgotten memories and dusty knick-knacks, an old cigar box served not just as a reminder of days gone by but as a treasure trove holding a potentially life-changing collection. Siblings, whose names remain cloaked in mystery at their request, unearthed this buried treasure as they sorted through their late parents’ belongings. Little did they know, they were about to hit the jackpot.
As any seasoned collector would tell you, luck and keen intuition often go hand in hand. In this case, an auctioneer with a nose for nostalgia confirmed that this stash was indeed something special. Jack Kiko, at the helm of Stark County’s Kiko Auctions, recognized the weight of this find, ascribing to it the aura of history and money. The family had an inkling, a small gamble that these cards were worth more than just paper. And they turned out to be correct—very much so.
Let’s talk specifics. Picture this: The Canton Repository, serving as the statistician of this baseball renaissance, clocked in the auction numbers starting May 28 and swinging all the way to June 2. A staggering 623 lots graced the auction block, with baseball cards ruling supreme. Amidst the bustling virtual tables, over 200 cards stood out as part of the legendary 1933 Goudey Big League Gum set—a standout indeed in the pantheon of baseball card lore.
For the uninitiated, the 1933 Goudey set isn’t just any collection. It holds the distinction of being the first to sneak a chunk of gum along with its cards—a sticky little incentive that charmed its way into the hearts of many, enhancing the set’s allure. Beyond the novelty of gum, it’s a sanctuary of Hall of Famers, making it an irresistible siren song for collectors.
When the dust on this digital coliseum finally settled, the total bid amounted to a staggering $120,699. Add a sprightly 10% internet premium and the steadfast footing of a 6.5% sales tax, and voila, you’re looking at an astronomical figure upwards of $140,000. Not bad for some printed cardboard once forgotten in a cramped Ohio space.
One particularly savvy bidder, identified only by their screen name, appeared to zero in seriously on the collection’s delights. The belle of this ball, a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card flaunting a radiant red backdrop, sold for a cool $8,000. The array of five different Ruth cards racked up a neat package deal: a combined total of $35,250 before the delightful add-ons of fees and taxes.
Of course, glory never comes easy. The condition of these prizes varied, none donning the proverbial “A+” from a professional grader. This added an element of risk (or excitement, depending on one’s perspective) into the mix, and therein lies the beauty (or the agony) of dabbling in vintage collectibles: it’s a gamble on nostalgia and history.
Thus unfolded the story of an attic in Ohio—a resting place turned launchpad for a real-life American dream. With each card, the spirit of baseball wafted into living rooms far and wide via online screens, reminding collectors and memories alike that sometimes, the past holds eternal surprises. In this vibrant crossroad of curiosity and commerce, America’s pastime continues to captivate, proving that with a bit of luck and perhaps an attic expedition, anyone could still discover treasures lying in wait.
From the dusty anonymity of the Buckeye State to an auction pulsating with bidders from who-knows-where, this episode is evidence that some mementos hit home runs long after their innings seem over. History, we learn, can rest quietly under forgotten cigar boxes, waiting patiently until the day it’s called back to play its part once more.
