When it comes to hidden treasures, the legends often involve pirate gold or priceless heirlooms. But for one Ohio family, the booty came in the form of a cigar box bursting with nostalgia and baseball history. Nestled in the nooks and crannies of a Northeast Ohio attic lay an unassuming collection that would soon turn into a collector’s dream. Inside that dusty box sat a formidable array of vintage baseball cards, with none other than the iconic Babe Ruth taking center stage. These cards, which had quietly weathered decades of obscurity, recently took the online auction world by storm, fetching an impressive $120,000 thanks to Stark County’s Kiko Auctions.

The unexpected heirs to this treasure trove were siblings, who have elected to remain anonymous. They stumbled upon the collection while rummaging through their deceased parents’ possessions, perhaps hoping for a sentimental keepsake or two. Instead, they unearthed what can only be described as a goldmine for sports aficionados and investors alike. Auctioneer Jack Kiko noted that while the family suspected these cards held significant value, the final price-tag far exceeded their cautious optimism.

The Canton Repository dove deep into the figures and tallies, finding that the virtual gavel dropped from May 28 through June 2, covering a whopping 623 lots—an overwhelming majority of which were beloved baseball cards. The crown jewel of these, over 200 cards, belonged to the esteemed 1933 Goudey Big League Gum set, which sits high in the pantheon of collectible memorabilia.

For those not quite entrenched in the card-collecting circuit, the 1933 Goudey set represents a pioneering moment in the hobby’s history. It was the first collection to profit from the sweet accompaniment of a stick of gum, a marketing masterstroke that catapulted its popularity. More importantly, its composition is a who’s-who of baseball’s Hall of Famers, making it an essential acquisition for the serious collector.

By the time the auction reached its crescendo, over $120,699 in bids had been placed. With the added frills of a 10% internet premium and a 6.5% sales tax, that number swelled beyond $140,000. Somewhere in the cosmos of pseudonyms and usernames, one savvy bidder managed to clutch a significant slice of this historic pie. The top offering was a Babe Ruth card from the 1933 Goudey set, sporting a striking red background, which alone garnered $8,000. Collectively, five Ruth cards were auctioned, amassing a combined total of $35,250, before the added auction frills dressed them for a final curtain call.

The condition of these cardboard relics varied, with none officially graded by professional standards. It introduces a gamble to the proceedings, but that’s where part of the romance lies for purists and speculators—embracing the uncertainty is a cherished element of the vintage card game.

From a modest attic dusting in the heart of Ohio to the Internet’s expansive marketplace, these artifacts underscore the enduring enchantment of America’s pastime. While their journey from obscurity to online stardom is steeped in serendipity, they highlight a broader narrative of nostalgia and the timeless appeal of Americana.

What was once merely a waning echo of yesteryear has been catapulted to fame by the unlikeliest discovery—a heartening tale that reminds us that sometimes, the greatest treasures are tucked away right under our noses. As gavel after gavel fell, only one certainty remained: Babe Ruth has, once again, rounded the bases for home, and this stash of memorabilia has effortlessly stolen the spotlight, proving that cards depicting legends of the field can still stir more than just memories—they can also rouse a collective fervor among fans and collectors alike.

Babe Ruth Attic Find