Babe Ruth $$$

[SteveS]

Very cool, TUM301. One thing I should say is that I haven't checked every type of reprint out there. I checked several just to make sure, and it holds true for the ones I saw for card #1. I imagine there are printers out there that can replicate things to the tiniest detail, like the crosses. So check other things, such as making sure that the box on the back is a full square, without any breaks in the corners.

EDIT: I just spent awhile looking through a bunch of Fro Joys advertised as reprints. Some better than others. But while I did not see any crosses on cards #1-4, I did see them on a few of the #5 (Grip) and #6 (Crack Fielder) cards. I attach an example of a #5 reprint that appears to have the crosses. However, in every one of those that I saw, the corners of the box on the back do not connect. I also attach a picture of that. While I can't say for sure as I haven't checked every single example out there, when it comes to the #5, the crosses on the front and the connecting box on the back are very good signs.

[mrreality68]

Amazing How many different types of collectible items there are from cards, to photos, to books, pins, Tins and so much more

Time to potentially expand the Search for Ruth Collectibles

[ullmandds]

Very cool and I learned something new here! And I’m relieved to have just checked my three raw examples (1,4,5) and they all have all the characteristics of authentic examples…Lots of crosses and continuous box lineage.

Originally Posted by SteveS

Very cool, TUM301. One thing I should say is that I haven't checked every type of reprint out there. I checked several just to make sure, and it holds true for the ones I saw for card #1. I imagine there are printers out there that can replicate things to the tiniest detail, like the crosses. So check other things, such as making sure that the box on the back is a full square, without any breaks in the corners.

EDIT: I just spent awhile looking through a bunch of Fro Joys advertised as reprints. Some better than others. But while I did not see any crosses on cards #1-4, I did see them on a few of the #5 (Grip) and #6 (Crack Fielder) cards. I attach an example of a #5 reprint that appears to have the crosses. However, in every one of those that I saw, the corners of the box on the back do not connect. I also attach a picture of that. While I can't say for sure as I haven't checked every single example out there, when it comes to the #5, the crosses on the front and the connecting box on the back are very good signs.

[Leon]

Ruth had some great postcards...

[BobC]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

Very cool and I learned something new here! And I’m relieved to have just checked my three raw examples (1,4,5) and they all have all the characteristics of authentic examples…Lots of crosses and continuous box lineage.

Just did the same check with my three raw Fro Joy cards (2,2,5), and they all exhibited the authentic characteristics as well. Great thread, had never heard about this feature on the authentic Fro Joys before.

But, if the existence of the small crosses/X's on the fronts, and closed/completed corners on the back, are really all that is needed to determine authenticity of the cards in this set, how come there has been so much perceived controversy and issues with TPGs authenticating and grading these cards in the past? This way to verify authenticity almost seems too good to be true, especially to those who like collecting raw cards. And we all know what is often said when something seems to good to be true..........!

I truly hope this thread and info is spot on. Just concerned a bit still because the answer seems almost too easy.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by BobC

Just did the same check with my three raw Fro Joy cards (2,2,5), and they all exhibited the authentic characteristics as well. Great thread, had never heard about this feature on the authentic Fro Joys before.

But, if the existence of the small crosses/X's on the fronts, and closed/completed corners on the back, are really all that is needed to determine authenticity of the cards in this set, how come there has been so much perceived controversy and issues with TPGs authenticating and grading these cards in the past? This way to verify authenticity almost seems too good to be true, especially to those who like collecting raw cards. And we all know what is often said when something seems to good to be true..........!

I truly hope this thread and info is spot on. Just concerned a bit still because the answer seems almost too easy.

Good points...it certainly seems like more "collectors" have snapped up fro joys recently because they are cheap relatively speaking for their rarity/desirability.

I have a fake sheet I purchased back in college I will examine for x's/crosses when I get a chance.

Agree that if these 2 attributes are smoking guns this should change the whole collecting dynamic of fro joys.

I'm glad I just acquired my last one to complete my set!

[BobC]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

Good points...it certainly seems like more "collectors" have snapped up fro joys recently because they are cheap relatively speaking for their rarity/desirability.

I have a fake sheet I purchased back in college I will examine for x's/crosses when I get a chance.

Agree that if these 2 attributes are smoking guns this should change the whole collecting dynamic of fro joys.

I'm glad I just acquired my last one to complete my set!

I've got one of of those colored reprint sheets myself somewhere. I'm assuming that wouldn't be worth double checking though. But if you've got a black and white reprint sheet, will be interested in what you see when checking it out. However, earlier posters said they already did this, and the reprints don't show these specific traits. Again, just seems too easy of an answer all of a sudden for something that has been debated about for so long.

Maybe one of the reasons these have been so much more affordable compared to other Ruth cards is the questioning of authenticity by many, and lack of all TPGs being willing to authenticate them, especially PSA anymore. Kind of reminds me on how S74 silks are often viewed and valued in relation to T205/T202 cards since PSA will not grade S74 silks.

And Peter, congrats on completing your Fro Joy set.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by BobC

I've got one of of those colored reprint sheets myself somewhere. I'm assuming that wouldn't be worth double checking though. But if you've got a black and white reprint sheet, will be interested in what you see when checking it out. However, earlier posters said they already did this, and the reprints don't show these specific traits. Again, just seems too easy of an answer all of a sudden for something that has been debated about for so long.

Maybe one of the reasons these have been so much more affordable compared to other Ruth cards is the questioning of authenticity by many, and lack of all TPGs being willing to authenticate them, especially PSA anymore. Kind of reminds me on how S74 silks are often viewed and valued in relation to T205/T202 cards since PSA will not grade S74 silks.

And Peter, congrats on completing your Fro Joy set.

I agree with all you've said here...the sheet I was ripped off on is a b/w albeit funky colored sheet compared to authentic ones...not a colorized one. But the borders are dotted lines which are not associated with authentic copies.

[SteveS]

I can't say for sure that a Fro Joy with crosses on the front and a closed box on the back is authentic. But I feel pretty confident that if one or both of those features are missing, then it's a replica. I looked at a ton of #1s online (because that's the one I have), and I have yet to see a confirmed authentic not have both features, or a replica have both. I posted above what I found with the other numbers in the set. I don't know what BVG looks for when grading, or why the other TPGs won't touch it. If the crosses/closed box theory holds true, buy your Fro Joys now before the fakers learn to start replicating those features.