Dr. Thomas Newman spent 40 years collecting sports memorabilia, then he passed away due to COVID-19.
Newman was sitting on one of the most valuable collections of sports cards in history and his family plans to auction off the cards this summer.
"He would want it to be an investment for the family's future," his widow, Nancy Newman, told Reuters. "He would probably love this. He wouldn't have asked for it, he wouldn't have brought attention to himself... (but) I am sure he is looking down and is very happy with what's happening with the collection," Newman's wife said.
The crown jewel of his collection is a 1933 Babe Ruth card in near-mint condition, which could break the world record of $5.2 million when it is sold at auction.
The collection includes a 1916 Babe Ruth Sporting News rookie card and a 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card in near-perfect condition.
The auction will begin on June 21 and will run until July 10.
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