Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as cigarette companies began including them in their tobacco products as incentives to buy more. By the early 20th century, tobacco companies were the dominant producers of baseball cards and they continued to refine their production techniques. 1926 saw some significant developments and innovations that impacted the baseball card market for decades to come.
One of the most notable releases was the 1926 DeLong Baseball Card Set produced by the DeLong Candy Company. This set featured 165 cards across 13 teams including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and more. What made the 1926 DeLong set particularly special was that it was the first true “complete” set that included all teams from that season. Prior sets from companies like American Caramel and Fleer Gum would focus on select teams or players. By having comprehensive coverage of the 1926 MLB season, the DeLong set became a holy grail for collectors looking to build a full roster of that year’s players.
In terms of condition, high grade 1926 DeLong cards in near mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars today. Key rookie cards like Lou Gehrig’s debut or a Babe Ruth in excellent shape would sell for $5,000-$10,000. Even common players in high grade can sell for $100-$500 depending on the name. Of course, the rarer the player and the higher the condition, the more valuable a 1926 DeLong card becomes. A perfect “gem mint” graded card of legends like Gehrig or Ruth would break records and sell for well over $100,000.
Another major release in 1926 came from American Caramel, which had produced some of the earliest baseball cards starting in the 1890s. Their 1926 set focused on the National League and included 198 total cards across 12 teams. Unlike DeLong, American Caramel did not have complete team rosters which makes finding certain players quite challenging. The brand also had less detailed photography and thinner card stock compared to competitors. As a result, 1926 American Caramel cards tend to be more affordable with common players selling for $50-150 even in high grades. Still, scarce rookie cards or legends in pristine condition can still fetch thousands.
Condition is especially important when evaluating the value of 1926 issues. The cards are now over 95 years old and have survived nearly a century since their original distribution. Even minor signs of wear from aging, creasing, or discoloration can significantly impact a card’s price. For example, a common Lou Gehrig in “good” condition may sell for only $200-300 while the same card in “near mint” could be $1,000-2,000. Top graded gem mint examples could sell for over $10,000. This makes identification of even subtle condition differences critical for collectors and dealers.
While tobacco brands like Murad Turkish and Sweet Caporal produced baseball cards in the mid-1920s, they never achieved the same popularity, production quality or completeness as DeLong or American Caramel. As a result, 1926 issues from smaller cigarette companies tend to be more scarce and valuable today, especially for star players. Even poorly-centered or damaged cards from rare sets can sell in the hundreds due to their limited surviving populations. For example, a creased Babe Ruth from a 1926 Murad Turkish set recently sold at auction for over $4,000 simply due to the extreme rarity of that particular card in any form of existence.
By the late 1920s, the baseball card boom that started in the 1890s had reached its peak. The Great Depression took its toll on the tobacco industry and the inclusion of cards as incentives began declining significantly. Many of the smaller brands that produced cards in the mid-1920s like Murad Turkish ceased operations entirely. Meanwhile, the two remaining giants – DeLong and American Caramel – continued producing some of the final true “tobacco era” card issues in 1929 before bowing out as well. As a result, 1926 remains one of the most significant years in early 20th century baseball card production. Nearly a century later, its issues remain hugely popular with collectors and frequently break records at auction. Condition sensitive 1926 DeLong and American Caramel cards, especially those featuring rookie years and all-time greats, define the high-end vintage baseball market.
