Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 1800s as inserts included in packs of cigarettes and candy to help advertise tobacco brands and food companies. The earliest known baseball cards date back to the late 1880s but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the hobby truly started to take off. By 1910, baseball cards were being mass produced as standalone products and inserted in bubblegum, cracker jack, and other snacks specifically for the purpose of collecting.
The T206 tobacco card set from 1910 is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of baseball cards. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, the cards featured active major league players from both the National and American Leagues. What makes the 1910 T206 set so desirable is not only the fact that it highlights the stars of that era but also because relatively few sets have survived in high grade over the past 110+ years. Natural disasters like fires in the early 20th century destroyed millions of cards in storage facilities while simply playing with and trading the cards as a child led to many being damaged or lost over time.
For collectors looking to assemble the complete T206 set in 1910 condition, they are facing significant investment. Here is a breakdown of estimated values for some of the most coveted and high-grade examples that have crossed the auction block in recent years:
Honus Wagner: The hobby’s most legendary and elusive card, featuring Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Honus Wagner. In a PSA NM-MT 8 grade, one in near perfect condition sold for $3.12 million in 2016. Other high-grade examples in the $2-3 million range.
Eddie Plank: The great Philadelphia A’s lefty pitcher. A PSA EX-MT 5.5 grade realized $586,750 in 2018.
Ty Cobb: Considered the greatest hitter of all time. A PSA NM-MT 8 brought $461,000 at auction in 2015.
Joe Jackson: “Shoeless Joe” of the infamous “Black Sox” scandal. A PSA NM-MT 8 grade made $377,500 in 2016.
Christy Mathewson: Hall of Fame pitcher for the New York Giants. A PSA NM-MT 8 went for $350,000 in 2014.
Nap Lajoie: Second baseman known as the “Frenchman.” A PSA NM-MT 8 achieved $337,500 in 2017.
Sherry Magee: Outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. A high-grade PSA NM-MT 8 brought $294,000 at auction in 2016.
Walter Johnson: Famed righty for the Washington Senators. A PSA NM-MT 8 grade realized $252,000 in 2015.
Moving into more common players and cards in lower grades, here are some sample prices:
PSA VG-EX 3: Most common cards in grades ranging from very good to roughly exhibited condition typically sell in the $500-3,000 range depending on the player. Solid but not high grade examples.
PSA G-VG 2-3: For cards showing obvious wear or damage and in poorer condition grades of good to very good, values are $100-800. Still desirable to complete a set but flaws prevent higher prices.
PSA FR-GD 1-2: Really rough cards in fair to good condition that are damaged, worn or off-center can still attract $25-300 depending on scarcity. Of interest to enthusiasts completing sets regardless of condition.
PSA PO 1-2: Poorest grades of 1-2 which are often ragged, faded or with flaws will sell for $10-150. Of interest to collectors looking for any example of a rare player.
When it comes to 1910 T206 tobacco cards, condition is absolutely king. High-grade specimens fetch astronomical sums while even moderately played cards retain value in completing the landmark set. With such a long and rich history in the hobby, cards from the famed 1910 issue will always be desired by collectors worldwide as iconic pieces of baseball memorabilia from the early 20th century. Their scarcity, tied to the superstar players depicted, ensures the T206s will remain among the most valuable in the collecting universe.
