Introduction to P&G Baseball Card Scoring
Procter & Gamble began including baseball cards in packages of their products like Crest toothpaste and Crisco cooking oil in the late 1880s as a marketing gimmick. Over time, people began assigning numerical values or scores to the cards based on their player, condition, and other factors. This scoring allowed for the cards to take on greater prominence as collectibles. Today, over 130 years later, P&G cards remain some of the most iconic vintage cards in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at how to properly score these classic items.

Condition
The condition or state of preservation of a P&G card is arguably the most important element to consider when determining its score. The scale generally used ranges from Poor (P) to Mint (MT) with gradations in between. Poor (P) cards would be very worn and tattered while Near Mint (NM) and especially Mint (MT) examples would be almost flawless. Most scores assume the cards are in at least Good (G) condition with light wear. Damaged cards may be essentially worthless regardless of other factors.

Player and Year
Obviously, scoring depends greatly on the fame and prominence of the ballplayer depicted on the card. Hall of Famers like Nap Lajoie, Honus Wagner, and Cy Young will always demand higher scores than less renowned players from the same era. The year is also significant, as the very earliest P&G issues from the late 1880s like the 1887 N172 Old Judge set are the most coveted and can earn scores over 90 even in lower grades. Conversely, late 1910s issues featuring lesser stars may max out around 25 points even in top condition.

Statistics and Accolades
Some graders will factor in statistical accomplishments and awards when scoring specific players. For example, a 1908 T206 card of Walter Johnson in Near Mint condition might earn a few extra points since he won 417 career games and had a career ERA of 2.17. Conversely, an otherwise identical card of a career backup catcher may lose a point or two. Championship teams are also valued higher. This approach requires deep baseball research but can lead to the most accurate assessments.

Rarity
The rarer the card variation, the higher it will score generally. Parallel sets like the larger 1887-1890 Old Judge issues are harder to come by intact than the smaller, more commonly found examples. Errors, mistakes, unique variations and one-of-a-kind prototypes can push scores into the ultra-rare 90+ range depending on condition despite depicting otherwise ordinary players. Conversely, extremely common late 1910s issues may max out lower.

Supply and Demand
As with any collectible, the constant tug between the supply of available high-grade examples and market demand plays a key role in P&G card scoring. A 1919 issue of a reserve infielder might normally max around 20 points but command 10-15 points more if only one or two MT versions are known to exist, for example. On the flip side, a Wagner or Lajoie that suddenly hits the market in pristine shape could depress its perceived score somewhat until its rarity is re-absorbed.

Consistency and Trends
For the most accurate assessments over time, graders must maintain consistency in their application of the above factors for similar cards. They must also account for macro collecting trends that can influence perceived values. For instance, the speculative boom of the 1980s-1990s saw many P&G cards scored far higher than would be merited today. Conversely, lulls may moderately reduce scores until interest rises again. Staying abreast of broader baseball collectibles market conditions helps avoid unrealistic scores.

The Human Element
For all the objective criteria considered, some degree of subjectivity cannot be fully removed from the card grading process. Different graders may assign scores a few points apart for an identical card based on personal preferences. The market may also value certain cards higher or lower than expected. With experience, consistent graders learn to recognize these nuances and adjust scoring approaches accordingly over time to better reflect demand.

In Conclusion
As one of the earliest and most iconic sets in the modern collectibles industry, Procter & Gamble’s pioneering 1880s-1910s baseball cards will always hold a special place in the hobby. By understanding all the factors that can influence their perceived value scores over 100+ years, from condition and player to rarity and collecting trends, enthusiasts can make informed assessments of these vintage gems. With experience, consistent scoring allows the finest examples to be properly spotlighted for the achievements they represent.