Tyrus Raymond “Ty” Cobb is widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history. Over his remarkable 24-year career playing primarily for the Detroit Tigers from 1905 to 1928, Cobb slashed .366/.433/.512 with impressive power for a leadoff hitter along with incredible speed and base-running skills. He still holds the record for the highest career batting average of any player in Major League Baseball history. Cobb was also an excellent defensive outfielder with great range in center field. His legendary competitiveness and sometimes violent on-field behavior was also well known and helped contribute to his intimidating reputation. Due to his outstanding all-around abilities and sustained excellence over such a long career, Cobb is still revered as one of the all-time greatest players to ever play the game.

Naturally, as one of baseball’s first true superstars, Cobb’s playing career coincided with the early decades of baseball cards being produced and collected. Some of Cobb’s earliest cards from the 1910s through the late 1920s have become among the most valuable and coveted in the entire hobby. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of Ty Cobb’s most significant and valuable baseball cards from his playing days that help tell the story and legacy of this baseball immortal.

1910-11 T206 White Border – One of Cobb’s earliest widely distributed cards, the 1910-11 T206 set is highly sought after by collectors. The white border subset is particularly rare, with Cobb’s card valued in the six-figure range when graded and preserved in high condition. The iconic photo capture of the young Cobb in a Tigers uniform makes this one of the most historically important early Cobb cards.

1911 Hassan Triple Folder – A very rare and elusive Cobb card, only produced for and distributed in the Detroit, Michigan area by tobacco company Hassan. Even in low grades, examples can sell for well over $10,000 due to the extreme scarcity and localized production. The card features an action photo of Cobb stealing a base.

1914 Cracker Jack – As one of the first mainstream baseball cards inserted in food products like Cracker Jack, the 1914 series is highly significant. Cobb’s card depicts him batting and is valued around $5,000 or more in top condition. Helped introduce Cobb and baseball cards to a wider youth audience.

1915 Cracker Jack – Similar to the 1914 issue, Cobb’s 1915 CJ card shows him in a batting stance and is also quite valuable for collectors, especially in high grades. Helped sustain interest in Cobb and MLB during World War I.

1915 Sporting News – Produced as a promotional insert in issues of The Sporting News newspaper, the 1915 set is quite rare overall. Cobb’s card shows him fielding and is valued well into the five figures depending on grade. Captures Cobb during one of his best individual seasons.

1915 W514-1 American Caramel – A very early and elusive regional insert card issued in caramel products. Even poorly graded examples can sell for over $10,000 due to the set’s extreme rarity. Features a nice action photo of Cobb batting.

1915 W515-1 Gilt Edge – Another early and rare regional caramel insert, the Gilt Edge Cobb is exceptionally valuable for collectors. His card depicts a headshot and can sell for well over $25,000 in top condition. Extremely elusive even in low grades.

1916 T205 Gold Border – Considered one of the most iconic and valuable early Cobb cards, the 1916 T205 Gold Border was produced nationally in packs of cigarettes. High graded examples regularly sell for six figures due to the classic photo and set’s historical importance. Captures Cobb in his prime.

1917 M101-8 Sporting Life – Produced as a rare promotional insert distributed with the Sporting Life newspaper, the 1917 set is very elusive. Even poorly preserved examples can sell for over $10,000. Features a nice action photo of Cobb batting.

1917 T207 Brown Background – Issued during America’s involvement in World War I, the 1917 T207 set is highly significant. Cobb’s card shows him in a Tigers uniform and examples can sell for $50,000+ in top condition. Iconic photo captures Cobb during his peak years.

1920 W516-1 Hassan – Another extremely rare regional Michigan-only issue by Hassan. Even in poor condition, examples can sell for well into five figures. Nice headshot photo depicts Cobb’s evolving image as a veteran star.

1923 W514-1 American Caramel – Produced over 25 years after some of Cobb’s earliest regional inserts, the 1923 AC card remains quite valuable today. Depicts Cobb batting and still sells for thousands in lower grades due to the set’s scarcity.

1924 W515-1 Goudey – Considered one of Cobb’s most iconic vintage cards, the 1924 Goudey set included Cobb amongst other stars of the day. His card shows him in a classic headshot and examples can sell for over $50,000 in top condition. Enduringly popular design.

1933 Sporting News – One of Cobb’s final active season cards produced near the end of his career. The 1933 SN set is quite rare and his card depicting Cobb in a Tigers uniform still sells for thousands even in poor condition. Captures a baseball legend entering his twilight.

This covers just a sampling of Ty Cobb’s most significant baseball cards from his playing days, but illustrates how some of the earliest and rarest examples documenting his Hall of Fame career have become enormously valuable collectors items today. As one of the first true superstars of the sport, Cobb helped drive interest in baseball cards from the 1910s onward. The iconic photos and historical contexts of these early Cobb cards continue to captivate collectors over 100 years later as reminders of this legendary player’s immense on-field talents and lasting influence on the game. With records that still stand today, Ty Cobb’s baseball cards are invaluable windows into the evolution of the hobby and one of the best to ever play.