Baseball cards exploded in popularity during the early 1900s as the sport grew across America. Between 1902 and 1910, several major card companies released sets that documented the stars and teams of the era. While many of these vintage cards can still be found in circulation today, their values have appreciated significantly over the decades. Here is an in-depth price guide for some of the most notable baseball cards issued from 1902 to 1910.
1902 W501-1 Old Mill Tobacco – This is one of the earliest tobacco card sets focused specifically on baseball players. It features 81 cards highlighting stars from the National League and American League. Some key cards include a Honus Wagner in a PSA 1 grade selling for around $2.5 million in recent years. A Christy Mathewson or Nap Lajoie in low grade can fetch $10,000-$15,000. Complete ungraded sets have gone for over $100,000 at auction.
1903 T206 Gold Border – Issued by the American Tobacco Company, this iconic 106 card set is one of the most valuable in the hobby. Key rare cards include an ungraded Honus Wagner selling for around $3 million. A PSA 1 Wagner set a record at $6.6 million in 2016. Other stars like Mathewson, Lajoie, and Cy Young in low grades can sell from $15,000 up to $50,000 depending on condition. Complete sets have sold for over $1 million.
1904-05 Sweet Caporal – This 171 card tobacco set featured players from both leagues on colorful embossed cards. Highlights include a Ty Cobb or Mathewson in low grade valued around $5,000-$8,000. A complete set can reach $15,000-$25,000 depending on condition of cards. Rarer short prints or errors can sell for much more to advanced collectors.
1905 W515 Old Mill Leaders – This 36 card set highlighted team captains and league leaders from 1904. Key singles include a Roger Bresnahan or Bill Dahlen valued $1,000-$2,000 in low grades. Complete sets have sold in the $3,000 range.
1907 E90 Allen & Ginter – This well-known 189 card tobacco issue is highly sought after by both vintage collectors and investors. Stars of the day like Mathewson, Wagner, and Cobb can reach $10,000-$20,000 even in very poor condition. Complete original sets have topped $150,000 at public sale.
1908-11 M101-1 & M101-4 White Border – Two separate issues by the American Card Company totaling 252 cards of NL and AL players. Singles of Mathewson, Wagner, or Lajoie can sell for $5,000-$10,000 depending on condition. Complete high-grade sets have exceeded $50,000.
1909-11 T206 Hassan Triple Folders – A rare 48 card tobacco set featuring 12 future Hall of Famers including Wagner and Mathewson. Even low-quality singles can sell for $3,000-$5,000 each. A complete set changes hands rarely but could top $100,000.
1909-12 T206 Sporting Life – A special 24 card tobacco issue highlighting stars of the day. Key cards like a Wagner or Mathewson can reach $15,000-$25,000 even in poor condition. A complete set would be a true trophy item valued well over $100,000.
1910 E90 Allen & Ginter – This classic 211 card tobacco set highlighted the best players and included puzzles and games on the reverse. Singles of Wagner, Mathewson, and Cobb can sell for $10,000-$20,000 depending on condition. Complete high-grade original sets have topped $250,000 at major auctions.
As you can see, some of the rarest and most significant baseball cards from 1902 to 1910 have appreciated tremendously in value. For the savvy collector or investor, locating high-quality singles or complete sets from these pioneering issues can provide an excellent long-term store of value. With rarity, condition, and pedigree all factoring into pricing, it pays to work with an experienced dealer when purchasing cards from this early and important era.
