Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 1880s as a promotional item included in packages of cigarettes. It was not until the early 1900s that baseball cards really took off in popularity and began being produced in much larger quantities by multiple manufacturers. This period from 1905 to 1910 saw tremendous growth in the baseball card industry and the introduction of many iconic sets that are now highly collectible and valuable. Let’s take a deeper look at baseball card prices from this era using reliable guides and resources.
1905 T206 Tobacco Cards – Often considered the most valuable set of cards from the pre-war era, the 1905-06 T206 set featured over 500 different players and managers. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, these cards had a much higher production run than previous issues. Still, many of the rarer and more desirable players from this set can fetch big money today. Top stars like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson are routinely valued well into the six figures. But there are also plenty of more affordable cards to be found, with common players available for a few hundred dollars or less depending on condition. Overall the T206 set established tobacco cards as a true collecting hobby.
1907 E90 Panorams – The E90 Panorams were produced by Edwin Mevis & Son and are considered one of the most visually appealing pre-WWI issues. They featured large portrait images of players against panoramic team backgrounds. Rarity plays a big role in E90 pricing, as only about 60 of the original 180 cards are considered common today. Top stars in gem mint condition can reach $10,000-$15,000, while more affordable stars might sell for $1,000-$3,000. Lesser known players are available for a few hundred dollars or less. Condition is also critical, as the E90s were fragile and many examples today are well worn.
1909-11 T206 Hassan Triple Folders – As the tobacco card craze continued to grow, several new manufacturers entered the market. One such company was Hassan Cigarettes, which produced their own tobacco cards between 1909-1911. Known as the “Triple Folders” due to their unique folded design, the Hassan T206 set featured many of the same top players as the original Bowman/T206 issues. High-grade examples of stars like Mathewson, Wagner and Cobb can reach $10,000-$30,000. There are also more affordable options to be found, as lesser stars and common players can often be acquired for $500-$1,000 depending on condition.
1909-11 M101-5 Gold Border – Considered one of the most beautifully designed pre-war issues, the Gold Border cards produced by the Philadelphia Caramel Company had intricate gold borders and colorful team portrait fronts. Only about 150 total players are believed to have been featured across the three short-lived series. Condition is extremely important, as the flimsy gold borders were prone to damage. Top stars like Walter Johnson and Nap Lajoie can reach $5,000-$10,000 in gem mint condition, while $1,000-$2,000 might secure a quality example of a second-tier star. Common players are more affordable at $200-$500.
1909-11 American Caramel – As the tobacco card market grew more competitive, other confectionery companies entered the fray. American Caramel produced cards inserted in their products between 1909-1911. While not as visually ornate as the Gold Borders, the American Caramel issues featured many of the same top players. High-grade examples of stars like Ty Cobb and Eddie Collins can reach $3,000-$5,000 today. More common stars and players are available for $500-$1,000 depending on condition. Lesser known rookie cards present affordable options starting around $100. Overall the American Caramel cards provide collecting opportunities across a wide range of price points for players of the era.
1910 E90-1 W515 Strip Cards – Measuring a narrow 5⁄8″ by 2 5⁄8″, the W515 Strip Cards produced by Allen & Ginter were an unconventional tobacco card format. They featured individual player strips that could be collected and assembled into a larger team set. Only about 150 total players were featured across two short-lived series in 1910. Condition is extremely important, as the flimsy strips were prone to damage over time. High-grade examples of stars like Walter Johnson and Nap Lajoie can reach $2,000-$4,000 today. More common stars and players are available for $300-$800 depending on quality.
The 1905-1910 era established many of the early tobacco and candy card brands that are prized by collectors today. While the true key rarities can sell for five or even six figures, dedicated collectors have opportunities to acquire quality examples across all price ranges of their favorite early 20th century players. Consulting reliable price guides and resources is important for valuing vintage baseball cards properly based on set, player, condition and other key factors. With a bit of research, building an affordable collection of pre-war tobacco era cards is certainly achievable regardless of budget.
