Introduction to 1905 Baseball Cards
The year 1905 was an important one in the early history of baseball cards. It was the year that tobacco companies like American Tobacco Company and Peerless really started to ramp up their production and inclusion of baseball cards in their products. While there had been some baseball cards prior to 1905 in the late 1800s, it was in 1905 that sets started being put together with intent and cards began to take on more of the traditional look and size we associate with the early 20th century tobacco era of baseball cards.
1905 T206 Set Overview
The most significant and valuable set from 1905 is the famed T206 set produced by American Tobacco Company. It is considered one of the most iconic vintage sets of all time. The set contains 524 total cards that were inserted in packs of cigarettes and tobacco products. Some key things to know about the 1905 T206 set:
The cards measure approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches, which became the standard size for baseball cards up until the modern era.
They featured portraits of players from the National League and American League on the front. Information like team, position and sometimes batting stats were included on the back.
Production numbers were massive for the time with over 50 million copies of each card printed, though survival rates are low today due to the fragile paper stock.
The set is most notable for featuring legends like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson and many other all-time greats from that era who were just starting their careers in 1905.
In top graded gem mint condition, key commons from the set can sell for $500-1500 while true superstar rookies can reach $50,000-100,000. Iconic cards like the Honus Wagner or T206 Coke error cards have sold for over $1 million.
Other Notable 1905 Sets
While the T206 set towers over all others in terms of value, there were a few other notable sets released in 1905 as well that can hold value for collectors:
Peerless/Perfection (P101-P105): This was a 79 card set featuring players from several teams inserted in Peerless cigarette packs. High grades can sell for $100-500 depending on the player.
Sweet Caporal (SC1): A smaller 21 card set that was included in Sweet Caporal cigarette packs. High grades can reach $200-1000 for stars.
B9B (B9B1-B9B15): A 15 card subset of the larger B9 set from 1909. These were inserted in Buchner & Obert’s B9B cigarettes. Can sell for $50-250 in top condition.
Cracker Jack (CJ1-CJ3): A very rare 3 card insert set from this popular snack. Only a handful are known to exist. Values range from $10,000-50,000 depending on grade and desire.
Pricing Factors for 1905 Vintage Cards
When determining the value of any given 1905 vintage baseball card, there are several key factors that collectors and dealers will take into consideration:
Grade/Condition: As with any collectible, condition is king. Even small flaws can significantly impact a card’s value. Top grades of NM-MT 8 or higher will demand the most money.
Scarcity: Rarer players or error variations will always carry a premium. Common players still have value but demand is less.
Authenticity: Reproductions have hurt the market, so authenticity must be verified for high end cards. Reputable graders like PSA/BGS provide this.
Player/Visual Appeal: All-time greats like Wagner will outsell role players. Attractive portraits also impact desirability.
Complete Set Value: Often full or near complete sets from 1905 will sell for a premium versus loose singles.
Current Market Trends: Demand ebbs and flows. Prices are highest when the overall collectibles market is hot. Vintage usually holds value better than modern in down periods.
Pricing Examples for Notable 1905 Cards
To give a sense of current pricing levels across conditions for some top 1905 cards, here are some examples:
T206 Honus Wagner PSA 1: $500,000+
T206 Wagner PSA 5: $250,000+
T206 Ty Cobb PSA 8: $15,000+
T206 Walter Johnson PSA 6: $7,500+
P101 Christy Mathewson PSA 8: $1,000+
SC1 Nap Lajoie PSA 5: $500+
B9B Eddie Plank PSA 7: $200+
CJ1 Eddie Collins PSA 3: $25,000+
As you can see, condition is paramount and the true stars command huge sums even well below mint level. More common players still hold value in top grades as well. The rarity of sets like Cracker Jack also creates extreme pricing.
In Closing
The 1905 season was a pivotal one that helped launch the golden era of baseball cards that lasted through the 1910s. Sets like T206, P101 and others remain hugely popular with collectors today thanks to their historical significance and capturing the careers of legends in their early days. With rarity, condition and demand always fluctuating, 1905 cards provide both affordable collecting opportunities and high-end investments depending on what a collector seeks. Proper authentication and grading is highly recommended when dealing with these fragile 110+ year old cardboard treasures.
