Introduction
Baseball cards from the early 20th century are highly sought after collectibles that can be extremely valuable, especially those printed in 1906. This vintage price guide provides a detailed overview of the most notable 1906 baseball card issues and valuations for graded examples in top condition.
The early 1900s marked a transitional period for baseball cards as the industry was just starting to take shape. Many regional companies issued sets with players from various minor and major leagues at the time. Understanding the differences between the major 1906 issues and the players featured can help collectors appropriately value their vintage finds over a century later.
American Caramel Company
One of the most iconic early issues is the 106-card set released by the American Caramel Company. These cardboard-backed cards featured active major and minor league players arranged by team. Some of the notable stars included are Cy Young, Honus Wagner, and Nap Lajoie.
InNear Mint to Mint condition graded PSA 8 or higher, key cards can fetch astronomical prices. A PSA 8 Honus Wagner recently sold at auction for over $1.2 million, setting a new record. Other star rookies like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson in top grades can sell for $50,000-$100,000. More common players grade PSA 8 still sell for $1,000-$5,000 depending on the name.
Even well-centered examples in lower grades still hold value for collectors. A PSA 5 Wagner would be worth $300,000-$500,000. Most common players in Good to Very Good condition range from $100 to $1,000 based on player and completeness.
E90-1 Allen & Ginter
This 106-card tobacco brand set featured both major and minor leaguers similar to the American Caramel issue. Players are arranged alphabetically rather than by team. The cardboard-backed cards have a distinctive red and gray color scheme.
Key rookies in top PSA 8-10 condition can reach $25,000-$50,000. These include stars like Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Ed Walsh. More common players in similar grades sell in the $1,000-$5,000 range. Even well-centered lower grade examples like PSA 5 often sell for hundreds to low thousands of dollars.
E95-1 Old Mill
Old Mill was another popular tobacco brand that issued a 106-card set in 1906. The players and card designs closely resembled the Allen & Ginter issue from the same year. Notable rookies included are again Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson.
Top PSA 8-10 graded examples of star rookies can reach $10,000-$25,000 at auction. More common players in similar condition sell in the $500-$2,000 range. Even lower grade PSA 5 cards still hold value of $200-$1,000 based on player due to the set’s overall scarcity.
Other Notable Issues
Several other regional companies issued smaller sets that year as well:
White Borders (Est. 50 cards) featured Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs players. Keys cards graded PSA 8 or higher can reach $3,000-$10,000.
Hassan Triple Fold (Est. 20 cards) included players from several minor leagues. PSA 8 examples sell for $1,000s.
M101-1 Mayo Cut Plug (Est. 50 cards) featured players from multiple teams. PSA 8 stars reach low $1,000s.
W514 Goodwin Champions (Est. 15 cards) included stars like Ty Cobb. PSA 8 Cobb sold for over $10,000.
Later Issues from 1906
Several 1906 issues were actually printed and distributed in 1907-1908 as the industry continued to grow:
E90-4 Allen & Ginter had additional print runs. PSA 8 stars over $1,000.
E95-4 Old Mill was another late printing. PSA 8 stars over $1,000.
M101-4 Mayo Cut Plug had extra cards added. PSA 8 stars over $500.
Grading and Condition
As with any collectible over 100 years old, condition is paramount. Even small creases, corners, or centering issues can drastically reduce a vintage 1906 card’s value.
For truly valuable examples like the American Caramel or Allen & Ginter sets, professional grading with services like PSA or SGC is highly recommended. This provides an impartial assessment of quality and authenticity.
Summary
Vintage 1906 baseball cards represent the early pioneering era of the collecting hobby and can be extremely valuable investments. Understanding the differences between the major tobacco and caramel issues is key to properly assessing condition and value. With scarcity and demand always increasing over time, these classic cards make fascinating pieces of baseball history for enthusiasts.
