Introduction to 1908 Baseball Cards
The year 1908 saw the emergence of modern baseball card production and collecting. While baseball cards had been included in tobacco products as early as the late 1880s, it was in 1908 that the major tobacco companies began inserting entire baseball card sets as incentives in cigarette and chewing tobacco packs. This helped popularize baseball cards beyond just regional or niche interest and sparked the baseball card collecting hobby into the national pastime it remains today.

The most notable sets from 1908 were issued by the American Tobacco Company and included cards produced for several of its tobacco brands like Fatima, Sweet Caporal and Old Mill. Understanding the values of these pioneering 1908 baseball cards can provide collectors with important insights into the origins of the modern baseball card era.

1908 T206 White Border Set

The crown jewel of 1908 baseball cards is the American Tobacco Company’s massive 524 card T206 set. Featuring “white border” artwork, these large format cards depicted major and minor league players from across America. The immense size of the set reflected baseball’s growing popularity at the time as well as the tobacco industry’s desire to fully saturate the market.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating T206 cards. In top-near mint condition, the most valuable stars can sell for over $100,000. Most examples survive in poor worn condition after over a century. Even in played/good condition, the best players still command thousands.

Some key 1908 T206 player cards to watch for include:

Honus Wagner: Still one of the most coveted cards ever due to its rarity, a Wagner in near mint condition sold for over $3.12 million in 2016. Even well-worn copies sell for 5 figures.

Ty Cobb: One of the earliest depictions of “The Georgia Peach,” a pristine Cobb could reach $150,000-$200,000.

Cy Young: Capturing baseball’s first 300 game winner at the peak of his career, a choice Young might bring $75,000-$100,000.

Christy Mathewson: Another superstar pitcher of the era, high grade Mathewson cards change hands for $50,000 or more.

Nap Lajoie: The league’s leading hitter exemplified on his tobacco ad card, valued north of $25,000 when preserved well.

Beyond the true icons, there are still many notable and sometimes surprisingly valuable lesser known players throughout the T206 set. For collectors, locating and verifying authentic specimens of these early stars remains a fascinating area of the hobby.

1908 E90-1 set

For collectors seeking 1908 tobacco era cards of a slightly more affordable nature, the smaller E90-1 series issued by Allen & Ginter is a great option. Featuring similar lithographed artwork to the T206s but on smaller 1 1/2″ x 2 5/8″ card stock, the 91 card E90-1 set provides exposure to the same top talent of the day.

In top grades, the best E90-1 players can still reach the $1,000+ range. Most survive in worn condition where prices are far more reasonable. For example, a played Honus Wagner E90-1 might sell for $300-500 while a Cy Young could go for $150-250. Finding any high grade early 20th century player card in top condition is quite challenging.

Beyond the stars, there is also value to be had in solid condition cards of other notables from this set such as:

Eddie Plank: A workhorse pitcher for the A’s, $75-150 range.

Rube Waddell: The southpaw fireballer’s eccentric life made for a fascinating card subject, $50-100.

Nap Lajoie: Depicted in his Philadelphia A’s uniform, $40-75.

Ty Cobb: One of his earliest issued cards, $30-60.

Christy Mathewson: Even in played condition, the pitching legend still draws, $25-50.

For collectors on a budget, building a complete E90-1 set in average worn condition can be achieved for well under $1,000, providing affordable exposure to the earliest years of modern baseball card production.

Other Notable 1908 Tobacco Brand Sets

In addition to the massive T206 and classic E90-1 issues, several other smaller scale tobacco premium baseball card sets were released in 1908 as affiliates of the American Tobacco Company sought to fully leverage the growing baseball card collecting craze. Among the notable additional 1908 sets include:

Fatima Turf Series – 36 card cigarette premium set. High grade stars can reach $500-1000.

Sweet Caporal Medallion Cabinet Cards – 50 card cabinet card stock set. Key stars $200-400.

Old Mill Tobacco Stars of the Game – 24 card cigarette/tobacco insert. Top stars $150-300.

M101-5 Allen & Ginter – Smaller 51 card tobacco premium issue. Stars $75-150.

While not commanding the same lofty prices as their T206 and E90-1 counterparts, locating high quality specimens from these lesser known 1908 sets can provide affordable early 20th century cardboard for dedicated collectors. With rarer subjects and sometimes unique artistic treatments, they also offer intriguing niche appeal.

Summary

The 1908 season saw baseball cards transition from local novelty inserts to full-fledged national hobby with the tobacco industry inserting complete sets into their products. Leading the way were the mammoth 524 card T206 American Tobacco issue and smaller but highly collectible E90-1 Allen & Ginter series. While high grade examples of the top stars can reach six and even seven figures, most survivors are well-worn but still hold value for dedicated collectors. For budget-minded hobbyists, locating any authentic 1908 tobacco brand cardboard provides a direct link to the seminal year when baseball cards first broke mainstream.