Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 19th century as inserts included in packs of cigarettes and sweets. The American Tobacco Company started including cards featuring baseball players in packs of cigarettes in 1886. These early tobacco cards were collectible, but were not particularly valuable. In the early 20th century, the baseball card collecting hobby began gaining more widespread popularity.
In 1911, tobacco companies continued producing baseball cards for inclusion in their products. However, 1911 is considered a milestone year as it was when the first dedicated baseball card price guide was published. Producing a standardized list of baseball cards from previous years and assigning estimated value ranges helped establish the early collecting market and increase interest in amassing complete sets from past seasons of play.
Some of the most notable and valuable 1911 tobacco era baseball cards include:
Honus Wagner (American Tobacco Company): Considered the most rare and valuable baseball card of all time. It’s estimated fewer than 60 genuine T206 Honus Wagner cards still exist today in collectible condition. In the 1911 price guide, the Wagner card was estimated at a value of $5, an immense sum at that time. Today, a PSA NM-MT 8 graded Wagner card would sell for well over $1 million.
Nap Lajoie (American Tobacco Company): Another highly sought after early issue. In 1911, the guide estimated the Lajoie card value between $3-5, reflecting its status as a key part of any serious collector’s set. Graded examples now sell for $100,000+.
Christy Mathewson (American Tobacco Company): One of the most prominent pitchers of the early 20th century. His T206 card was valued around $2 in 1911. High grade specimens trade hands for $50,000+ today.
Ty Cobb (American Tobacco Company): Considered the greatest hitter in baseball history. The 1911 guide estimated his T206 card at $2-3. Top condition examples have sold at auction for over $200,000.
Walter Johnson (American Tobacco Company): Hall of Fame pitcher who still holds the all-time record for career strikeouts. His card was priced around $2 in 1911. A PSA NM 7.5 grade realized more than $150,000 at auction.
In addition to assigning estimated values, the 1911 price guide provided useful context for collectors. Information was included on the different tobacco card series issued in previous years. Detailed descriptions helped identify variations within sets and allowed for comprehensive checklists to be compiled. The guide also contained biographical information and career stats for many of the top players featured.
While tobacco companies dominated early baseball card production, other confectioners also got in the business. In 1911, some of the most popular non-tobacco insert cards included:
1911 Sweet Caporal (F.H. Peavey): Included stars like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson. High grades in demand at $10,000+.
1911 via Premium Cards (American Caramel Company): Rookie cards for Shoeless Joe Jackson and Grover Cleveland Alexander highly valuable at $25,000+.
1911 Triangle Cigarettes (Piedmont Cigarette Co.): Cabinets issued, cards valued around $1 each in 1911 guide. Rare complete cabinets bring $100,000+.
The advent of dedicated price guides was a watershed moment for the baseball card collecting hobby. It helped create standards, grow interest, and assign tangible values to previously “worthless” inserts included with other products. While the 1911 guide is over 100 years old, it remains one of the most important early references for researchers and collectors today seeking to understand the origins and evolution of the modern sports memorabilia marketplace. By establishing a baseline, it helped turn baseball cards from ephemeral promotional items into treasured collectibles worth thousands, and in the case of some legendary early issues, over a million dollars.
