Introduction
This article will provide an in-depth look at the price guide for baseball cards from the years 1919 to 1923, with a specific focus on the highly sought after “W572” series from that era. Baseball cards from the early 20th century are extremely valuable collectibles today due to their rarity, condition and historical significance. The cards produced between 1919-1923 hold a special place in the hobby as some of the earliest modern issues. Within that series, the 1922-1923 cards designated as “W572” have become some of the most coveted and expensive in the entire collecting realm. Here is a detailed exploration of values, condition factors, and what makes these particular vintage cards so desirable.
1919-1920 Issues
Some of the earliest baseball cards readily available to collectors hail from 1919 and 1920. These issues were produced by the American Caramel Company and featured single players on small rectangular cards included in caramel and gum packages. Production numbers were relatively low during this early period. For 1919 and 1920 issues in worn but intact condition, common players can usually be acquired for $50-150. More sought after stars from that era in similar condition may fetch $200-500. Top rookies and Hall of Famers could command $1,000-3,000 depending on the name and overall appeal of the card. Condition is absolutely critical, as even minor creases, stains or rounding can drop a value significantly. Near mint or better examples from 1919-1920 in top-graded gem condition have been known to break the $10,000 mark for particularly important subjects.
1921 Issues
In 1921, the production and distribution of baseball cards expanded as multiple companies entered the market. Some of the most prolific included American Caramel, Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, and Old Mill Cigarettes. Card designs became more standardized during this period as well. For common 1921 issues in average worn condition, values typically range between $75-250 depending on the player featured. Stars of the day in similar condition may sell in the $300-800 range. Rookies and future Hall of Famers that debuted their cards in 1921 can often command $1,000-5,000 when grading out at the lowest mint levels. The highest mint, gem specimens from 1921 have been auctioned for astronomical sums. A PSA/DNA 10 graded example of Babe Ruth’s famously scarce 1921 debut card sold for over $5.2 million in 2016, setting records.
1922-1923 “W572” Series
It is the 1922-1923 series designated as “W572” that is undoubtedly the most prized by collectors of early 20th century baseball cards. These issues were produced by the American Caramel Company and featured single large size player portraits on thin cardstock with vibrant color illustrations. The exact production numbers are unknown, but they are considered among the rarest and most scarce early cards surviving today due to the fragile nature of the stock and lack of proper long-term storage in the 1920s. For a common 1922-1923 W572 card in average worn condition, prices will usually start around $1,000 and can climb higher depending on demand. Stars and key rookie cards from the set in similar condition may sell in the $3,000-$10,000 range. It is mint and gem quality examples that truly command top dollar. A PSA/DNA 8 graded Babe Ruth W572 recently sold at auction for an astounding $1.26 million, setting the record for highest price achieved for a single baseball card. Other mint W572 Hall of Famers have also crossed the million-dollar threshold in recent years. The sheer rarity and historical significance of these issues makes them the most prized possessions for dedicated collectors of pre-war baseball memorabilia.
Condition & Grading
As mentioned throughout, condition is absolutely paramount when it comes to determining value for any early 20th century baseball card, and especially the ultra-rare 1922-1923 W572 series. Even minor flaws can dramatically impact price. For ungraded common examples, condition assessment is largely subjective. But for high-end valuable specimens, professional third-party grading is essential to establish an objective standard. The two leading services are PSA and BGS. On their numeric 1-10 scales, 7 is considered “very fine” with only slight flaws, 8 is near mint with just a few minor blemishes, 9 is “mint” with only the most well-centered and flawless surviving, and 10 is “gem mint” – the absolute pinnacle a card can achieve in preserved excellence. Even a single point difference on the PSA/BGS scales can mean a variance of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands in value. Proper mounting and protection is also important to maintain condition over the long haul for invested collectors.
Investment Potential
It is clear that early 20th century baseball cards, and the ultra-rare 1922-1923 W572 issues specifically, have proven to be sound long-term investments for discerning collectors. Values have steadily climbed for decades and show no signs of slowing. As the collecting population expands worldwide and generations pass away, fewer high-grade specimens are likely to remain in existence over time. This supply and demand dynamic will assuredly continue pushing prices higher, especially for the most coveted rookie cards, stars and Hall of Fame inductees featured. With the right cards in pristine condition, annual appreciation rates of 5-10% are reasonable to expect long-term. For the true “condition census” elite examples, skyrocketing auction results set new benchmarks seemingly every year. With such a finite supply and enduring demand, these vintage cards represent blue-chip holdings for the financially-motivated collector.
Conclusion
The baseball cards produced between 1919-1923, and most especially the 1922-1923 “W572” series, are among the most important, desirable and valuable collectibles from the early era of the hobby. Their rarity, historical significance, and proven record of strong long-term price increases cement them as premier targets for dedicated vintage card investors. Condition, as always, is paramount – with true high-grade gems achieving record-setting prices reflective of their immense scarcity and investment-quality status. For collectors seeking to add an important piece of baseball and collecting history to their portfolios, a pristine example from this seminal period can offer tangible returns alongside intangible enjoyment for generations to come.
