1948 Signal Oil Baseball Cards Price Guide
The 1948 Signal Oil baseball card set is considered one of the true classic vintage issues that is highly sought after by collectors. Produced by the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, better known as Sohio, the 1948 Signal Oil cards featured players from the American and National Leagues on the fronts with factoids and stats on the backs. While production numbers for the set are unknown, surviving examples are quite scarce making high grade specimens quite valuable. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1948 Signal Oil baseball cards and what collectors can expect to pay for examples in different conditions.
Background on Signal Oil Company and 1948 Issue
Signal Oil, or Sohio, was an oil company based in Cleveland, Ohio that operated from the late 19th century through the 1980s. In the late 1940s, like many other oil companies at the time such as Gulf and Texaco, Sohio produced regional baseball cards as a promotional item to be distributed free at gas stations. The 1948 set focused only on major leaguers and did not feature any minor league players that were sometimes included in other issues. Each player’s photo is front and center on the card with their team logo and name listed below. On the reverse, stats from the 1947 season are provided along with fun facts about each player.
In total, there were 144 individual cards produced in the 1948 Signal Oil set spanning both the American and National Leagues. Some of the notable stars featured included Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bob Feller and Joe DiMaggio. Production numbers for vintage sets from this era are impossible to verify but surviving examples of the 1948 Signal Oil cards are exceedingly rare in high grades. This scarcity combined with the classic design and historical significance of some of the players has made it a highly coveted vintage issue.
Pricing 1948 Signal Oil Cards in Different Grades
To determine pricing, vintage card values are largely dependent on two main factors – the condition or grade of the individual card as well as the specific player featured. Here is a breakdown of what collectors can expect to pay for 1948 Signal Oil cards across different condition grades:
Poor (P): Cards grading P are generally uncollectible with severe flaws, creases, stains or damage. Most examples in this grade have little to no resale value.
Fair (FR): Slightly better condition than Poor but still with multiple visible flaws. Common players may sell for $5-10 while stars could reach $15-25.
Good (GD): Moderate flaws and wear present but images still clear. Common players $10-15, stars $25-50.
Very Good (VG): Light wear and age but still bright and presentable. Commons $15-25, stars $50-100.
Excellent (EX): Light corner wear only, sharp images. Commons $25-50, stars $100-250.
Near Mint (NM): Only slightest sign of wear, virtually flawless. Commons $50-100, stars $250-500.
Mint (MT): Pristine gem, as issued. Commons $100-200, stars $500-1,000.
Top 1948 Signal Oil Cards and Prices
Some examples of what top graded 1948 Signal Oil cards have sold for include:
Jackie Robinson (MT)- $3,500
Stan Musial (NM)- $2,250
Ted Williams (EX)- $1,750
Bob Feller (VG-EX)- $950
Joe DiMaggio (NM)- $850
Willie Mays (VG)- $650
As you can see, high grade examples of the game’s all-time greats consistently fetch the most money due to their rarity, historical significance and iconic status within the set. There are also plenty of affordable options for collectors on a budget if searching for cards in lower grades of common players.
The 1948 Signal Oil baseball card set remains one of the most classic and desirable of all vintage issues. While examples in top-notch condition command premium prices, there are still finds to be had across all price ranges. Proper grading and focus on star players will help collectors maximize value. The 1948 Signal Oil cards offer a unique historical snapshot and remain a staple for any serious vintage baseball card collection.
