Cubs Baseball Cards Worth Money: Valuable Cards From Wrigley’s Early Years
The Chicago Cubs are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a history dating back to 1874. As one of the charter members of the National League, the Cubs have been featured on baseball cards for over a century. While some of the team’s modern cards may hold value, many of their most valuable vintage issues come from the early decades of the 20th century. Let’s take a look at some Cubs baseball cards that could be worth a decent amount of money today if found in good condition.
1909 T206 White Border Mickey Doolin (#110)
The 1909-1911 T206 series is considered one of the most iconic vintage sets in the sport. Featuring photos of stars from across MLB, high-grade examples in this set can fetch six-figure prices. One Cubs player featured is shortstop Mickey Doolin, who spent four seasons with the team from 1908-1911. His T206 white border card is highly sought after, with PSA 8 examples selling for $4,000-$6,000 in recent years. Finding one in even higher grade could yield a potential five-figure return.
1911-12 M101-4 Frank Schulte (#8)
Just a few years after the T206 set, the 1911-12 series produced by American Caramel featured similar tobacco portrait style images. Considered the follow-up to the landmark T206s, the M101-4 set also carries considerable value today. Outfielder Frank Schulte was a key member of the 1910 “Whiz Kids” Cubs team that won the pennant. His card from this set regularly brings $1,000-2,000 for high-grade copies, with the potential to earn even more in pristine MINT condition.
1914 Cracker Jack Joe Tinker (#22)
Insert cards found in Cracker Jack boxes were some of the earliest mainstream baseball cards distributed to the general public. Shortstop Joe Tinker is best known as a member of the famed “Tinker to Evers to Chance” double play combo for the Cubs from 1903-1912. High-grade copies of his 1914 Cracker Jack issue can sell for $800-1,500 depending on centering and condition. Finding one in near-perfect shape could yield a price tag well above the $2,000 mark.
1916 M101-7 Grover Cleveland Alexander (#9)
One of the most dominant pitchers of the Deadball Era, Grover Cleveland Alexander enjoyed great success during his four years with the Cubs from 1916-1919. His 1916 M101-7 tobacco card captures him in a Cubs uniform and is one of the key early 20th century issues showing “Old Pete” with Chicago. PSA 8 copies have sold for $1,500-2,500, with the potential for a true GEM MT 10 example to bring over $5,000.
1916-17 Bordens Best Gabby Hartnett (#83)
Best remembered as a longtime Cubs catcher in the 1920s-30s, Hartnett broke into the majors with Chicago in 1916. His rookie card comes from the premium Bordens Best dairy set. High-grade copies in this set are rare and valuable, with a PSA 8 recently selling for $4,000. Finding his rookie in pristine condition could yield a price well above the $10,000 mark for serious Cubs collectors.
1918-19 McLoughlin Bros Gabby Hartnett (#31)
Hartnett’s second early Cubs card comes from the premium 1918-19 McLoughlin Brothers set. These high-quality images were distributed as prizes and hold similar cachet to the T206 tobacco issues. PSA 8 copies of Gabby’s rookie Cubs card have sold for $3,000-5,000 depending on eye appeal. A true gem quality example could potentially earn over $10,000 on the current vintage baseball market.
1933 Goudey Billy Jurges (#156)
The 1933 Goudey set is one of the most iconic early modern issues. Shortstop Billy Jurges spent seven seasons with the Cubs from 1930-1936. High-grade copies of his Goudey rookie card sell for $800-1,500 depending on condition. A true pristine MT 10 could be worth $5,000+ to Cubs collectors seeking a key piece from this hallowed set featuring “Wrigley Regulars.”
While Cubs rookies from the modern era may not hold huge values, there are plenty of valuable early 20th century cards featuring stars from the franchise’s Wrigley Field beginnings. Top condition examples from pioneering tobacco sets like T206 and M101, as well as premium issues showing rookie years of legends like Tinker, Schulte, Alexander, Hartnett and Jurges, have the greatest potential to earn serious money for savvy collectors today. With such a long and storied history, the Cubs have produced many iconic cardboard images that remain highly sought after pieces for dedicated fans of the team.
