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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905 EDITION

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The 1905 edition of The American Card Catalog was groundbreaking as one of the earliest attempts to provide a standardized pricing guide for baseball cards from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Published at a time when the collecting of baseball cards was just starting to gain popularity beyond children simply trading and playing with them, the 1905 ACC helped establish some structure around valuation in this nascent hobby.

Some key things to know about the 1905 edition of The American Card Catalog include:

Format: The guide was published as a small pamphlet of around 30 pages. It listed pricing information for cards from the most popular baseball sets of the 1890s through the early 1900s in a simple table format.

Pricing: Most common cards from the era were priced between 5 cents and 25 cents each. More scarce rookie cards or cards of star players could be listed up to $1. There was no standardized grading system, so condition was largely left up to the buyer and seller to determine.

Sets included: The big sets covered were 1896–1900 Pearl, 1898–1899 Mayo Cut Plug, 1899–1900 Goodwin Champions, and 1902–1905 Tobacco cards. Some rarer sets like the infamous 1909–1911 T206 set had just started production and were not comprehensively covered yet.

Research methodology: How the creators of the ACC determined their pricing is unknown, but it was likely based primarily on recent sales data from the few shops and early hobby publications dealing in these cards at the time. Standardized population reporting and census data did not yet exist.

Impact and legacy: Though crude by today’s standards, the 1905 ACC helped provide collectors structure during the early “Wild West” period of the hobby. It established some precedent that certain cards from popular sets and of star players were more valuable. Later guides would expand coverage and build on this foundation throughout the 1900s-1960s Golden Age of baseball cards.

Condition sensitivity: One limitation was the lack of formalized grading. A card listed as being worth 25 cents may have been in poor shape, affecting its true value. Buyers had to carefully examine described condition. Modern grading scales like PSA’s 1-10 system did not exist yet.

Roster changes: Players were added to the guide based on new findings of existing cards or newly discovered sets. The ACC was one of the first sources documenting the early baseball card rosters and sets before more comprehensive references emerged.

Known copies: Very few surviving copies are known to exist today, making an original 1905 ACC one of the most valuable baseball card price guides for serious vintage collectors and enthusiasts. Most that do exist show handling and age issues given their extreme fragility after more than a century.

Influence on pricing: While prices have changed drastically in the ensuing decades, the 1905 ACC established baseline valuations still referenced by collectors and experts. Certain key cards retain premiums relative to others first documented in the pioneering guide.

The 1905 edition of The American Card Catalog helped provide structure to the nascent hobby of baseball card collecting during the early 20th century. Though crude by modern standards, it served as an important first step in documenting sets, rosters and pricing during the formative “Wild West” period before more extensive guides would be produced. Extremely rare today in its original form, an intact 1905 ACC would be a prized possession in any serious vintage baseball card collection.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905

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Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 1800s as a promotional item included in cigarette packs and food items to help advertise brands. The early baseball cards from the 1890s and turn of the 20th century are highly collectible today due to their rarity and historical significance. For collectors and baseball historians, one of the most sought after periods for baseball cards is the year 1905.

1905 was a pivotal year in the early history of baseball cards. Several major cigarette companies like American Tobacco Company and Allen & Ginter were issuing baseball cards in their products. The most famous and valuable set from 1905 is the T206 White Border set produced by the American Tobacco Company. The T206 set is considered by many to be the finest and most desirable vintage baseball card set ever made. It featured images of stars from both the National and American Leagues on cards with a unique white border design.

Some key things to know about the 1905 T206 set include:

It featured over 524 total cards when duplicates are included, making it one of the largest sets of the era. The true number of unique cards was around 168 after duplicates are removed.

The set included all the biggest stars of the day like Honus Wagner, Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson. Having a high-grade example of any of these star players’ cards would be worth a small fortune today.

Production methods at the time resulted in many variations between card issues. There are differences in image sizes, borders, and color tints that add complexity for identifying exact versions. This results in some cards being more scarce and valuable.

The condition of early tobacco-era cards is often poor due to the fragility of the paper stock used at the time and over a century of wear. High-grade examples appropriate preserved are extremely rare. Even moderate played copies of most cards can be worth thousands.

The T206 set helped popularize the hobby of baseball card collecting. While they were initially produced as advertisements, today they are highly valued by collectors and have become an important part of baseball history.

When it comes to pricing modern graded examples of the rare 1905 T206 cards, a few standouts can be highlighted to demonstrate their high values:

Honus Wagner: Often called the “holy grail” of baseball cards, high-grade examples of Wagner’s iconic T206 card can sell for over $1 million. In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 copy sold for $6.6 million, setting a new record. Even lower-grade played examples still fetch five-figure sums.

Christy Mathewson: As one of the game’s earliest pitching legends, Mathewson’s T206 has also achieved high prices. A PSA-graded EX-MT 5 copy sold in 2016 for $432,000, showing the rarity premium attached to even played condition examples of star players.

Ty Cobb: Another icon of early baseball, Cobb’s aggressive style made him a fan favorite. In 2013, a PSA NM-MT 8 brought $262,900 at auction, underlining the card’s valuable status over 100 years later.

Walter Johnson: The Big Train’s intimidating fastball made him a dominant force. In 2009, a PSA NM-MT 8 grade sold for $167,500, reflecting collectors’ desire for historically significant early 20th century players.

Joe Tinker: As a member of the famed Tinker-to-Evers-to-Chance double play combo, moderate condition examples can still sell for $10,000+. A PSA EX-MT 5 copy achieved $72,000 back in 2016.

When considering prices and condition for 1905 T206 cards, it’s clear that even small differences can have huge impacts on value. With such important historical significance and iconic imagery of baseball’s earliest stars, the set remains one of the most prized in the entire collecting hobby. For researchers, historians, or dedicated collectors, uncovering high-quality examples from this pivotal year continues to be a fascinating pursuit.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905 RARE CARDS

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Baseball cards from 1905 are highly sought after by collectors due to the rarity of the cards from that era. With the sport of baseball still in its early growth period in the United States in 1905, the production and distribution of baseball cards was still developing. Fewer baseball cards survived over a century compared to later years, making cards from 1905 quite scarce. This price guide will explore some of the most valuable and sought after rare 1905 baseball cards and provide estimated value ranges based on the condition and demand for each card.

One of the most iconic and expensive 1905 baseball cards is the Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company as part of its famous T206 set, the Wagner card is considered the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards due to its rarity, historical significance, and Wagner’s status as one of the early stars of the game. It is estimated that only 50-200 Honus Wagner cards were ever printed, and today perhaps only 50-100 survive in various conditions. The scarcity has made the Wagner the most valuable trading card in the world. In pristine mint condition, the Wagner card has sold at auction for over $3 million multiple times in recent years. Even in poor condition, a Wagner will still fetch six figures.

Another highly valuable 1905 issue is the Eddie Plank card from the Sporting Life baseball portfolio set. Like the Wagner, the Plank card is exceptionally rare with estimates of only 10-50 surviving today. The Plank played his entire career with the Philadelphia Athletics and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In gem mint condition, the Plank card has sold at auction for over $100,000. Even well-worn, poor condition examples can sell for $15,000-$30,000 depending on demand. The Plank is considered the second most valuable pre-WWI baseball card after the Wagner.

The Nap Lajoie card from the same 1905 Sporting Life portfolio set as the Plank is also an important rare issue. Lajoie was one of the first true baseball superstars of the early 20th century and a Hall of Famer. His card is also exceptionally scarce with perhaps 50 or fewer survivors. High grade examples in near-mint to mint condition have sold at auction for $50,000-$75,000. Even poorly-preserved copies will sell for $10,000-$20,000. Condition is extremely important for the value of these rare pre-WWI cards.

Two other notable rare cards from 1905 are the cards of Cy Young and Ty Cobb. Both were printed as part of the 1905 Gold Border set produced by the American Caramel Company. While not quite as scarce as the Plank, Wagner, or Lajoie, mint condition examples of the Young and Cobb 1905 Gold Borders can still fetch impressive prices. A pristine Cy Young has sold for over $25,000, while a gem mint Ty Cobb brought nearly $20,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies in poor shape will sell in the $2,000-$5,000 range based on strong demand for these early stars.

For collectors looking to acquire rare 1905 cards, it’s important to use caution. With such significant values at stake, counterfeits have become a problem. It is recommended to only purchase from reputable auction houses or vintage card shops that stand behind authenticity and can provide verification of pedigree. Papers, photos of the card aging, and other provenance documentation can help establish authenticity. Card grading from professional services like PSA or SGC is highly recommended to validate condition as well. With the right documentation and grading, collectors can have confidence acquiring these valuable pieces of baseball history.

The rarest and most valuable baseball cards produced in 1905 are the legendary examples featuring Honus Wagner, Eddie Plank, Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, and Ty Cobb. With such few survivors from over a century ago and the iconic status of these early stars of the game, examples in top condition can sell at auction for five or even six figures. With some patience, collectors can still acquire lesser grade examples of these rare cards for thousands of dollars. By understanding the supply and demand dynamics that drive values for these rare pre-WWI issues, collectors can make informed decisions on acquiring iconic pieces from the early years of the sport for their collections. With such a long and illustrious history, baseball cards from 1905 continue to captivate collectors with their historical significance, scarcity, and immense investment potential over a century later.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905 T206 SERIES

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The T206 baseball card set, issued between 1909 and 1911 by the American Tobacco Company, is one of the most popular and valuable sets in the history of baseball cards. The set features players from the National League and American League during the early 20th century. While the set was produced over multiple years, the cards are collectively known as T206s in reference to the tobacco product, Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, whose packaging they were included in.

The rarity and condition of each specific T206 card helps determine its potential value. Some of the most coveted and highly graded T206 cards can sell for hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars. There is a wide range in prices depending on several factors. By understanding the set and what influences a card’s worth, collectors can better navigate the T206 series prices.

One of the primary determinants of a T206 card’s price is the player featured on the front. Some of the most expensive cards depict baseball legends like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, and Christy Mathewson. In top mint condition, their cards can sell for over $1 million. Most graded T206 cards for these players trade hands in the $100,000 to $500,000 range. Beyond the true star players, other Hall of Famers and notable players from the early MLB era also command higher prices than most in the set.

After accounting for the specific player, the next biggest influence is the card’s state of preservation over the past century since its original printing. Professionally graded gem mint T206 cards in a PSA 8, 9, or MT (gem mint) 10 designation are exponentially more valuable. These high grades indicate the card has survived in incredibly well-preserved condition given its age. Lower graded cards in poorer condition sell for a fraction of the price. For example, a PSA 1 or 2 graded Wagner may only be worth $1,000-$5,000 compared to $500,000+ for a PSA 8 or better.

Subtle variations between printing plates also impact rarity and price. The T206 set was created using multiple printing plates to mass produce cards rapidly. Minor differences exist between the plates, such as variations in colors or textures. These plate variations make some printings scarcer and more valuable. Errors occurred during production, resulting in miscuts, missing colors, or typos. Error cards are prized by collectors as true one-of-a-kinds and can sell for exceptional prices upwards of six figures.

Beyond the individual card qualities of player, grade, and production variations, the larger market influences prices as well. Overall collector demand is one such factor – as interest rises in a particular set, era, or player, so do average prices. Periodic spikes in demand, like a major auction, can cause short-term price inflation too. Conversely, lulls when fewer collectors are actively buying softens prices across the board. Recent record-breaking sales of rare cards further fuel competition and drive future prices higher. The unprecedented $3.12 million private sale of the famed “Gretzky T206 Wagner” in 2016 is a prime example and new ceiling that changed collector perceptions.

For most T206 cards, prices start in the $100-$500 range depending on condition for common players. From there, values can escalate exponentially into the thousands and tens of thousands based on the rarity scale discussed. The true star players with the best grades command five and six-figure values as the rarest of the rare in the set. While the highest prices require deep collector pockets, there are still many affordable mid-range T206 cards under $1,000 that can be obtained. With care and preservation, such cards retain value and appreciation over time as worthwhile long-term investments in baseball and sports history. By understanding the nuances of the T206 series, collectors and investors can make informed choices on individual cards within this beloved, yet very valuable, early 20th century tobacco era release.

The T206 baseball card set remains one of the most popular collectibles over a century after its original production. Condition, specific players, and production variations all factor heavily into the price guide values across its wide spectrum, from common cards affordable to most collectors up through the impossibly rare specimens worth millions. As interest grows in the early history of baseball, demand and prices for these seminal tobacco-era cards show no signs of slowing. With proper research, collectors of all levels can participate in this iconic series while appreciating its significance within the broader culture of our national pastime.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905 HONUS WAGNER

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The coveted 1905 Honus Wagner T206 baseball card is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and valuable trading cards in existence. For over a century, the legendary Wagner card has captivated collectors and generated headlines due to its striking rarity, historical significance, and astronomical prices it has sold for at auction.

Issued by the American Tobacco Company as part of its landmark T206 series, the Wagner card is one of the most difficult to find in mint condition. What makes the card so unique was that Wagner, a star shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 1900s, had objected to his likeness being used to market cigarettes. As a result, only a small number of the printed Wagner cards were released into circulation. Whether fewer than 60 or around 200 examples exist today in varying states of preservation has long been a source of debate among experts.

The rarity and mystique surrounding exactly how many were printed has driven the value of high-grade Wagner specimens to new heights over the decades. In the early 1950s, one of the finest known examples sold for $500. By 1991, a near-mint specimen fetched over $110,000 at auction. The record was shattered in 2016 when a PSA NM-MT 8 grade Wagner brought an astounding $3.12 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a baseball card at the time.

Several factors contributed to Wagner’s reluctance to allow his likeness to be used. As a devout Catholic, he had moral objections to promoting tobacco products, which had already been linked to health issues. Wagner was also nearing the end of his Hall of Fame baseball career in the early 1900s and may not have wanted his image associated with cigarettes.

When the American Tobacco Company acquired rights from the National Baseball Commission in 1908 to feature players’ photos on its cigarette packs and inserts, Wagner is said to have refused to comply. As a result, his portrait was omitted from the T206 set, which featured other stars of the day like Christy Mathewson and Nap Lajoie. Only a small number of Wagner cards are believed to have been mistakenly printed before his objection was caught and stopped the presses.

The card stood out not just for its scarcity in the set, but also for Wagner’s imposing image on the front. Towering over the other players of that era, the fierce-looking “Wagner” was already establishing a legendary on-field reputation. His offensive and defensive prowess helped lead the Pirates to three straight National League pennants between 1901-1903. The shortstop batted over .300 for his career and was elected to the inaugural National Baseball Hall of Fame class in 1936.

The first recorded sale of a Wagner card took place in the 1950s when a former tobacco salesman who had received several packs over 50 years prior sold one in worn condition for around $50. As interest in vintage cards grew throughout the 1960s-80s, higher grade specimens started to emerge from old collections and sell for thousands. The hobby exploded in the late 1980s, driving prices up exponentially.

In 1991, a PSA 2.5 grade Wagner was purchased for $110,000 by collector Jim Copeland. Widely considered a milestone, it was the first baseball card to break the $100,000 barrier. Prices continued to climb as the card achieved pop culture notoriety, appearing in movies and being profiled on TV shows. The card became so valuable that many experts questioned whether specimens still existed in the high grades needed to justify million-dollar price tags.

Those doubts were put to rest when collector Eric Litvin unveiled in 2016 that he had purchased what is considered the finest known Wagner for $2.8 million only months prior. The PSA NM-MT 8 card, which scored high marks for its stunning centering, sharpness of image, and vivid color, was then sent to public auction. Bidding wars ensued with an anonymous buyer winning it for a new record $3.12 million price. The sale cemented the Wagner’s status as the most coveted and expensive baseball card or trading card in the world.

While the astronomical figures have caused some to question the card’s true value, for passionate collectors it remains an iconic piece of history, art, and a monument to one of baseball’s first true superstars. The allure of owning a rare piece of Honus Wagner memorabilia is as strong as ever. With so few high-grade specimens believed to remain, it seems inevitable the card will continue rewriting record books if more ever change hands. For enthusiasts, the Wagner will always be “The Holy Grail” that fuels the imagination and drives the hobby. Its legacy as the most prized card issued over a century ago is secure.

The 1905 Honus Wagner T206 card attained its legendary status due to a combination of historical rarity, Wagner’s playing career and refusal to endorse cigarettes, the small surviving population in high grades, and the astronomical auction prices it has achieved. Few other trading cards can rival its mystique as the most valuable and desired collectible in the industry after over 100 years in the hobby. As long as it remains one of the most difficult vintage cards to acquire, the Wagner is poised to retain its crown and fascination for collectors around the world.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1905 TO 1910

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Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 1880s as a promotional item included in packages of cigarettes. It was not until the early 1900s that baseball cards really took off in popularity and began being produced in much larger quantities by multiple manufacturers. This period from 1905 to 1910 saw tremendous growth in the baseball card industry and the introduction of many iconic sets that are now highly collectible and valuable. Let’s take a deeper look at baseball card prices from this era using reliable guides and resources.

1905 T206 Tobacco Cards – Often considered the most valuable set of cards from the pre-war era, the 1905-06 T206 set featured over 500 different players and managers. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, these cards had a much higher production run than previous issues. Still, many of the rarer and more desirable players from this set can fetch big money today. Top stars like Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson are routinely valued well into the six figures. But there are also plenty of more affordable cards to be found, with common players available for a few hundred dollars or less depending on condition. Overall the T206 set established tobacco cards as a true collecting hobby.

1907 E90 Panorams – The E90 Panorams were produced by Edwin Mevis & Son and are considered one of the most visually appealing pre-WWI issues. They featured large portrait images of players against panoramic team backgrounds. Rarity plays a big role in E90 pricing, as only about 60 of the original 180 cards are considered common today. Top stars in gem mint condition can reach $10,000-$15,000, while more affordable stars might sell for $1,000-$3,000. Lesser known players are available for a few hundred dollars or less. Condition is also critical, as the E90s were fragile and many examples today are well worn.

1909-11 T206 Hassan Triple Folders – As the tobacco card craze continued to grow, several new manufacturers entered the market. One such company was Hassan Cigarettes, which produced their own tobacco cards between 1909-1911. Known as the “Triple Folders” due to their unique folded design, the Hassan T206 set featured many of the same top players as the original Bowman/T206 issues. High-grade examples of stars like Mathewson, Wagner and Cobb can reach $10,000-$30,000. There are also more affordable options to be found, as lesser stars and common players can often be acquired for $500-$1,000 depending on condition.

1909-11 M101-5 Gold Border – Considered one of the most beautifully designed pre-war issues, the Gold Border cards produced by the Philadelphia Caramel Company had intricate gold borders and colorful team portrait fronts. Only about 150 total players are believed to have been featured across the three short-lived series. Condition is extremely important, as the flimsy gold borders were prone to damage. Top stars like Walter Johnson and Nap Lajoie can reach $5,000-$10,000 in gem mint condition, while $1,000-$2,000 might secure a quality example of a second-tier star. Common players are more affordable at $200-$500.

1909-11 American Caramel – As the tobacco card market grew more competitive, other confectionery companies entered the fray. American Caramel produced cards inserted in their products between 1909-1911. While not as visually ornate as the Gold Borders, the American Caramel issues featured many of the same top players. High-grade examples of stars like Ty Cobb and Eddie Collins can reach $3,000-$5,000 today. More common stars and players are available for $500-$1,000 depending on condition. Lesser known rookie cards present affordable options starting around $100. Overall the American Caramel cards provide collecting opportunities across a wide range of price points for players of the era.

1910 E90-1 W515 Strip Cards – Measuring a narrow 5⁄8″ by 2 5⁄8″, the W515 Strip Cards produced by Allen & Ginter were an unconventional tobacco card format. They featured individual player strips that could be collected and assembled into a larger team set. Only about 150 total players were featured across two short-lived series in 1910. Condition is extremely important, as the flimsy strips were prone to damage over time. High-grade examples of stars like Walter Johnson and Nap Lajoie can reach $2,000-$4,000 today. More common stars and players are available for $300-$800 depending on quality.

The 1905-1910 era established many of the early tobacco and candy card brands that are prized by collectors today. While the true key rarities can sell for five or even six figures, dedicated collectors have opportunities to acquire quality examples across all price ranges of their favorite early 20th century players. Consulting reliable price guides and resources is important for valuing vintage baseball cards properly based on set, player, condition and other key factors. With a bit of research, building an affordable collection of pre-war tobacco era cards is certainly achievable regardless of budget.