Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as tobacco companies began including them in cigarette and candy packages as premiums and incentives for consumers. The early decades of the 20th century marked baseball card’s golden age, with many iconic sets being released between 1910-1920. One of the most coveted and valuable vintage sets among collectors is the 1918 series. With over 100 years passed since their original distribution, let’s take a closer look at what makes the 1918 baseball cards so desirable and explore pricing trends for this historic issue.
The 1918 series was produced by the American Caramel company and included cards featuring players from the National League and Federal League. A total of 24 teams are represented across the 96 card checklist. Some of the most notable future Hall of Famers included are Walter Johnson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Edd Roush, Eppa Rixey, and Jake Beckley. The cards featured single images of players in uniform with their team logo and name appearing beneath the photo. On the back, each card listed the player’s position and batting average from the previous season.
Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage card, but especially so for the fragile 1918 issue due to their age. Only a small percentage of the original print run is estimated to still exist in high grades. The paper quality was thin and prone to damage from bending or other handling over 100+ years. Therefore, to receive top prices, a 1918 card would need sharp corners, solid color on the front image with no creases or stains. Even minor flaws can significantly decrease a card’s worth. Only the few 1918’s that have survived in near mint to mint condition with no defects command the highest auction prices.
In terms of individual card values from the 1918 set in top grades, here are some examples of record sales that have been achieved in recent years:
Walter Johnson PSA 8 – $49,500
Grover Cleveland Alexander PSA 8 – $24,000
Edd Roush PSA 8 – $14,250
Eppa Rixey PSA 8 – $9,750
Jake Beckley PSA 8 – $7,500
George Cutshaw PSA 8 – $5,250
As you can see, star players and future Hall of Famers like Walter Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander in high condition bring the most money when they cross the auction block. There are also some key lesser known but still highly valuable rookie cards in the set. For example, a PSA 8 graded card of New York Giants pitcher Fred Toney sold for $15,000 in 2021. Toney went on to have a solid career but is relatively obscure compared to the household names above.
When it comes to more common players and stars in lower grades, here is a sampling of recent sales:
Walter Johnson PSA 5 – $3,000
Eppa Rixey PSA 5 – $1,250
Jake Beckley PSA 5 – $850
George Cutshaw PSA 4 – $650
Fred Toney PSA 4 – $550
As you move down the condition scale, values drop off precipitously. Still, even in poor condition, any authentic 1918 issue will sell for several hundred dollars at minimum due to their great historical significance. A PSA 1 graded card recently sold for $375.
The 1918 American Caramel baseball card set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of serious collectors due to the calibre of future Hall of Famers featured and the set’s status as one of the earliest widely distributed issues. With such a minuscule population of high grade survivors, condition is absolutely critical to realize top dollar for your cards. But for researchers, historians, and completists, even poorly preserved examples still hold value as a tangible link to the early days of our national pastime. After over a century since their original release, the 1918s remain one of the most in-demand and closely followed vintage issues.