- More
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal 150/30 Honus Wagner PSA Authentic/Altered. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
$702,000 or more
View Recent Offers on Sold Items in this category
Description
1909-11 T206 Sweet Caporal 150/30 Honus Wagner PSA Authentic/Altered.No other card in the hobby fascinates and mesmerizes the senses as does the mythical Honus Wagner card from the T206 series. The coveted rarity is placed upon the hobby's auction block at a snails' pace as examples are won and stored away for long periods of time. While a very limited original print run owns the blame for Wagner's intense scarcity today, the debate over the cause for this quick cessation remains a century later. Historians agree it was Wagner himself who pulled the plug, denying the use of his image in what would become the hobby's most popular tobacco issue. But why?
The most popular story to explain this refusal is that Wagner wished to play no role in the promotion of the use of tobacco, though it has been justly stated that he was himself a user, and had appeared in advertisements for many tobacco products previously. Another theory notes Wagner's reputation as a fierce negotiator, arguing that it was nothing more than a case of a failure to agree upon a dollar figure that led the American Tobacco Company to end production of Wagner's card almost as soon as it started.
This unsolved mystery has only served to further enhance the mystique of the treasure presented here, one of a total population of less than 100 known to exist over a century later. A colorized version of a studio portrait by celebrated early baseball photographer Carl Horner, the unmistakable image on the card face finds the superstar shortstop gazing into the middle distance, set against a backdrop of solid orange. The early spelling of his hometown "Pittsburg" is applied across the chest of his high-collared jersey, and again beside his block lettered surname at the bottom border. The verso provides an advertisement for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, and "Base Ball Series - 150 Subjects."
Encapsulated PSA Authentic/Altered. Condition is admittedly imperfect, though this is the case for all but a few of the tiny supply of surviving examples. The borders are obviously trimmed. Creases snake across the body of the card. Yet, as our catalog imagery should indicate, the undeniable beauty of the card shines through regardless, still able to quicken the pulse of the collector, both avid and advanced. For one enterprising collector, the card presents the most attainable option for completing the fabled T206 "Monster" set, and planting his flag atop one of the most challenging and satisfying accomplishments in the hobby.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Sports Collectible Grading Tutorial
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 01/17/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/17/2021
US Coins
Ends on 01/20/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 01/20/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 01/21/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/21/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/21/2021
US Coins
Ends on 01/21/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 01/21/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 01/24/2021
Currency
Ends on 01/24/2021
Decorative Art
Ends on 01/28/2021
US Coins
Ends on 01/29/2021
Fine Art
Ends on 02/03/2021
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 02/04/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/09/2021
Currency
Ends on 02/11/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/15/2021
US Coins
Ends on 02/22/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 01/22/2021
Luxury Accessories
Opens about 01/18/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 01/20/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 01/21/2021
US Coins
Opens about 01/29/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 01/27/2021
Currency
Opens about 01/25/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/03/2021
Photography
Opens about 02/03/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/05/2021
Historical
Opens about 02/08/2021
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 02/05/2021
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 02/01/2021
Currency
Opens about 02/01/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/10/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/11/2021
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 02/19/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/08/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/18/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 02/18/2021
Western & Texas Art
Opens about 02/19/2021
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 02/19/2021
US Coins
Opens about 02/12/2021
Decorative Art
Opens about 02/23/2021
Fine Art
Opens about 02/24/2021
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
I am completely satisfied, more to the point, absolutely ecstatic, about not only the proceeds but the wonderful professional manner every aspect of my little consignment was handled.View More Testimonials
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search