Why is the T206 Honus Wagner card so valuable?
Its rarity, historical significance, and the story behind its withdrawal from production make it highly desirable to collectors.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Honus Wagner T206 Card Sells for Record $5.1 Million | Newly Discovered T206 Honus Wagner Card Auctioned for Over $5 Million | Honus Wagner T206 Card Sells for Record $5.1 Million | Newly Discovered T206 Honus Wagner Card Auctioned for Over $5 Million
Memorabilia / Card Sales
Honus Wagner T206 Card Sells for Record $5.1 Million
A 1909 Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagner card, featured on Netflix's 'King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch', has become one of the most expensive publicly known sales of a Wagner card, fetching $5.124 million at a Goldin Auctions sale. This...
Key Insights
- A T206 Honus Wagner card sold for $5.124 million, the third-highest sale ever for this card and a record for a PSA 1 grade.
- The card was consigned by the Shields family, who had owned it for 116 years, and was featured on the Netflix series 'King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch'.
- The sale highlights the significant value and collectibility of rare baseball cards, especially those with unique stories and provenance.
- Why this matters: This sale underscores the enduring appeal of sports memorabilia and the potential for significant returns on investment in rare collectibles. The card's appearance on a popular Netflix show also demonstrates the growing mainstream interest in the hobby.
In-Depth Analysis
The T206 Honus Wagner card is legendary in the world of sports collectibles due to its rarity and historical significance. Wagner, a Hall of Fame shortstop, requested that the American Tobacco Company stop producing the card shortly after its release in 1909, reportedly because he didn't want to be associated with promoting tobacco products. This resulted in a very limited number of cards being produced, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The Shields family's card, graded a PSA 1, had been kept within the family since it was originally pulled from a cigarette pack in the early 1900s. This unique provenance, combined with its appearance on 'King of Collectibles', added to its appeal and drove up the price. The previous record for a PSA 1 T206 Wagner was $1,146,000.00, which this sale more than quadrupled.
**Top 10 1909 T206 Wagner Sales:**
1. $7.25 million — SGC 2 grade; private sale (Aug. 4, 2022) 2. $6.61 million — SGC 3; auction (Aug. 15, 2021) 3. $5.12 million — PSA 1; auction (Feb. 21, 2026)
This sale demonstrates that even cards in lower grades can command top dollar if they have a compelling story and are marketed effectively.
FAQ
What is a PSA grade?
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is a grading service that assesses the condition and authenticity of trading cards, assigning them a grade on a scale of 1 to 10.
Why did Honus Wagner want his card pulled from production?
Some sources say he didn't want to promote smoking, while others suggest he wanted more compensation for the use of his image.
Takeaways
- The T206 Honus Wagner card remains one of the most iconic and valuable collectibles in the world.
- A card's provenance and story can significantly impact its value.
- The sports memorabilia market continues to attract significant investment and attention.
Discussion
Do you think this sale will further fuel interest in sports collectibles? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
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