This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/1/2022
The T206 Eddie Plank card shares much of the same backstory as the iconic T206 Honus Wagner issue; both are extremely scarce (the number of existing copies is thought to be around 100 for the Plank and 60 for the Wagner), both are thought to be scarce from being pulled early in the printing process due to each player's objection to being associated with the tobacco industry, and both are tried and true Hall of Famers approximately equal in age with "The Flying Dutchman" winning eight National League batting titles and "Gettysburg Eddie" ranking #13 all-time with 326-lifetime victories. However, the current market forces place the Plank card at about 10% of the value of the Wagner in any given grade. Moreover, the Wagner card served as the gold standard for the entire industry; the ultimate status symbol of the hobby. For those well-funded, advanced collectors who have taken on the mission of trying to slay "the monster", the largest obstacle to success has been the acquisition of "the big four", which adds the almost mythical Doyle and Magee error cards. But all four incredible pasteboards are featured in this auction and up for bidding here is the T206 Eddie Plank. Though graded AUTHENTIC by PSA, like about 20% of all other authenticated specimens, this piece shows exemplary side-to-side and top to bottom centering that accentuates the concise, well-known image of the southpaw hurler. The corners show moderate wear and enamel loss in line with examples at the VG+ to VG/EX level and the Sweet Caporal 350/30 reverse offers bright red print on a typically aged brownish-white canvas with a light presence of age spotting so common to the 110+ year issue. You just don't get very many chances to land an industry icon like the T206 Plank, especially one with such robust eye-appeal as the featured offering. Good luck!