In the world of sports memorabilia, few items hold as much intrigue and value as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card is not just a collector’s item; it’s a piece of baseball history that reflects the extraordinary career of Eddie Plank, one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century.
Eddie Plank, known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” hailed from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and established himself as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. From 1901 to 1917, Plank accumulated an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he achieved a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence also shone in the World Series, where he contributed to three championship victories for the Philadelphia Athletics with a stellar 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his achievements, Plank often remained overshadowed by illustrious contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his skills on the mound were acknowledged by none other than Babe Ruth himself, who, in a 1926 letter, praised Plank as one of the game’s finest pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a testament to Plank’s lasting legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, this card holds a special place in the hearts of vintage baseball card collectors. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including the possibility that Plank disliked cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple error.
The card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace, graded SCG 1 PR, is particularly rare and has already attracted a substantial bid of $32,000. Its rarity is further emphasized by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. Notable as well is the card’s grading history, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The auction also features other remarkable items, such as a 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. This card, graded PSA 2, is famous for the misspelling of Magee’s name and adds a unique quirk to the world of card collecting.
Among the other notable cards in the auction is a 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card. Graded BGS 9, this card represents a prized piece for basketball enthusiasts, showcasing the legendary Michael Jordan. Additionally, the auction includes a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, symbolizing a pivotal moment in basketball history. Furthermore, collectors will find a 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
Above its rarity, the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card stands out for its profound connection to a crucial era in baseball’s history. It represents a time when legends were born and the sport was defining its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card goes beyond owning a valuable piece of memorabilia; it means holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.
