In the world of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. This card, currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, is more than just a collector’s item; it’s a piece of baseball lore, embodying the story of one of the early 20th century’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” established himself as one of the most effective left-handed pitchers during the “Deadball Era.” From 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his remarkable final season, he achieved a sterling 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence extended to the World Series, where he posted a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championships.
Despite his accomplishments, Plank often lived in the shadow of his contemporaries like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, the T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, stands as a testament to his legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, this card is a highly coveted treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. Its scarcity gives rise to various theories, including Plank’s possible dislike for cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or a simple error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace holds even greater rarity. Graded SCG 1 PR, it has already attracted a bid of $32,000. This card has only appeared 11 times in public auctions in recent years, further highlighting its scarcity. Its grading history is also notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
Alongside the Eddie Plank card, the auction also features other rare items that capture the allure of collecting. One such item is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, known for misspelling Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card showcases the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
In addition to these rarities, the auction boasts other notable items, like the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card represents a key moment in basketball history and showcases the collecting appeal beyond baseball. The auction also includes a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, marking a significant moment in basketball history. Furthermore, collectors will find interest in the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10, and the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card holds a special place not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. It symbolizes a time when legends were forged and the sport was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts, acquiring this card is not just about owning a rare piece of memorabilia; it’s about holding a fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past.