19th century smokers had never seen anything like this.
In 1887-1888, Richmond, Virginia-based Allen & Ginter Tobacco company released its "World Champions" baseball card series and helped launched the full color baseball card that's still popular today.
Competition for the smoker's nickel was fierce in the late 19th century and tobacco companies were looking for any edge they could find. In 1875, Allen & Ginter began putting cardboard stiffeners inside its cigarette packages to prevent them from being crushed. Soon, they realized that including advertising or better yet, a bonus to buyers, was incentive enough to make a sale.
With limited access to books and virtually nothing printed in color, trading cards became an instant hit. They were an oasis of knowledge on a 1 1/2" by 2 3/4" piece of cardboard, bringing legends to life. As the first-ever full color baseball card set, the "World Champions" series is perhaps the most popular baseball card issue of the 19th century.
Ten ballplayers were included among the first 1887 Allen & Ginter 50-card release, which also included boxers, runners and wild west personalities like Buffalo Bill Cody. The series carries the American Card Catalog designation of N28.
By sending in 50 coupons found in cigarette packs, a lithographed album could be ordered to hold the entire set, and gluing them in permanently was encouraged. Mike "King" Kelly, Charles Comiskey, John Clarkson, John Ward and Tim Keefe are most expensive cards, generally selling in the $500-1000 range, depending on grade. Higher grade examples can run much, much higher and discriminating collectors seek the best of a scarce issue.
Allen & Ginter followed their 1887 release with a second series of cards, better known as N29, in 1888. The Allen & Ginter name disappeared from the front of the cards with the new launch, but the player's position and team were now included. Just six baseball players were issued this time including Buck Ewing, James Fogarty, Charles Getzien (spelled Getzin), George Miller, John Morrill (spelled Morrell) and James Ryan. Somewhat easier to find than the first series, one can often find these in lower to middle grade for $200-300 except for Ewing, the lone Hall of Famer.
Again, the overall set included a variety of subjects from popular culture including Oarsmen, Wrestlers, Pugilists, Rifle Shooters, Billiard and Pool players, all of which sell for much less than the baseball players' cards.
The company also produced a "premium" set in 1888, likely made to promote their new larger cigarettes and in addition to there being a colorful illustration of the player, they now had a colorful background as well, a baseball-related theme on each side of the player illustration. The set again included 50 cards, but only the same six baseball players as in the N29 set. Card backs include the entire series two checklist along with an Allen & Ginter advertisement.
Again, an album was produced, created most likely as an incentive for the loyal tobacco customer who likely had collected all the cards and wanted to preserve them.
Whether you are interested in collecting the N28 or N29 series, you will find that prices and conditions of the cards vary greatly. While you may be able to find a John Fogarty card for $30.00 if it's been glued into a book, you might have to pay $625 or more for a high grade copy.
Topps brought back the Allen & Ginter name a couple of years ago, creating a modern set in the image of the 19th century original and the move has proven to be a hit with collectors who appreciated the nod to history of baseball--and baseball cards.
While many may think the Allen & Ginter cards are out of their collecting price range, the fact is that with only 22 cards for the baseball collector to chase, it's not an insurmountable task if you don't insist on near mint condition. By doing your homework and searching around you just may be able to find a new passion. What's more fun than holding a card in your hands that was first held by someone over 120 years ago? Original Allen & Ginter cards on eBay
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With limited access to books and virtually nothing printed in color, trading cards became an instant hit. They were an oasis of knowledge on a 1 1/2" by 2 3/4" piece of cardboard, bringing legends to life. As the first-ever full color baseball card set, the "World Champions" series is perhaps the most popular baseball card issue of the 19th century. 
Ten ballplayers were included among the first 1887 Allen & Ginter 50-card release, which also included boxers, runners and wild west personalities like Buffalo Bill Cody. The series carries the American Card Catalog designation of N28.
