When it comes to the 1909-11 T206 baseball card set, your first thought might be about the famous Honus Wagner card or the Big Four rarities of which it is a part. Pound for pound, it is the most expensive baseball card in the world. But while those cards are more valuable, save for perhaps the Sherry Magee error, they are simply too unaffordable to most collectors. The set … [Read more...] about For Most Collectors, the 4 Ty Cobb Cards are the Pinnacle of the T206 Set
The ‘Other’ Rookie Cards of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Provide Affordable Alternatives
Nearly 25 years ago, Topps combined early images of NBA stars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird to produce an iconic basketball rookie card. Pictured on the sides of then veteran star Julius Erving, the 1980-81 Topps basketball card of the trio is among the most desirable rookies in the entire sport. These days, the rookie card featuring both Johnson and Bird isn't cheap. … [Read more...] about The ‘Other’ Rookie Cards of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Provide Affordable Alternatives
The Wayback Collector: Print and Production Errors Offer Fun Anomalies
Error cards have been around since the beginning of card collecting. Errors in terms of modern cards are often thought of as the types that contain wrong information. However, collectors of early cards know that other kinds of error cards can be quite desirable. Print standards have come a long way. Today, cards with print flaws will often be destroyed or not considered for … [Read more...] about The Wayback Collector: Print and Production Errors Offer Fun Anomalies
Olympic Legend Jesse Owens Featured on Plenty of Early Cards
Jesse Owens is one of the most recognizable names in the history of the summer Olympics. The iconic track and field performer is remembered for famously winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympic Games. In addition to winning gold in the 100m dash, 200m dash, and the long jump competition, he also won a team gold with the U.S. 4x100m relay team. The importance of Owens' … [Read more...] about Olympic Legend Jesse Owens Featured on Plenty of Early Cards
The Wayback Collector: The National Ends a Seven-Year Quest
My first trip to the National Sports Card Convention was in 2021. I was fortunate enough to buy the last T207 baseball card needed to complete my set at that show. I collect, almost entirely, pre-World War II sports and non-sports cards. While that's a wide range of stuff, it also means I can fly by a majority of the tables that focus on modern cards. Even many vintage … [Read more...] about The Wayback Collector: The National Ends a Seven-Year Quest
Big Blue Basketball Magazine Produced Shaquille O’Neal’s First Recognized Card
Heading into a professional sports draft, the top overall pick is not always a given. However, the 1992 NBA Draft was one where the top selection was not in question before the event. Shaquille O'Neal was the early consensus to be the top pick that season. The Orlando Magic made it official that spring. And despite the enormous hype surrounding O'Neal before he even played in a … [Read more...] about Big Blue Basketball Magazine Produced Shaquille O’Neal’s First Recognized Card
Wilson Football Photo Premium an Early Red Grange Collectible
Aside from two sets created by Shotwell Candy in 1926, you won't find the legendary Red Grange on many other football cards from his playing days. That's largely because professional football hadn't been around very long. Football cards in general didn't even gain much attention until after World War II. Grange's career ended after the 1934 season, long before the creation of … [Read more...] about Wilson Football Photo Premium an Early Red Grange Collectible
Strong Demand for T36 Auto Drivers, One of the Earliest Racing Sets
When most collectors think of the American Tobacco Company (ATC)'s card releases, thoughts drift to the popular baseball card sets issued by the company. Those are, after all, the most popular series' to most collectors. But many sets of trading cards were distributed by the firm. That includes one of the earliest releases dedicated to the sport of auto racing -- the T36 Auto … [Read more...] about Strong Demand for T36 Auto Drivers, One of the Earliest Racing Sets
1938 Churchman Boxing Set is a Pre-War Bargain
Boxing cards have become more and more popular with vintage collectors. As such, many sets from the pre-war era have generated attention. The 1938 Church Boxing Personalities set is one that is particularly becoming an attractive target. About the 1938 Churchman Boxing Personalities set The cards were distributed by W.A. & A.C. Churchman for their cigarette packages. As … [Read more...] about 1938 Churchman Boxing Set is a Pre-War Bargain
John Sullivan Champion of the World Cabinet Cards an Affordable 19th Century Series
Hall of Fame boxing legend John Sullivan was the sport's top star in the 19th century. Not only is Sullivan credited as the first heavyweight champion when fighters began wearing gloves, he is the last recognized heavyweight champion of the sport's 'bare knuckles' era (under London Prize Ring Rules). Sullivan dominated the sport, winning and retaining heavyweight titles in … [Read more...] about John Sullivan Champion of the World Cabinet Cards an Affordable 19th Century Series