Cy Young is one of the most celebrated pitchers in major league history. So dominant, in fact, he would have the league’s most prestigious pitching award named after him. With his contemporary cards more than 100 years old, most of his issues are pricey ones. There are a few, however, that may not cost as much as you think and date from his time as an active player.
Cy Young 1910-1912 P2 Sweet Caporal Pin
The first item on this list isn’t actually a card. But classified as P2 in the American Card Catalog, it is an extremely popular collectible. These miniature pins were produced for Sweet Caporal Cigarettes and this one features the Hall of Fame pitcher. Young’s features a close-up of him with his name at the bottom and his Cleveland Naps team name on the sides. These pins are generally very affordable and this one sold recently for a lot less than you’ll pay for some boxes of new cards.
Cy Young 1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folders
The T202 Hassan Triple Folders cards featured three separate panels. But while the cards were intended to be kept together, you can also find them separated. Young was featured in the set and his individual panel is quite affordable. One recently sold on eBay for under $100. If you prefer the entire card, even those aren’t too pricey. Young is on the right and shares this one with major leaguer Johnny Kling on the left with an action shot in the middle. You can usually find them in mid-grade condition starting in the $250-$300 range.
Cy Young 1909-13 Colgan’s Chips
These unique cards were circular to fit into Colgan’s gum products, which were round. The Colgan’s Chips cards feature a black and white image of Young along with Colgan’s advertisements on the backs. The cards were issued with the company’s mint chips and violet chips products. In general, they are understated but attractive pictures.
A close-up shot of Young is featured here with his name and team name fitting around the sides. Colgan’s Chips cards aren’t quite as affordable as the similarly circular Sweet Caporal pins but mid-grade examples start around $200-$250. A graded 1.5 sold on eBay for $100.
Cy Young 1913 Tom Barker Game Card
Young’s Barker Game card isn’t exactly a contemporary issue. 1911 was his last year playing but these 1913-issued cards are close enough for most collectors. Like most game cards, these have rounded corners like standard playing cards and a playing card design on the back. Fronts include a black and white full length image of Young as well as an action to be used for the playing of the game. The rounded corners helped keep these cards in prime condition and even high-grade examples of Young’s Barker Game cards aren’t too pricey.
Cy Young Tri-State Fox Hunt Postcard
The most unique item on this list is that of Cy Young as a fox hunter. In the early 1900s, a panoramic five-postcard issue was produced showing members of the Tri-State Fox Hunters Association. One of those members was Young. He is pictured in a group on one of the five postcards. These sets are pretty rare and difficult to find but can be affordable when you do see them. Heritage previously sold a complete set of the five for under $200.
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