In the world of sports memorabilia, few items hold as much mystique and fascination as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card not only serves as a collector’s item but also embodies the remarkable story of one of the greatest pitchers of the early 20th century, Eddie Plank.
Born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of the “Deadball Era” in baseball history. 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 an extraordinary 1.79 ERA. Plank’s excellence carried into the World Series, where he showcased a stellar 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing significantly to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championship titles.
Despite his exceptional achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by baseball legends such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. Nevertheless, his talent on the mound did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by Babe Ruth’s 1926 letter, in which Ruth, a formidable pitcher himself before becoming a renowned slugger, hailed 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 enduring legacy. Regarded as the second-rarest tobacco card, surpassed only by the famous T206 Honus Wagner card, it has become a highly coveted treasure in the vintage baseball card collecting world. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, including the possibility that Plank had a disdain for cigarettes, a printing plate mishap during production, or even a simple error.
The current T206 Eddie Plank card on auction at PWCC Marketplace has been graded SCG 1 PR and has already garnered a bid of $32,000. Its rarity is emphasized by its appearance in only 11 public auctions in recent years. The card’s grading history is equally noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The PWCC Marketplace auction also showcases other remarkable items, such as the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, which is known for misspelling Magie’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card exemplifies the unique quirks that make card collecting such an intriguing hobby.
In addition, the auction features notable cards such as the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9, and a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, representing a pivotal moment in basketball history. Furthermore, collectors will find 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 not only stands out for its rarity but also for its connection to a vital era in baseball’s rich history. It represents a time when legends were forged, and the sport was shaping its identity. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, acquiring this card is about more than possessing a rare piece of memorabilia; it is about holding a tangible fragment of the sport’s captivating and storied past.
