In the realm of sports memorabilia, few items spark as much intrigue and fascination as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently featured in the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, this card holds more than just monetary value – it represents a piece of baseball history and the extraordinary career of one of the game’s greatest pitchers, Eddie Plank.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was a left-handed pitcher who dominated the field during the Deadball Era from 1901 to 1917. Hailing from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Plank achieved an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he boasted a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank proved his greatness in the World Series as well, with a 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings, contributing to three championship wins for the Philadelphia Athletics.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by pitchers like Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his exceptional talent was not lost on baseball legend Babe Ruth, who penned a letter in 1926 proclaiming Plank as one of the game’s best pitchers.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a testament to Plank’s enduring legacy. Considered the second-rarest tobacco card after the T206 Honus Wagner, it is a cherished treasure in the world of vintage baseball card collecting. The card’s scarcity has given rise to various theories, from Plank’s possible distaste for cigarettes to a broken printing plate during production or a simple error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction at PWCC Marketplace holds the prestigious SCG 1 PR grade and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. The rarity of this particular card is highlighted by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. Additionally, its grading history is notable, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
The current auction at PWCC Marketplace also features other remarkable items that excite collectors and enthusiasts. Among them is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, which is known for misspelling Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card showcases the unique quirks and peculiarities that make card collecting an endlessly intriguing hobby.
Furthermore, the auction boasts noteworthy cards like the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9, and the 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, representing a significant moment in basketball history. Additionally, collectors have the opportunity to bid on 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 allure of the 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank card extends beyond its rarity; it symbolizes a pivotal era in baseball’s rich history. It represents 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 captivating and storied past.
