In the realm of sports memorabilia, there are few items as intriguing and highly sought after as the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card. Currently showcased in the December Premier Auction on the PWCC Marketplace, this card is more than just a collector’s item; it is a piece of baseball history that encapsulates the story of one of the great pitchers of the early 20th century.
Eddie Plank, affectionately known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and rose to fame as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers during the era commonly referred to as the “Deadball Era.” From 1901 to 1917, Plank amassed an impressive 326 wins and maintained a career ERA of 2.35 over 623 games. In his final season, he achieved outstanding success with a remarkable 1.79 ERA. Plank even excelled on the World Series stage, contributing to the Philadelphia Athletics’ three championship victories with his outstanding 1.32 ERA in 54 2/3 innings.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often found himself overshadowed by other legendary pitchers of his time, such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his talent and skill were not lost on everyone. In fact, in a 1926 letter, Babe Ruth, who himself began his career as a formidable pitcher before becoming a legendary slugger, praised Eddie Plank as one of the best pitchers the game had ever seen.
The T206 Eddie Plank card, produced between 1909 and 1911, serves as a fitting tribute to Plank’s legacy. This card is considered the second rarest tobacco card in existence, following only the T206 Honus Wagner card. Its scarcity has led to various theories as to why it is so rare, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a broken printing plate during production, or even a simple printing error.
The T206 Eddie Plank card currently up for auction on the PWCC Marketplace is graded SCG 1 PR and has already attracted a bid of $32,000. Its rarity is further emphasized by the fact that it has appeared in public auctions only 11 times in recent years. Its grading history is equally noteworthy, with only 39 cards graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
Alongside the Eddie Plank card, the PWCC Marketplace auction also features other highly sought-after and rare items. These include the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card, infamous for misspelling Magee’s name. Graded PSA 2, this card embodies the unique quirks and anomalies that make card collecting such an intriguing and cherished hobby.
Among the other noteworthy cards in the auction are the 1997 Metal Universe Championship Precious Metal Gems Michael Jordan /50 card, graded BGS 9. This card represents a significant highlight in basketball history. Additionally, the auction showcases a 1982 NCAA Finals Ticket Stub autographed by Michael Jordan, capturing a pivotal moment in the sport. Not to be forgotten is the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the sole card graded PSA 10, and the 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card stands out not only for its rarity but also for its connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. Owning this card is about more than just adding a rare piece of memorabilia to a collection; it is about holding a tangible fragment of the sport’s rich and storied past. It allows collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike to be a part of the enduring legacy of “Gettysburg Eddie” and the Deadball Era.
