Title: The Legendary Rarity: Eddie Plank’s 1909-11 T206 Baseball Card
Subtitle: A coveted treasure showcasing the legacy of “Gettysburg Eddie”
Meta Description: Explore the rare 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card, a gem in sports memorabilia that captures the essence of one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
Eddie Plank, commonly known as “Gettysburg Eddie,” was an outstanding left-handed pitcher during the “Deadball Era” of baseball. With a career spanning from 1901 to 1917, Plank achieved an impressive record with 326 wins and a career ERA of 2.35. Plank’s exceptional skills were particularly evident in the World Series, where he played a key role in securing three championships for the Philadelphia Athletics.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Plank often lived in the shadows of his contemporaries such as Cy Young, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson. However, his talent on the mound was recognized by none other than Babe Ruth, who described him as one of the game’s finest pitchers in a personal letter written in 1926.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card holds special significance in honoring Plank’s legacy. Produced during a three-year period, this card is considered the second rarest tobacco card after the famous T206 Honus Wagner. It has become a highly sought-after collector’s item among vintage baseball card enthusiasts. Various theories surround the card’s scarcity, including Plank’s possible aversion to cigarettes, a printing plate mishap during production, or a mere printing error.
Currently listed at the PWCC Marketplace’s December Premier Auction, the T206 Eddie Plank card holds the spotlight with a graded SCG 1 PR rating and a bid of $32,000. Its rarity becomes apparent when considering that it has only appeared 11 times in public auctions in recent years. Furthermore, the card’s grading history is noteworthy, with only 39 graded by SGC and 21 by PSA.
In addition to the Eddie Plank card, the auction also features other exceptional items. One notable mention is the 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magie (Magee) PIEDMONT 150 error card. This card, graded PSA 2, showcases a misspelling of Magee’s name, adding a unique element of intrigue for collectors.
Among the auction’s highlights are a 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 significant moment in basketball history. Sports enthusiasts will also find interest in the 2015 Fleer Showcase Metal Universe Blue Connor McDavid ROOKIE /50 card, the only one graded PSA 10. Additionally, a 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Tim Duncan 1/1 #55P card, graded PSA 7, adds to the array of collectible treasures.
The 1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank baseball card is more than a rare find; it holds a connection to a pivotal era in baseball history. Owning this card represents holding a piece of the sport’s rich and storied past, a time when legends were born, and baseball was shaping its identity. For collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike, obtaining this card is about much more than adding a precious item to their collection—it’s about preserving a fragment of the game’s glorious heritage.
