1911 T205 Gold Border John McGraw with Rare Hassan Cork Tip Box (Full of 10 Cigarettes) – PSA NM-MT 8 (Highest Graded, Pop 3!)

1911 T205 Gold Border issues are some of the most visually stunning early tobacco cards. The gold borders, that give the set its name, frame a colorful player portrait accentuated by a solid color background. Each card featured the logo of the player’s team, one of the earliest examples of what is now a baseball card standard. Because the gold borders are printed right to the edges, it is extremely challenging and painstaking to find a T205 card in premium condition. This example featuring New York Giants Hall of Fame manager John McGraw is one of the rare exceptions. The Giants feisty skipper gazes out from beneath his black ballcap, the burnt orange background complimenting his white jersey. A facsimile signature and NY logo completes this iconic card.

As stated, the condition of this card is outstanding, and PSA has assessed it NM-MT 8, the highest grade of this card and one of just three in the company's population report. To top it off, this unmatched example of McGraw’s T205 is accompanied by a rare and colorful Hassan Cork Tip box in EX/NM condition, complete with ten ancient cigarettes inside (some tobacco has spilled into a plastic bag). An exquisite T205 notable of the highest grade from one of the most attractive card issues in the early 20th century, complete with a well-preserved example of the card's distribution partner. What more could a pre-war tobacco card collector ask for?