This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Presented here is an extraordinary example of Ty Cobb’s highly desirable 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1 issue. When it comes to early 20th century tobacco and candy cards, the standard for “high-grade” is understandably more lenient. Out of the 187 Cobbs from this series encapsulated by PSA, all but five are graded EX 5 or lower. This is the only one in the PSA Pop Report to receive a Near Mint designation, and just two are rated higher—both NM-MT 8 (one of which sold at auction for $113,525 back in 2015).
Its overall eye-appeal is truly stunning. Cobb’s left-handed batting pose is set against a vibrant multicolor background. Corners are quite sharp (especially the top two), surface appears clean and smooth, front colors remain bright and print strength is very bold (front and back). The only thing keeping this card from achieving the highest grade is its horizontal centering (slightly to the left).
1910-era tobacco packs each came with multiple cards, keeping them more safeguarded—especially those in the middle. Candy packages like American Caramel, however, included just one card, making it more susceptible to damage. After Shoeless Joe’s rookie, the Georgia Peach is the best card in the set. He won the A.L. Triple Crown in 1909 and batted .419 in 1911 to earn MVP honors. Whoever pulled this Cobb from its caramel package deserves a glass of top-shelf scotch.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.