Unanswered questions concerning the proper dating of the T206 Honus Wagner [Archive]

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08-20-2003, 12:13 AM

Posted By: MW  On another forum I was recently asked this question by a Network54 regular: "OK, I'll bite--- why isn't that card dated 1909 instead of 1911?" The question pertained to the recent SC+ Auction of a PSA 1 Honus Wagner which was labeled "1911." (see below) <img src="http://members.aol.com/bmwcrds/wagnerpsa1.jpg"> My response: "Good question. The T206 Set is divided into three different (albeit, overlapping) series -- 150, 350 and 460. The "150 Series" was produced first -- in 1909 (an analysis of the composite player-team associations supports this fact). I guess it's possible that the 150 Series might have also been included in 1910 cigarette packs, but I would think that would be the exception rather than the rule since the 1909 Series of 150 was manufactured in relatively moderate numbers compared to the 1910 Series. As for this T206 Wagner, it's pretty clear that it's a Sweet Caporal 150. The only explanation for the confusion (I believe), comes from two different sources. First, Sotheby's March 1991 Auction Catalog dates the Piedmont Wagner (currently graded PSA 8) as "circa 1910." It would seem that the date of "1909" would actually be the correct designation, since it is a "Series of 150, factory no. 25" issue. Currently, the label reads simply "T206." The second source of confusion lies in the close relationship between the Piedmont Wagner and the Piedmont Plank, both known scarcities and both allegedly attributable to the same, hand-cut sheet. Since we know that the Plank has been found in both the "350" and "150" series, it follows that some can be dated from 1910. Is it possible then, that the Wagner was also given the same yearly designation because of its close association? Perhaps. Where the 1911 date comes from, however, is somewhat unclear. Perhaps PSA is doing their best to surreptitiously differentiate between Piedmont and Sweet Caporal T206 Honus Wagners." Apparently, I'm missing something here. Any other ideas why this card is dated 1911? (besides error or random assignment?)