Introduction and first question 1901 newspaper
 

Long time collector from Rochester, NY. My collection is mostly cards and balls but I recently aquired a newspaper front page that might have value. It is the front page from the Boston Globe dated May 9th 1901. It covers the first ever home game of the Boston Americans (before they were the Red Sox). 1901 was the first year of the Americans so this page covers the first ever pro baseball game in Boston. It also has pictures of some of the players from the team including Cy Young. Anyone have any idea of what it might be worth or know where I can get a true value? I would be interested in putting it in a proper auction (not ebay) to see what someone would pay for it. Until then I will continue to enjoy it hanging in my bar. It is in good condition considering it is 108 years old.

Newpaper value
 

I think that you have come across a very undervalued part of the hobby. Take a look at ebay and you will be able to pick up some great newspapers in the 20-75 dollar range. For example, I was able to pick up an 1858 issue of the New York Times with a write up of the Fashion Course Games (the first all star match) for under $50. If there are good pictures on your item I would put it in the $75-100 range. A word of caution- the type of paper used for early 1900's papers is extremly poor quality and becomes very fragile. In any event souds like a great paper- just not something that will draw a huge amount at auction at this time.

Your paper is significant as it covers the first Red Sox game, however, Boston being a charter member of the National League, had 25 years of professional baseball before the American League came to town. Can you post a picture of it? Sounds like a really interesting find.

I guess will be hanging on to it then. I thought it would be worth a bit more than that but I am not shocked. I have seen newspapers covering the Lincoln assasination sell for under $100 which did shock me. I guess people give no respect to the written word.

I'd guess that the fragile nature of old newspapers is what holds the values down. They can't be handled and thus become not much more than decorative wall displays. The cost of framing a large item like that will usually out weigh the value of the newspaper itself. I'm sure that has something to do with it too. Add in the fact that newsprint doesn't like sunlight, or any light for that matter, and it becomes clear why newspapers aren't expensive collectibles.