If one and only one Honus Wagner… $10-15k budget

[Belfast1933]

I would love to get a current take from members here regarding which Honus Wagner card would YOU want if you had $10-15k budget?

My own criteria includes:

1. Looks like him! Honestly, too many pre war cards are nice but they often don’t really even resemble the player.

2. Rarity really isn’t a big deal for me.

3. Somewhat “liquid” so my kids wouldn’t have a hard time selling down the road

Love to hear your thoughts!

Thx,

Jeff

[sycks22]

I've always loved the D322 Tip Top Bread Wagner. Same picture as the T206 and won't cost you 6 figures. Rare enough that it'll continue to go up in value.

[Casey2296]

1914-1915 Cracker Jack

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

1914-1915 Cracker Jack

Oh man… I love CJ cards! Good idea

[x2drich2000]

Originally Posted by sycks22

I've always loved the D322 Tip Top Bread Wagner. Same picture as the T206 and won't cost you 6 figures. Rare enough that it'll continue to go up in value.

Me too. I believe it is the closest to a T206 you can get. I know some will argue E90-2, E104-2, or E103 instead but they lack the same color scheme. The only problem I see with this pick is I'm not sure $10-15k is going to get you one unless it is an absolute beater. I know I wouldn't sell mine for anywhere close to that at this point.

[Econteachert205]

M116 pastel

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

We have an E90-1 Wagner Batting coming up in our May Pre War auction with a gorgeous front but paper loss on the back. Brutally tough card to find, but the grade (it's at SGC right now) will likely make it under your price range or at the bottom of it at most. Definitely looks like him, and a very short printed card with a cool image, great colors and a popular set.

[Touch'EmAll]

Colgan's Chip. Same photo as T206, heckuva lot cheaper.

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

We have an E90-1 Wagner Batting coming up in our May Pre War auction with a gorgeous front but paper loss on the back. Brutally tough card to find, but the grade (it's at SGC right now) will likely make it under your price range or at the bottom of it at most. Definitely looks like him, and a very short printed card with a cool image, great colors and a popular set.

I thought this pose was significantly easier than the e90-1 throwing?

[bnorth]

E90-2 would be my pick. I actually like it way more than the T206.

[hcv123]

Tip top, 1914 CJ and E90-2 are great cards, but don't think you'll find nice eye-appeal examples in your budget


1915 Cracker Jack or

E92 batting would be my thoughts

[brunswickreeves]

The 1910 W-UNC Wagner is actually the other right facing T206 color image in addition to the 1910 Tip Top Bread. W-UNC has a total POP of only 7 graded cards, vs 64 total POP for the 1910 Tip Top Bread issue.

[brunswickreeves]

Below is a Wagner card analysis (not all inclusive) with each card's Total POP to help in your quest. Those highlighted in gray depict Wagner's original right facing T206 portrait in black & white. Those highlighted in yellow depict Wagner's T206 portrait in color but transposed to be left facing. And those highlighted in orange are the mirror images of Wagner's right facing T206 portrait and also in color like his T206 card.

[DeanH3]

My vote is either M116 version. You’d get a nicer pastel. Really gets the nicest eye appeal version you can within your budget. Can’t go wrong. Good luck!

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

My vote is either M116 version. You’d get a nicer pastel. Really gets the nicest eye appeal version you can within your budget. Can’t go wrong. Good luck!

+1 agree

Your you can get a 1916 M101/4 with some interesting ad backs

[Belfast1933]

Thanks, all… I am very grateful for all of your thoughtful input! (I am a little challenged by the set names/#’s but am able to look them all up on VCP so that’s all good!)

Jeff

[Ronincards614]

I know it's under budget, but I love the Colgan's Chips Honus Wagner.

[robw1959]

Originally Posted by brunswickreeves

Below is a Wagner card analysis (not all inclusive) with each card's Total POP to help in your quest. Those highlighted in gray depict Wagner's original right facing T206 portrait in black & white. Those highlighted in yellow depict Wagner's T206 portrait in color but transposed to be left facing. And those highlighted in orange are the mirror images of Wagner's right facing T206 portrait and also in color like his T206 card.

Was the E98 issue overlooked? Never mind; I see it is "not all inclusive."

[Exhibitman]

Colgan’s for me. It’s the portrait. Or if you can find it, the Max Stein PC. Or the Pinkerton scorecard.

[glchen]

Not sure you can get it for under $15K, but my vote would be a low grade (but with nice eye appeal) Rose postcard Wagner.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by glchen

Not sure you can get it for under $15K, but my vote would be a low grade (but with nice eye appeal) Rose postcard Wagner.

Great choice
Hard to get as they do not come up that often