1909 E101 Set of 50 Ty Cobb vs E102 Set of 25 Ty Cobb
 

Both the same image, but apparently two different sets. Whats the difference of these two sets and time frames for each? Was one produced earlier than the other? With this being one of his earliest produced "cards" (some consider it his rookie card) im curious if one is more desired than the other?

Both the E101 and E102 sets are from an unknown producer. The only difference I can recall is the back text. Stylistically, the backs of the E101 are IMO closer to E92. I don't recall there being any variations in the team designations on the front that would allow you to identify that one set came out before the other. They are both generally thought to be 1909 issues. From my experience, E102 gets discussed more frequently and seems to be slightly easier to find. This is shown as well through the pop reports for the Cobb (PSA 32 vs 48, SGC 32 vs 57).

thanks for the info, its certainly a rare and interesting card for sure. The rarity and earlier issue date is really appealing, not to mention the design and colors.

The E101 and E102 Cobb cards are beautiful and definitely rare, but is the 1909 issue date really that important to them? There are lots of postcards issued in the 1907 and 1908 timeframe, plus the 19”7 W600 Sporting Life Cabinet. And, weren’t several of his T206 cards issued in 1909?

The 1908 date that is listed in a lot of catalogs is probably untrue, but I’ve also seen no actual evidence for an issue date in 1909. It might be 1910.