T206 Plank status in the hobby

[campyfan39]

Can someone give me a quick post on why the Plank is so valuable? I know all about Wagner etc. but I assume this is equally as rare but didn’t know if there was a story behind it? Thanks.

[robw1959]

From what I've read, the story is similar to that of Wagner in that they both didn't want to influence kids toward using tobacco, and thus prohibited the release of their images on tobacco cards. Now, I know that at least Honus used chewing tobacco because of the photo-picture on his '48 Leaf card. But there's nothing illogical or hypocritical about having a bad habit and not wanting to promote that habit among youngsters. The fact that both of these players did have their likenesses on caramel card issues validates the entire story for me, even though there are some doubters out there who think these two were holding out for more tobacco money or something of that sort.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by robw1959

But there's nothing illogical or hypocritical about having a bad habit and not wanting to promote that habit among youngsters.

My grandmother both smoked and told us grandkids never to smoke.

[sb1]

The Plank is a bit more complex as there are a few different levels of rarity and desirability.

Most of the ones that are seen and bought and sold are the more common 350 Series. They are the pale blue and somewhat washed out printing. Typically these bring anywhere from 40k to 125k, not placing them among the top five or perhaps even ten of pre-war cards. The 150 Series Fact 30., are the next step up and will usually bring 2-3 times a 350 Series card, with a Heritage sale of 250k just a couple of years past, firmly placing it among the top five.

The real find and untested in this era is the 150 Series Fact 25., of which there are only a few known and certainly single digit population when accounting for an unknown example or two or even three, as there are currently less than five confirmed. The 150 Series cards are also much deeper blue and have great registration, making them quite a bit more visually attractive(which is true of most 150's vs 350 Series cards).

With the explosion of T206 collectors and those that focus on backs/factory rarities, a nice example(VG or better) of the 150 Series Fact 25. Plank would probably set a new price record for a T206 Plank.

[tedzan]

Scott described the complexity of the Eddie Plank card perfectly. The desirability of the 150 Series Plank cards considerably exceeds cards with "350" backs.

My research indicates that Plank was very anti-tobacco (as was his Manager, Connie Mack) which suggests to us that he informed ATC that he did NOT want
his image on their tobacco cards. Therefore, early in the game, ATC ceased printing him on their T206 cards.

My SWEET CAPORAL 150, Factory #30 is an example of what Scott alluded to regarding the richer color of the "150" cards (PIEDMONT or SWEET CAPORAL).


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TED Z

T206 Reference
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[campyfan39]

Why is that an A and not a grade?

Originally Posted by tedzan

Scott described the complexity of the Eddie Plank card perfectly. The desirability of the 150 Series Plank cards considerably exceeds cards with "350" backs.

My research indicates that Plank was very anti-tobacco (as was his Manager, Connie Mack) which suggests to us that he informed ATC that he did NOT want
his image on their tobacco cards. Therefore, early in the game, ATC ceased printing him on their T206 cards.

My SWEET CAPORAL 150, Factory #30 is an example of what Scott alluded to regarding the richer color of the "150" cards (PIEDMONT or SWEET CAPORAL).


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TED Z

T206 Reference
.

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by campyfan39

Why is that an A and not a grade?

It's my understanding that the corners of this card have been professionally restored.


TED Z

T206 Reference
.

[BRoberts]

Originally Posted by sb1

The Plank is a bit more complex as there are a few different levels of rarity and desirability.

Most of the ones that are seen and bought and sold are the more common 350 Series. They are the pale blue and somewhat washed out printing. Typically these bring anywhere from 40k to 125k, not placing them among the top five or perhaps even ten of pre-war cards. The 150 Series Fact 30., are the next step up and will usually bring 2-3 times a 350 Series card, with a Heritage sale of 250k just a couple of years past, firmly placing it among the top five.

The real find and untested in this era is the 150 Series Fact 25., of which there are only a few known and certainly single digit population when accounting for an unknown example or two or even three, as there are currently less than five confirmed. The 150 Series cards are also much deeper blue and have great registration, making them quite a bit more visually attractive(which is true of most 150's vs 350 Series cards).

With the explosion of T206 collectors and those that focus on backs/factory rarities, a nice example(VG or better) of the 150 Series Fact 25. Plank would probably set a new price record for a T206 Plank.

Great post right here.