19th century " Holy Grail "

[barrysloate]

Jay- he died at 21, so he didn't play too long period. But he was a star at 17.

[oldjudge]

Exactly--so he is basically Charlie Ferguson from the Old Judge set (a great player who died in his prime).

[barrysloate]

Creighton has become a cult figure, as he was the game's first great star.

[19cbb]

Barry... I selected the P&S Creighton on post 24 ... after selecting the Anson in uniform give the criteria...

[oldjudge]

Barry--I bet 90+% of 19th century collectors can't even tell you what team he played for.

[benjulmag]

For my nickel, after the Creighton (and to second what Barry said, he is regarded as the game's first superstar) would be the 4BH Kelly. I have always regarded it as the most artistic 19th century card I have ever seen. In the photo shoot which generated the image used for card, multiple poses were shot. One of the other poses in fact exists in imperial cabinet form. At the time the card was produced, Kelly was at the absolute zenith of his career, which I think also is relevant. The Four Base Hits issue is highly regarded, and even a common is a highly coveted item. Being then part of an incredibly scare issue to me adds to the allure. Finally, the Kelly is the only known non-portrait card in the issue.

Much has been said after the N172 Anson in uniform. No doubt it is an incredible card. The thing though which detracts from it, in regard to Holy Grail status, is that it is not Anson's only card in the issue (the other pose being a relatively easy card to obtain). That distinguishes it in a crucial way from the T206 Wagner (as well as the other 19th candidates we have been discussing). Had there been other poses of Wagner in the T206 issue, it is unclear to me whether THE pose would be so desirable.

[19cbb]

From The Library of Congress