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Rare example of iconic T206 Honus Wagner card headed to auction at Goldin
A rare example of the iconic T206 Honus Wagner card is headed to auction at Goldin.
Dubbed “The Connecticut Wagner,” the 1909-11 tobacco card will be featured in Goldin's Spring Vintage Auction, which opens May 21.
Known as the “holy grail” of the sports collectibles hobby, the T206 Wagner is one of the most scarce prewar tobacco cards, with only about 60 documented examples known to exist.
“The Connecticut Wagner” first surfaced at a Connecticut card show in 1985 and remained unseen until its display in 2010 at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The card is graded PSA PR-FR 1, a common grade for early-1900 tobacco cards. According to Goldin, the card has strong eye appeal with “rich color” and a “clear, well-centered portrait.” It was sold privately in 2020 and now returns to the auction block.
Over the past 25 years, low-grade examples of the card (Authentic, 1 and 1.5) have gained value, setting records and selling for millions with none selling for less than its previous recorded sale. Goldin privately sold a SGC 2 for $7.25 million in August 2022. No graded examples of the card have hit the market since October 2022.
“‘The Connecticut Wagner’ is one of the most significant sports collectibles to ever hit the auction block. It is a rarity few ever get the chance to behold, let alone own,” said Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin. “This card, along with our expert curation of storied vintage collectibles, is what makes Goldin’s Vintage Auction the can’t-miss event for serious collectors and a must-see experience for all sports fans and history enthusiasts.”
Goldin is currently accepting additional consignments for the Spring Vintage Auction.
