Lot # 38: “Scarce for the Grade” 1907-’09 Ty Cobb H.M. Taylor Rookie Postcard (SGC VG/EX 4) – “1 of 3”; Only 3 SGC Examples Graded Higher!

Category: 1900-1920

Starting Bid: $2,500.00

Bids: 23 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2021 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 2/27/2021 10:00 AM to
3/20/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 38)
"Scarce for the Grade" 1907-'09 Ty Cobb H.M. Taylor Rookie Postcard (SGC VG/EX 4) – "1 of 3"; Only 3 SGC Examples Graded Higher!

It is a general consensus among devoted hobbyists that the most sought-after Hall of Famer cards are ones typically associated with their inaugural Major League season, thus appropriately labeled that players "rookie card". Unfortunately, in Ty Cobb's case, this is where it gets slightly sketchy since his first stand-alone appearance on a professional baseball related card was not until 1907, a year in which a significant number of issues were distributed with his hallowed image. Cobb broke into the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 1905, playing in a mere 41 games while hitting a paltry .240. Quickly, Cobb bounced back in 1906 to bat an impressive .316; the first of an unfathomable 23 consecutive years of exceeding the exalted .300 benchmark. Throughout his incomparable 24 seasons, he led the American League a record 12 years in batting average including an incredible 9 consecutive years from 1907 thru 1915!

After his sterling 1906 season, he stroked 212 hits in 1907, his first full season in which he batted .350 and captured the first of his incomparable 12 American League Batting Titles. Due to his newly found star status, manufacturers began utilizing his image on various cardboard related products throughout the 1907 season including various postcards and the extremely rare and ultra-valuable W600 Sporting Life Cabinet. Some of the postcard issues include the A.C. Dietsche, H.M. Taylor, Steel Tubes and Wolverine News, with all four issues staking a claim as Cobb's hallowed rookie card and the latter two postcards considered ultra-scarce. Unlike the A.C. Dietsche issue that is widely seen throughout the hobby, H.M. Taylor postcards are few and far between, as well as portraying an absolutely breathtaking batting stance against a stadium backdrop of the immortal Georgia Peach (Wolverine News and Steel Tubes are extremely rare).

That said, presented here is a super eye pleasing SGC 4 H.M. Taylor Ty Cobb 1907 Rookie postcard that stands as one of only three SGC examples at this desirable tier with a meager three SGC specimens graded higher! Furthermore, PSA's illustrious "pop" chart only lists a single "VG EX 4" H.M. Taylor Cobb with a likewise three paltry examples reflecting a higher assessment. Indeed, finding any H.M. Taylor Rookie Cobb is no simple task, let alone one that sports a mid-grade assessment. The COMBINED SGC and PSA census reports only list 46 encapsulated copies, less than 1/3 of the 150+ 1907 Dietsche Cobb postcards that have been slabbed by both these consummate grading companies. This Cooperstown worthy heirloom obviously depicts aesthetics beyond the technical assessment as a youthful Ty Cobb commences his classic swing that ultimately led to his record breaking .366 lifetime batting average.

The sparkling image has remained basically unscathed, with the background grandstands adding to its incredible vintage luster. Relatively clean surfaces and superb clarity and contrast are the highlights of this "Rookie Cobb" keepsake that has fallen short of a higher assessment only due to an upper left corner that reveals some modest layering. The other three corners exhibit solid "EX" attributes and the unused postcard verso is super clean. A bona-fide Ty Cobb "rookie" offering, it has withstood the test of time to present itself in outstanding mid-grade fashion, serving as a steadfast reminder of how the Georgia Peach began his unparalleled career only two years earlier before embarking on one of the most extraordinary careers in our National Pastime's glorious history!

MIN BID $2,500
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