Welcome to the exciting world of baseball card collecting! Today, we’re going to explore “The Top 20 Best and Most Valuable Honus Wagner Baseball Cards.” Honus Wagner was a legendary baseball player, and his cards are some of the most sought-after in the hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this guide will help you understand why these cards are so special and valuable.
Honus Wagner cards are like treasure in the baseball card world. They’re rare, old, and tell amazing stories about baseball history. Some of these cards are worth a lot of money because not many of them exist anymore. Collectors love Honus Wagner cards because he was one of the best players ever and his cards are hard to find.
Let’s dive into our list of the top 20 Honus Wagner cards. We’ll look at each card, talk about why it’s valuable, and give you an idea of how much it might cost. Remember, the prices can change over time, but these cards are always special to collectors.
1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner baseball cards
Estimated PSA Value: $5,000,000+
This is the king of all baseball cards. The T206 Honus Wagner is super rare and very famous. Only about 50 to 60 of these cards still exist. The card shows Wagner’s face, and he looks serious. The background is orange, which makes his picture stand out.
Why is it so valuable? Well, not many were made in the first place. Some people say Wagner didn’t want his picture on tobacco products. Others think there was a problem with the printing. Whatever the reason, this card is really hard to find.
The card has sold for millions of dollars. In 2021, one of these cards sold for over $6 million! That’s more than most houses cost. Collectors love this card because it’s so rare and has such an interesting story. It’s like owning a piece of baseball history.
Even if the card isn’t in perfect shape, it’s still worth a lot. A damaged T206 Wagner can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s how special this card is to collectors. It’s the dream card for many people who collect baseball cards.
1903 E107 Breisch Williams Honus Wagner baseball cards
Estimated PSA Value: $500,000 – $1,000,000
This card is really old and really rare. It’s from 1903, which was early in Wagner’s career. The card shows Wagner in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. He’s standing and holding a bat, ready to play.
The E107 set is special because it’s one of the first sets to have color pictures of players. This makes the Wagner card even more valuable. Not many of these cards are still around today. That’s why collectors get excited when one shows up for sale.
The card is worth so much because it’s from when Wagner was becoming a star player. It’s like having a picture of a famous person before they were famous. Collectors love cards that show players early in their careers.
Even though it’s not as well-known as the T206, this card is still super valuable. It’s harder to find than the T206, which makes it special in its own way. If you find one of these cards, you’ve found something really rare and valuable.
1909-11 E90-1 American Caramel Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $200,000 – $400,000
This card comes from a set made by a candy company. It shows Wagner in his batting stance, ready to hit the ball. The background is plain, which makes Wagner’s picture stand out more.
The E90-1 set is famous among collectors because it has great pictures of players. Wagner’s card is one of the best in the set. It’s not as rare as some other Wagner cards, but it’s still hard to find in good condition.
Why is it worth money? First, it’s a Honus Wagner card, and he’s one of the most famous players ever. Second, it’s from a popular old set that collectors love. And third, it’s over 100 years old, which makes it valuable just because it has survived so long.
This card is a great example of early baseball cards. It’s colorful, shows Wagner in action, and is from a time when baseball was becoming America’s favorite sport. For many collectors, this card is a more affordable way to own a piece of Wagner memorabilia.
1910 E98 “Set of 30” Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $150,000 – $300,000
This card is part of a small set that was made in 1910. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates cap and looking to the side. The background is a bright red color, which makes the card really eye-catching.
The E98 set is interesting because for a long time, people didn’t know who made it. It was a mystery! This adds to the card’s appeal for collectors. It’s like owning a piece of a puzzle from baseball history.
Why is it valuable? Well, it’s a Honus Wagner card, which is always special. But this one is also part of a small, mysterious set. That makes it even more interesting to collectors. Plus, the bright colors make it stand out from other cards of its time.
This card isn’t as rare as some others, but it’s still hard to find in good condition. The bright red background often faded over time. So if you find one that still has bright colors, it’s worth even more. It’s a beautiful example of early baseball card art.
1911 T5 Pinkerton Cabinets Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $100,000 – $200,000
This isn’t a regular card – it’s bigger and called a cabinet card. It shows a full-body picture of Wagner in his uniform. He’s standing on a baseball field, looking ready to play. The picture is in black and white, which was common for photos back then.
Cabinet cards were bigger than regular cards and often displayed in homes. This makes the T5 Pinkerton Wagner special. It’s like having a small poster of a baseball star from over 100 years ago.
Why is it worth money? First, it’s rare. Not many of these were made, and even fewer have survived. Second, it’s a high-quality picture of Wagner, showing him in his prime. And third, cabinet cards are collectible on their own, so a Wagner cabinet card is extra special.
This card gives us a great look at what Wagner really looked like as a player. It’s bigger than most cards, so you can see more details. For collectors who want a lifelike image of Wagner, this is a top choice.
1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folders Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $50,000 – $100,000
This card is really unique. It’s actually three cards in one! The middle part shows two players in action, and on either side are portraits of players. One of those portraits is Honus Wagner. The card folds up, which is why it’s called a “triple folder.”
The T202 set is famous for its interesting design. It’s like a mini story on a card. You get to see Wagner’s face and also some game action. This makes it more than just a picture – it’s like a tiny piece of a baseball game from 1912.
Why is it valuable? It’s a creative and unusual card design, which collectors love. It’s also from near the end of Wagner’s career, so it shows him as a seasoned star. And of course, anything with Wagner on it is valuable to baseball card collectors.
This card is a great example of how creative card makers were back then. It’s not just a simple picture – it’s like a mini work of art. For collectors who like unique items, this card is really special.
1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner baseball card (Reprints)
Estimated PSA Value: $500 – $2,000
This isn’t the super rare T206 Wagner, but a reprint of it. Reprints were made later to let more people enjoy the famous card design. They look a lot like the original but aren’t as old or rare.
Even though it’s not an original, this card is still popular. It lets collectors own a version of the most famous baseball card ever made. The reprints are much more affordable than the real T206 Wagner.
Why is it worth money? It’s a copy of a very famous card. People who can’t afford the real thing often collect these. Also, some reprints are old themselves now, making them collectible. It’s a way to enjoy the T206 Wagner design without spending millions.
These reprints are great for new collectors or those on a budget. They let you have a piece of baseball card history without breaking the bank. It’s like having a copy of a famous painting – not the original, but still nice to own.
1910 Standard Caramel E93 Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $75,000 – $150,000
This card shows Wagner in his batting stance, ready to hit. It’s from a set made by a candy company. The background is plain, which makes Wagner’s colorful uniform stand out more.
The E93 set is known for its bright colors and clear pictures. Wagner’s card is one of the best in the set. It shows him doing what he was famous for – getting ready to hit the ball.
Why is it valuable? It’s a great picture of Wagner in action. The card is also from a popular old set that many collectors try to complete. And like all old Wagner cards, it’s rare and hard to find in good condition.
This card gives us a good look at what Wagner looked like as a player. You can see his famous stance and the determination on his face. For collectors who want a card that shows Wagner as the great player he was, this is a top choice.
1911 M116 Sporting Life Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $40,000 – $80,000
This card is from a set made by a sports magazine called Sporting Life. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and cap. The background is plain, which makes Wagner’s picture the main focus.
The M116 set is interesting because it was given out with a magazine, not sold with candy or tobacco like many other cards. This makes it a bit different from other cards of its time.
Why is it worth money? It’s a clear, nice picture of Wagner from when he was a big star. The card is also part of a set that’s popular with collectors. And like all old Wagner cards, there aren’t many left, especially in good condition.
This card is a great example of what baseball cards looked like in the early 1900s. It’s simple but shows Wagner clearly. For collectors who want a classic-looking Wagner card, this is a good choice.
1909 E92 Dockman & Sons Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $30,000 – $60,000
This card shows Wagner in his batting stance, ready to hit. It’s from a set made by a candy company. The background has some color, which makes the card look lively and interesting.
The E92 set is known for its colorful designs. Wagner’s card is one of the most sought-after in the set. It shows him doing what he did best – getting ready to hit the ball.
Why is it valuable? It’s a great action shot of Wagner, which collectors love. The card is also from a popular old set that many people try to collect. And like all old Wagner cards, it’s rare and hard to find in good shape.
This card gives us a good look at Wagner as a player. You can see his famous stance and the serious look on his face. For collectors who want a card that shows Wagner in action, this is a great choice.
1910 E104-2 Nadja Caramels Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $25,000 – $50,000
This card is from a small set made by a candy company. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and has a serious look on his face. The background is plain, which makes Wagner stand out.
The E104-2 set is rare, which makes cards from it valuable. Not many were made, and even fewer have survived to today. This makes the Wagner card from this set extra special.
Why is it worth money? First, it’s rare. Not many of these cards exist anymore. Second, it’s a clear, nice picture of Wagner. And third, it’s from a set that not many people know about, which makes it interesting to serious collectors.
This card is a great example of a rare Wagner card. It’s not as famous as some others, but that makes it special in its own way. For collectors who want something a bit different, this card is a great choice.
1912 T215 Red Cross Tobacco Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $20,000 – $40,000
This card is from a tobacco set, which is interesting because Wagner didn’t like his picture on tobacco products. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and looks serious.
The T215 set is not as well-known as some others, but it’s still important to collectors. Wagner’s card is one of the most valuable in the set. It’s from near the end of his career, which makes it special.
Why is it worth money? It’s a Wagner card from a less common set, which makes it rare. It’s also from late in Wagner’s career, so it shows him as a seasoned star. And like all old Wagner cards, there aren’t many left in good condition.
This card is interesting because it’s from a tobacco set, even though Wagner didn’t like those. It gives us a look at Wagner near the end of his amazing career. For collectors who want a piece of baseball history, this is a great card.
1909-11 T204 Ramly Cigarettes Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $15,000 – $30,000
This card is different from many others because it has a gold border. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and has a serious look. The gold border makes the card look fancy and special.
The T204 Ramly set is known for its unique design. The gold borders make the cards stand out. Wagner’s card is one of the most valuable in the set. It’s a beautiful example of early baseball card art.
Why is it worth money? The gold border design is unique and eye-catching. It’s also a clear, nice picture of Wagner. And like all old Wagner cards, it’s rare and hard to find in good condition. The gold borders often got damaged, making perfect ones very valuable.
This card is a great choice for collectors who want something a bit different. The gold border makes it stand out from other Wagner cards. It’s a beautiful piece of baseball card history.
1910 E103 Williams Caramel Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $10,000 – $20,000
This card is from another candy set. It shows Wagner in his batting stance, ready to hit. The background is colorful, which makes the card look lively and fun. Wagner’s uniform stands out against the bright background.
The E103 set is known for its bright colors and clear pictures. Wagner’s card is one of the best in the set. It shows him doing what he was famous for – getting ready to hit the ball.
Why is it worth money? It’s a great action picture of Wagner, which collectors love. The card is also from a set that’s not as common as some others, making it more rare. And like all old Wagner cards, there aren’t many left, especially in good shape.
This card gives us a good look at Wagner as a player. You can see his famous stance and the determination on his face. For collectors who want a colorful, action-packed Wagner card, this is a great choice.
1911 T205 Gold Border Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $8,000 – $15,000
This card has a beautiful gold border, like the T204 Ramly. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and cap. The gold border makes the card look fancy and important.
The T205 set is famous for its detailed designs. Each card has a lot of information on it, like the player’s stats. Wagner’s card is one of the most sought-after in the set. It’s a great example of how detailed baseball cards could be.
Why is it worth money? The gold border design is unique and beautiful. It’s also a clear, nice picture of Wagner with lots of information about him. And like all old Wagner cards, it’s rare and hard to find in good condition. The gold borders often got damaged, making perfect ones very valuable.
This card is perfect for collectors who love detailed, beautiful cards. It’s not just a picture – it’s like a mini biography of Wagner. It’s a great piece of baseball card art and history.
1910 Tip Top Bread D322 Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $5,000 – $10,000
This card is special because it’s from a bread company, not tobacco or candy like many other old cards. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and looks serious. The card is simple but clear.
The D322 set is not as well-known as some others, which makes it interesting to collectors. Wagner’s card is one of the most valuable in the set. It’s a nice example of early baseball cards that weren’t made by big companies.
Why is it worth money? First, it’s rare. Not many bread cards from this time still exist. Second, it shows Wagner right after he won the 1909 World Series with the Pirates. And third, it’s a different kind of card that not many people know about.
This card gives us a look at Wagner as a champion. It’s from a time when baseball cards were just starting to become popular. For collectors who want something a bit different, this Wagner card is a great choice.
1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folders Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $4,000 – $8,000
This card is really unique. It’s actually three cards in one! The middle part shows two players in action, and on either side are pictures of players. One of those pictures is Honus Wagner. The card folds up, which is why it’s called a “triple folder.”
The T202 set is famous for its interesting design. It’s like a mini story on a card. You get to see Wagner’s face and also some game action. This makes it more than just a picture – it’s like a tiny piece of a baseball game from 1912.
Why is it valuable? It’s a creative and unusual card design, which collectors love. It’s also from near the end of Wagner’s career, so it shows him as a seasoned star. And of course, anything with Wagner on it is valuable to baseball card collectors.
This card is a great example of how creative card makers were back then. It’s not just a simple picture – it’s like a mini work of art. For collectors who like unique items, this card is really special.
1911 T205 Gold Border Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $3,000 – $6,000
This card has a beautiful gold border. It shows Wagner’s face and upper body. He’s wearing his Pirates uniform and cap. The gold border makes the card look fancy and important.
The T205 set is famous for its detailed designs. Each card has a lot of information on it, like the player’s stats. Wagner’s card is one of the most sought-after in the set. It’s a great example of how detailed baseball cards could be.
Why is it worth money? The gold border design is unique and beautiful. It’s also a clear, nice picture of Wagner with lots of information about him. And like all old Wagner cards, it’s rare and hard to find in good condition. The gold borders often got damaged, making perfect ones very valuable.
This card is perfect for collectors who love detailed, beautiful cards. It’s not just a picture – it’s like a mini biography of Wagner. It’s a great piece of baseball card art and history.
1909-11 E90-1 American Caramel Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $2,500 – $5,000
This card comes from a set made by a candy company. It shows Wagner in his batting stance, ready to hit the ball. The background is plain, which makes Wagner’s picture stand out more.
The E90-1 set is famous among collectors because it has great pictures of players. Wagner’s card is one of the best in the set. It’s not as rare as some other Wagner cards, but it’s still hard to find in good condition.
Why is it worth money? First, it’s a Honus Wagner card, and he’s one of the most famous players ever. Second, it’s from a popular old set that collectors love. And third, it’s over 100 years old, which makes it valuable just because it has survived so long.
This card is a great example of early baseball cards. It’s colorful, shows Wagner in action, and is from a time when baseball was becoming America’s favorite sport. For many collectors, this card is a more affordable way to own a piece of Wagner memorabilia.
1940 Play Ball Honus Wagner baseball card
Estimated PSA Value: $1,500 – $3,000
This card is different from the others because it’s from much later in Wagner’s life. It shows Wagner as an older man, long after he stopped playing. He’s wearing a suit and tie, not a baseball uniform.
The 1940 Play Ball set is important because it includes both current players and old stars like Wagner. It’s a way to connect baseball’s past and present. Wagner’s card is special because it shows him as a respected elder of the game.
Why is it valuable? It’s one of the last cards made of Wagner during his lifetime. It’s also from a popular set that many collectors try to complete. And even though it’s not as old as other Wagner cards, it’s still rare and important to baseball history.
This card is a great way to see how Wagner was remembered after his playing days. It shows that he was still important to baseball long after he stopped playing. For collectors who want to see the whole story of Wagner’s life, this card is a must-have.
Conclusion
Honus Wagner baseball cards are some of the most valuable and sought-after in the hobby. From the ultra-rare T206 to later cards showing him as a coach, each Wagner card tells a part of baseball history. These cards are valuable not just because they’re old, but because they show one of the greatest players ever at different points in his amazing career.
Collectors love Wagner cards for many reasons. They’re rare, they’re beautiful, and they connect us to the early days of baseball. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a fan of baseball history, these cards are fascinating pieces of the past.
Remember, the values of these cards can change over time. The prices given here are just estimates. The real value of a card depends on its condition and how many people want to buy it. But one thing is sure – Honus Wagner cards will always be among the most treasured in baseball card collecting.
FAQs for Honus Wagner baseball card
Why is the T206 Honus Wagner card so valuable?
The T206 Honus Wagner is extremely rare, with only about 50-60 known to exist. Its production was stopped early, possibly because Wagner didn’t want to promote tobacco to children. This rarity, combined with Wagner’s fame, makes it the most valuable baseball card.
Are there any affordable Honus Wagner cards for new collectors?
Yes, some of Wagner’s later cards, like those from his coaching years in the 1940s, are more affordable. Reprints of famous Wagner cards are also available at lower prices.
How can I tell if a Honus Wagner card is authentic?
Authentication is crucial for valuable cards. Professional grading services like PSA or SGC can verify a card’s authenticity. Be very cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially for rare Wagner cards.
How should I store and protect a valuable Honus Wagner card?
Valuable cards should be stored in protective sleeves and hard cases. Keep them away from light, heat, and moisture. For very valuable cards, consider professional storage or a safety deposit box.
What makes Honus Wagner such an important figure in baseball card collecting?
Wagner was one of the greatest players of baseball’s early era. His cards are from a time when the hobby was just beginning, making them important historical artifacts as well as valuable collectibles.