14. 1922 Zeenut PCL Jim Thorpe (HOF) – PSA FR 1.5
The 1922 Zeenut PCL edition is one of the most famous prewar minor league set, and Jim Thorpe is one of the most important people in the annals of American sport. By the time this card was issued, Thorpe was already known as a terrific ballplayer, an Olympic gold medalist, a football pioneer, and perhaps the best athlete of the early 1900s. Unlike popular tobacco and caramel cards, Zeenut’s regional distribution makes them truly rare, and Thorpe’s tenure in the Pacific Coast League adds an interesting late-career chapter to an already great run. This sample, which is graded PSA 1.5 by PSA, shows wear that is typical for the grade, but it still boasts strong eye appeal. Even though the image has a lot of wear and creases all over it and some locations where the paper has worn away from surface abrasions, the image is clear and instantly recognizable. Zeenuts are quite condition-sensitive, and like other Zeenuts, the coupon at the bottom of the card has been removed. Thorpe’s cards are both limited and fiercely pursued, and his Zeenut card represents one of the most desirable minor league appearances of any player. For the advanced prewar collector, the PCL specialist, or the buyer chasing true American sports icons, this card offers rarity and enduring historical significance in one powerful artifact.
MINIMUM BID: $5,000
15. 1886 N167 Old Judge Cigarettes Joe Gerhardt – PSA PR 1
N167 Old Judge cards seldom appear at auction; we are fortunate enough to feature three in this sale. One of just five graded examples (and we believe this Gerhardt was crossed from SGC without removing that specimen from their pop reports), this has been graded PR 1 by PSA due largely to surface staining that does not disrupt the image of Gerhardt itself. Despite the technical grade, all N167s are unbelievably rare; aside from the three featured in this auction, we have handled only one other in 14 years. All are incredibly valuable, though half the set features Hall of Famers, which typically fetch astronomical prices in any grade. Gerhardt was the author of a 15-year major league career, sort of a 19th Century Mario Mendoza who managed a lengthy career despite being a weak hitter who batted under the Gerhardt Line three times. In addition to being well-known for his glove, he set a record by playing for 11 different teams, which has since been surpassed, of course, by Immaculate Grid legends Rich Hill and Edwin Jackson, among others. Despite his journeyman nature, Gerhardt earned himself a spot with the Giants, finding himself on a number of baseball cards, none more rare than this.
MINIMUM BID: $2,000
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