The First Test of SGC graded T206 Wagner
Written by T206museum (November, 2003)
MastroNet Inc. will have a SGC graded T206 Honus Wagner
on their December auction.
Such card would be the first SGC graded Wagner in public auction since SGC established.
It would be interesting to see how such SGC graded Wagner goes. Bidding begins on
December 1, 2003 and auction will end on December 19, 2003.
Lot 2242 - 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner SGC-10
"Cher," you say? How about "Sting" and "Bono," or even "Ah-nuld?" The variegated
pantheon, of one-name wonders who have made their contributions to America's culture,
is replete with immediately recognizable, single-word monikers. Within the exciting
circle of the collectibles industry, however, only one short sequence of syllables
can set a room abuzz, instantly dominate a conversation or grab every listener's
attention with its mere utterance. Wagner. Think about it. "He bought a Wagner."
"The collection's got a Wagner." "T206 complete set? How's the Wagner?" The short-printed,
legendary relic of the Pirates' Hall of Famer is magnetic in its presence. Instantly,
its addition confers unequaled legitimacy upon the holdings of its new owner. So
maddeningly few of the cards reside among us, their small number tweaking the hobby's
frustrations while simultaneously igniting its passion. Offered is a visually inspiring
and properly authenticated specimen of this great rarity, graded 10 POOR 1 by SGC.
Technically speaking, this compelling item is in the correct holder, but that's only
part of its story. No grade can adequately describe the magic inherent in the Wagner
portrait's gaze (seen here with full clarity), or the holistic mystique of its overall
appearance. Yes, there are faults, taking the form of spaced, horizontal creases, a
smudge or two, and the expected corner wear, but the item's intangibles are completely
unbothered. Somehow, all of the piece's truly important features remain clear and
attractive, and its Sweet Caporal reverse is legible in its dramatic, crimson-printed
entirety. Other well-circulated copies of this fabled card have emerged in the hobby's
past, and have received an equivalent numerical grade, but this Wagner is superior to
virtually all of those challengers. Its surface faults' auspicious intervals have
largely spared this T206's portrait area, its centering is admirable and its integrity
of presentation is fabulous. Every card has its tales, and this one brings more to
the table than most. Somehow, their cumulative traces only add to this wonderful
collectible's wealth of personality. Here, waiting, is someone's future, prized
possession, and it will be that person's own cherished, one-name treasure. And,
as for, "Madonna?" Sorry, Babe. The old Dutchman's fame has yours beat, hands down.
Final Bid: $90,199
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