Graded EX 5 by PSA. Among a PSA census total of 69 copies, only three examples of the Eddie Plank design have been awarded that tier, and just seven specimens have been graded higher. (Competing grading service SGC has documented two equivalent to nominally higher-grade pieces.) Eddie Plank. Those two words conjure more emotion among T206 collectors than any others in the language (with, perhaps, just two exceptions). A natural for inclusion in the most comprehensive tobacco card release of the 20th century, the Philadelphia Athletics’ lefthander won more than 300 games, posted a career ERA of 2.35, struck out 2,246 batters and played on two World Series Championship teams. His enshrinement at Cooperstown took place posthumously, in 1946.

     In the Mt. Olympus-style roster represented by the White Border issue, Plank deserves a place of his own beside Cobb, Speaker, Young and all of the other gods. Yet, he’s represented in precious few of the industry’s lovingly tended and devotedly assembled T206 near sets. The possible explanations for Plank’s generally expected omission from all of these otherwise nearly complete T206 gatherings elicit strong emotions in their own right. Although numerous theories have been bandied about – probably, ever since the day the first person discovered that a second individual also collected T206 – and these speculations form quite an intriguing body of work. Conjectures range from the notion that Plank had expected to be paid for his appearance in the set (and wasn’t) to the idea that, early in the production run, the printing plate that held his image was irrevocably shattered. Guesswork aside, one single, immutable truth can be declared: this Eddie Plank T206 entry is achingly and enduringly rare, and its status as one of the “Big Four” T206 prize subjects conveys perpetual fame and nearly incomparable desirability. Added to that statement, with respect to the offered piece, is that this example is one of the industry’s very best.

     In an environment where any T206 Plank brings about considerable bragging rights for a set-builder, the card seen here is one of the few that requires no apology, and there will be no need to hope for an eventual lightning strike that somehow yields an upgrade. This Plank example stands proudly on its own, as if daring a group of its contemporaries to upgrade to its level of appearance and exclusivity. The illustration of Plank on this card’s obverse is distinguished by lovely, unimpeded color that’s complemented by very favorable border whiteness. The image is nicely balanced side to side, and the caption barely touches the bottom edge. Unobtrusive corner wear – well within tolerance for the grade – is natural and evenly distributed. The issue’s “Sweet Caporal – 350 Subjects” design, in bright red ink, appears on the card’s clean back. An irresistible quarry for the seriously aspiring T206 set project, in especially commendable Excellent condition.

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