1886–1890 N172 Old Judge Tobacco Card Overview

Card Specs: 1.44" x 2.5”  |  3,500+ cards  |  Sepia  |  Classification: 19th Century Tobacco  |  N172

The N172 Old Judge set, issued between 1886 and 1890 by Goodwin & Co., stands as one of the most historically significant baseball card series ever produced, offering a comprehensive snapshot of what baseball looked like in the late 19th century.  The set’s scope is unmatched - more than 4,500 varieties are known, often featuring multiple poses, team changes, or caption differences for the same player.

The set includes many of baseball’s early legends, including Cap Anson, Dan Brouthers, Charles Comiskey, Buck Ewing, and Connie Mack. Revered for its artistry, historical depth, and scarcity of well-preserved examples, the N172 Old Judge set remains a cornerstone of 19th century card collecting and a tangible link to the origins of The Hobby.

Comparing N172 Old Judge vs N175 Gypsy Queen designs

N172 Old Judge Card Construction, Design, and Distribution

Each card measures approximately 1.44" x 2.5" and features a sepia photograph pasted to thick cardboard, with “Goodwin Co., New York” printed along the bottom edge.  Due to exposure to light over the last 130+ years most examples still around today have significant fading, putting a value premium on better-preserved cards. Photographed by the Hall Studio in New York, the images vary in tone from warm brown to pinkish hues. Cards were distributed in Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarette packs - the latter of which technically classified as N175 and are more highly valued due to scarcity.

Cap Anson “In Uniform” Variation

The most notable variation is Hall of Famer Cap Anson’s “In Uniform” example.  His standard card features Anson in a suit and tie, but there is also a version with him in a Chicago baseball uniform that is among the rarest and most desirable prewar cards.

Standard N172 Cap Anson vs ultra-rare Cap Anson "In Uniform"

N172 Old Judge Card Value

Low to mid-grade common Old Judge cards can range from $50 - $300 in today's auction market, while extremely rare variations or high-grade examples can reach into the thousands. Stars like Cap Anson will command four-figures in nearly any condition, often hitting $20,000 at mid-grade.

Recent REA Auction N172 Sales

1889 N172 Old Judge Ed Delahanty SGC VG 3 - Sold for $16,800 - 2025 Spring Auction

1888 N172 Old Judge Cap Anson SGC Good+ 2.5 - Sold for $11,400 - 2023 Fall Auction

1888 N172 Old Judge HOF Collection - Sold for $2,760 - 2024 September Auction

FOR MORE AUCTION RESULTS, SEARCH "N172 OLD JUDGE" IN OUR AUCTION ARCHIVE.

How To Sell N172 Old Judge Tobacco Cards

If you’re considering selling an N172 Old Judge card or collection, REA is the trusted leader in 19th century and tobacco cards. Reach out today to connect with a specialist to learn more about how our signature approach to collectibles helps earn consignors top dollar returns.