1909-1911 T206 White Border Red Murray Portrait - Extremely Rare "Murr'y" Variation

Sold For:

$1,080

Year:

1909

Auction:

2016 Spring

Lot #:

459

Category:

Prewar Baseball - T Tobacco Cards

Extremely rare example of the 1909-1911 T206 White Border "Murr’y" printing variation of Red Murray, New York. The "Murr'y" variation card is a legitimate variation error card that has only been checklisted within the last ten to fifteen years. Some collectors are quick to dismiss this variation, as well as the extremely rare and highly valued T206 "Slow Joe" Doyle NY Natl. card, because the nature of the variation is subtle. The Doyle variation is certainly more dramatic than "Murr'y" but the fact is that both are legitimate variations. The “Murr’y” variation error card is defined by the missing “a” from “Murray” on the card’s caption. (The apostrophe is actually the only remaining remnant of the "A" in "MURRAY.") This caption variation was apparently caused by a printing plate defect affecting only a very limited print run. Graded and encapsulated POOR 10 by SGC, the card is bright and crisp, with a bold blue background, outstanding centering, and light wear at the corners. Paper loss from album removal on the Sweet Caporal reverse is responsible for the assigned grade. As collectors have become more sophisticated, there has been a growing appreciation for all great rarities associated with the landmark T206 set, including a few extreme rarities that were not even known to exist until recent years. In the future we have no idea if the "Murr'y" card will be considered an obscure footnote to the T206 set or celebrated as one of the T206 set's most valuable rarities. It is, without question, one of the T206 set's rarest variations, and one that is a worthy and significant addition to any complete T206 collection. Because of its extreme rarity, there is no consensus on the value of this card. We are confident the auction process will provide clarity. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).