1888 N403 Yum Yum Tobacco Cap Anson - Highest Graded!

Sold For:

$18,600

Year:

1888

Auction:

2019 Summer

Lot #:

130

Category:

Pre-1900 Baseball Cards (1830-1899)

Graded VG 3 by SGC. Extremely rare sample card from the Yum Yum Tobacco series of 1888 featuring legendary Hall of Famer Cap Anson in a portrait pose. Yum Yums have always been one of the nineteenth century's most legendary rarities. In fact, only 113 examples in total have been graded by SGC and PSA combined! A total of only four N403 Anson cards have been evaluated by SGC, of which the offered example is the highest graded by far (the other examples grade two FR 1.5 and one Authentic). As nineteenth-century card collectors are well aware, it is extremely rare to find even a common N403 Yum Yum, let alone a key Hall of Famer. The fact that Cap Anson is the premier star of the nineteenth century, and the key Hall of Famer in the Yum Yum set, makes this example one of card collecting’s most significant cards. We may not see another example of the Anson card from this rare set offered anytime soon. It is interesting to note, however, that this card actually depicts Abner Dalrymple, a teammate of Anson's from the Chicago White Stockings. Yum Yum made errors such as this on several cards within the set. Still, this remains one of Anson's toughest cards, likely second only to the extremely elusive Old Judge Anson in Uniform pose. This is a simply outstanding card in all respects! Yum Yum Tobacco was a brand of the August Beck Company of Chicago. Since the earliest days of organized collecting, advanced collectors have appreciated the mystique of the rarest pre-1900 baseball-card issues, especially Yum Yum Tobacco cards. Whether it is because of the brand name, their unusual look, extreme rarity, or a combination of all of these factors, few card issues command the respect that Yum Yum Tobacco cards do among the most serious collectors. It is always a privilege to offer a Yum Yum, regardless of condition. This particular example is particularly high grade and attractive for a Yum Yum. It is well centered, with light even wear to the corners, and strong photo contrast. The blank reverse displays some light, scattered toning and a few small surface creases (visible only from the reverse) are responsible for the assigned grade. This is an exceptional photographic-style example (Yum Yums were also issued with line-drawn woodcut designs) from this extremely rare and desirable nineteenth-century set, featuring the nineteenth century's most legendary Hall of Famer, Cap Anson. Reserve $15,000. Estimate (open).