1909-1911 T206 White Border Red Murray Portrait - Extremely Rare Murr'y Variation - Old Mill Back

Sold For:

$750

Year:

1909

Auction:

2020 Spring

Lot #:

313

Category:

Prewar Baseball - T Tobacco Cards

Graded GOOD+ 2.5 by PSA. Extremely rare example of the 1909-1911 T206 White Border "Murr’y" printing variation of Red Murray, New York. This is one of the rarest of all T206 caption variations, far rarer than the more well-known “Nodgrass” variation. 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. The "Murr'y" variation card is a legitimate variation error card that has been checklisted only within the last 10-15 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. This is a magnificent example of this extreme T206 rarity. It is bright, crisp, and clean, with brilliant colors, a deep, blue background, even wear to the four corners, flawless registration, and a light crease visible in the lower right. The Old Mill advertisement on the reverse is clean and well centered, with just two small age sports visible. 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 $1,000+.