Dawn of the Diamond: 1886-1890 Old Judge

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

Some Assembly Required: Old Judge Card Design

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 are technically classified as N175 and are more highly valued due to scarcity.

N172 OLD JUDGE GRADED POPULATION REPORTS:

1886-1890 N172 Old Judge PSA Population

1886-1890 N172 Old Judge SGC Population

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 rare variations or high-grade examples often reach into the thousands. Stars like Cap Anson will command four figures in nearly any condition, displayed by the PSA 2.5 example that sold for $22,755 in REA's 2026 Summer Auction. The Cap Anson "In Uniform" variation is incredibly scarce and can routinely sell for six-figures on the rare occasion it hits the auction block.

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Recent N172 Old Judge REA Auction Sales

1888 N172 Old Judge Cap Andon PSA 2.5 - Sold for $22,755 - 2026 Summer Auction

1889 N172 Old Judge Kid Nichols SGC 6 - Sold for $20,400 - 2024 Spring Auction

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

1889 N172 Old Judge Bid McPhee SGC 5.5 - Sold for $15,600 - 2025 Summer Auction

1887 N172 Old Judge "Old Hoss" Radbourn PSA 5 - Sold for $15,375 - 2026 Summer Auction

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

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.