1909-1910 E95 & E96 Philadelphia Caramel Set Overview

Card Specs: 1.5" x 2.75"  |  E95: 25 cards E96: 30 cards |  Color  |  Classification: Caramel  |  1909: E95 ; 1910: E96

Released during the early caramel card boom and around the same time as the E90-1 American Caramel series, the E95 Philadelphia Caramel set features a compact, star-driven checklist. It was followed in 1910 by E96, a complementary second-wave issue that expanded the concept while maintaining the same essential format.

Key Players and Set Composition

The two sets are distinct yet closely related, comprising 55 unique players with no overlap between checklists. The 1909 E95 set consists of 25 cards and features many of the era’s biggest stars, including Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, Sam Crawford, Eddie Plank, and Eddie Collins.

1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Ty Cobb & Christy Mathewson

The 1910 E96 set expanded to 30 cards and introduced an entirely new group of subjects, highlighted by Nap Lajoie, Home Run Baker, Hughie Jennings, Joe Tinker, Fred Clarke, Mordecai Brown, Rube Marquard, and Connie Mack. Mack’s inclusion is especially notable, as he is the only manager depicted across either set.

Card Design and Differences Between E95 and E96

Both E95 and E96 cards measure approximately 1-1/2" x 2-3/4" and are printed on standard caramel stock with white borders surrounding vivid color lithographs. Front designs are nearly identical across the two issues, featuring either portrait or action poses with the player’s name and team printed in black ink at the bottom. The primary design distinction appears on the reverse: E95 backs are printed in black ink and reference a set of 25 players, while E96 backs are printed in red ink and list a 30-player checklist.

1910 E96 Philadelphia Caramel Nap Lajoie

Distribution, Scarcity, and Survival Rates

Both sets were distributed as promotional inserts in Philadelphia Caramel Company caramel candy products. As with most candy issues of the period, condition challenges are common, including caramel staining, residue, paper loss from album removal, and inconsistent centering or print registration. High-grade examples are extremely scarce across both sets, with less than 2% of E95 examples, and less than 1% of E96 examples submitted to PSA grading above 6.

1910 E96 Philadelphia Caramel Connie Mack & Mordecai Brown

Recent E95 & E96 Philadelphia Caramel Sales

1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Ty Cobb PSA 7 - $55,200 - 2025 Spring Auction

1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Honus Wagner SGC 4 - $19,800 - 2025 Spring Auction

1910 E96 Philadelphia Caramel Nap Lajoie SGC 7 - $11,700 - 2025 Spring Auction

1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Christy Mathewson SGC 4 - $3,480 - 2025 Summer Auction

1909 E95 Philadelphia Caramel Ed Cicotte PSA 5 - $3,120 - 2025 Spring Auction

FOR MORE AUCTION RESULTS, SEARCH "PHILADELPHIA CARAMEL" IN OUR AUCTION ARCHIVE.

How to Sell E95 & E96 Philadelphia Caramel Cards

If you’re considering selling cards from the Philadelphia Caramel sets, you're in the right place. Prewar baseball cards, like Caramel Cards, are among the most desired by our vast bidding audience of collectors. Reach out today to connect with a specialist to discuss your collection and learn more about our consignment process designed to deliver a first-class experience and top dollar return.