Half a Honus: Ripped, But Real T206 Wagner Heads to Auction
You can become part owner of trading cards through fractional share groups that have sprung up over the last couple of years. SCP Auctions is about to give collectors a chance to own a fraction of an actual card.
Not just any card, though.
The Southern California-based auction company announced Tuesday that its upcoming Winter Auction would include a PSA graded T206 Honus Wagner—or at least the surviving portion of one.
The unusual card has been tucked away in a private collection since 1995. It’s believed to be one of the first cards ever graded and authenticated by PSA and remains in the original holder that was used by the company to encapsulate cards more than 25 years ago. After being approached with the possible consignment, SCP reached out to PSA to confirm the card had indeed been authenticated. It bears the serial number 00000002.
It’s one of what are believed to be 60 or so authentic copies of the world’s most famous trading card.
The circumstances surrounding the reason that only a portion of the card exists have been lost to time. Perhaps torn by a frustrated fan of an opposing team victimized by Wagner’s talents 112 years ago? Who knows.
While the Wagner remnant would definitely not be among the best copies ever offered, Wagner’s face and name are still visible. A little over half the card remains and as T206 Wagners go, the existing portion is free of heavy creasing.
It’s the second Wagner offered by SCP this fall. In October, they sold a restored copy for $1.1 million. The “Ripped Wagner” will be sold without a reserve price and will open at $25,000 when bidding opens January 19. It’ll run through February 5 and the company is still accepting consignments.
Maybe the other half of Honus will turn up in the meantime.
