1909–1911 T206 Ty Cobb “Red Portrait” Tobacco Card – Polar Bear Back – BGS 1 (E.G.D. Collection)

Iconic and highly desirable T206 White Border Ty Cobb “Red Portrait” tobacco card professionally graded BGS 1, featuring one of the most recognizable and celebrated designs from the legendary T206 baseball card series.

Issued between 1909 and 1911, the T206 White Border set remains the cornerstone of the vintage baseball card market and one of the most important trading card releases ever produced. Ty Cobb’s “Red Portrait” variation is widely considered among the key cards of the set due to its striking artwork, vibrant background, and enduring popularity with collectors.

The offered example features a Polar Bear advertising reverse, one of the hobby’s most collected and historically significant T206 tobacco backs. Cobb’s fierce competitiveness and extraordinary .366 lifetime batting average cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest players and most important early-era stars.

This card has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by Beckett Grading Services (BGS) with an overall grade of 1 Poor. Despite visible wear and creasing consistent with the assigned grade, the card retains strong visual presentation, highlighted by the iconic red-background portrait image that has made this issue one of the hobby’s most recognizable pre-war cards.

Authentication & Provenance
Professionally authenticated and graded BGS 1 Poor by Beckett Grading Services.

This card originates from the E.G.D. Collection, a long-held private collection assembled over many years featuring vintage baseball cards, pre-war tobacco and regional issues, autographed sports memorabilia, and historically significant sports collectibles.

Condition
Professionally graded BGS 1 Poor. Presents with visible creasing, corner wear, edge wear, surface wear, and age-related toning consistent with the assigned grade and tobacco-era production. Please refer to photographs and grading holder for complete condition details.

Details
Player: Ty Cobb
Issue: 1909–1911 T206 White Border
Variation: Red Portrait
Back: Polar Bear
Card Type: Pre-War Tobacco Card
Grading: BGS 1 Poor
Provenance: E.G.D. Collection