$6.6 Million T206 Honus Wagner Retakes Top Spot for Highest-Priced Sports Card
Only one can sit upon the throne. For decades, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner was the undisputed king of not just baseball cards, but all sports cards. It was the benchmark for the biggest sales. But over the last couple of years, some more modern rarities overtook it. But, the king is back following the over $6.6 million sale of a T206 Honus Wagner in the early hours of Monday, August 16.
The sale came through Robert Edward Auctions. This particular Wagner carries a grade of Very Good 3 from SGC.
The final hammer price for the card was $5,505,247. However, once the 20 percent buyer’s premium is factored in, the final price paid is $6,606,296.
According to REA’s auction description, the card sold in the early 1970s for $1,100. It was one of the first major public baseball card sales, giving both the Wagner and the industry momentum.
In the decades since, this particular copy has changed hands a few times. Barry Halper is one of its owners, having bought it in 1976.
The T206 Wagner wasn’t professionally graded until 2012 when it received its SGC 3 standing. That same year it sold for $1.23 million. According to REA, it was sold privately for “significantly more” than that in recent years.
$6.6 million soars past the previous record for confirmed sports card sales. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 and 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Rookie Parallel LeBron James BGS 9 had both sold for $5.2 million this year.
The previous high for a T206 Honus Wagner was $3.75 million for a PSA 2. That record lasted less than three months having sold in late-May.
