(New York Post) – A rare 1909-11 baseball card featuring Honus Wagner sold
at auction for $2.1 million early this morning, following a period of extended
bidding. That price includes a buyer’s premium.

The item was the centerpiece of Goldin Auctions’ April 5th showcase. Other
notable items included a copy of Alex Rodriguez’s 2009 World Series ring
($50,398) and a signed Derek Jeter 2001 World Series game-used bat
($37,486).

But Wagner, one of baseball’s first superstars, dominated the headlines
again. The T206 Wagner is baseball’s most famous card, with about 50 to
100 copies believed to exist. The auctioned card was classified as the
"Jumbo" Wagner because its edges are 1/16 inches larger than standard
cards.

The card’s story contributes to its legacy. T206 series cards were featured
in cigarette packs, a precursor to bubble gum cards and today’s high-gloss,
high-end releases.

For some reason, Wagner’s cards were pulled from packaging. Legend
persists that Wagner railed against his card being included with cigarettes
(he didn’t want to encourage children to smoke) – but he may have also
been miffed over his compensation from card manufacturer American
Tobacco Company.

      Johannes Peter "Honus" Wagner (2-24-1874 to 12-6-1955)

Wagner was nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman" due to his superb speed
and German heritage.

Most baseball historians consider Wagner to be the greatest shortstop
ever. In 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Wagner as one of the
first five members.