1907 Wolverine News Co. Ty Cobb Rookie (Portrait) SGC 60—Highest Graded & None better

• Sold For: $11,750
• Year: 1907
• Auction: 2012 July
• Lot #: 5
• Auction Category: Prewar Baseball - Early 1900s Cards

With a determined gaze that matched his frenetic style of play, Ty Cobb makes his debut appearance on this highly desirable 1907 Wolverine News Co. postcard. Pictured during the season in which he would claim the first of eleven batting titles, the portrait of the youthful Georgian displays the battle scars of a hard fought season (including a beating by teammate and Arkansas native, Boss Schmidt). Graded 60 EX 5 by SGC, this rookie portrait of Ty Cobb is one of only six graded by the third-party service and is the highest graded Cobb portrait by two grades with none better. Hailing from a recent find, this “new to the hobby” jewel is hallmarked by a solid perimeter, crisp photography and a clean correspondence reverse. Far more elusive than similar 1907 Cobb issues which often trade in the five figures, this turn-of-the-century depiction of the legend is beautifully preserved and is “a must” for the discerning pre-war hobbyist with an eye for the very best.