Fresh from grading by PSA at the 2014 National Sports Collectors Convention is a 1909 E92 Dockman & Sons Honus Wagner, which we recently obtained as part of a collection. This 'Throwing' version scored a PSA 4 VG/EX, and of the 57 examples the company has graded since it's inception, only 8 have surpassed it. This card has crisp white borders, vibrant colors showcasing the sunset in the distance behind Wagner, and a strongly focused image of 'The Flying Dutchman' himself. By 1909 Johannes Peter Wagner had already eclipsed 2,000 hits and was regarded as the game's greatest offensive player and the finest shortstop in the league. But just six seasons earlier, his Pirates had failed to live up to expectations in the first World Series, as they fell to Cy Young and the Boston team that would eventually become known as the Red Sox. 1909 would be a landmark year in his career and he won his seventh batting title with a .339 average. More importantly, he captured the World Series against the young Ty Cobb, who was already challenging him for the title of the game's greatest player.
Today, Wagner is more well-known for being featured on the most expensive trading card ever produced, which has overshadowed his on the field accomplishments. As a result of a rising tide lifting all boats most of the cards issued of Wagner during his playing career have risen as well. As he was omitted from the popular tobacco issues (or T cards) of the era, collectors are forced to battle over confectionary issues (or E cards) such as this presented E92 example. The E92 set was issued with four different advertising backs, and this Honus Wagner card features the John H. Dockman & Sons reverse. Of the four advertisers, Dockman & Sons produced the smallest checklist of E92 issues with only 40 cards issued. Wagner is the greatest star in the set and is therefore the most desirable card - just as it would have been when it was issued in 1909. Production during this era often resulted in imperfections from day one, with poor centering and clarity often degrading - and devaluing - cards. This PSA 4 example of his E92 is one of the finest examples of a Wagner we have yet come across. This card is well-centered and clearly shows Wagner without any of the detracting registration issues that often plague E92s. Any serious collector must have a Honus Wagner card in their collection, and we humbly suggest that this E92 Dockman & Sons Honus Wagner (Throwing) is likely to be among the finest cards you have an opportunity to acquire this season!