Cap Anson – 1887 Old Judge
The oldest card on our list is that of Adrian Anson, nicknamed “Cap Anson.” The Notre Dame graduate began his pro baseball career with the Rockford Forest Citys in 1871, only to disband a year later. He joined the Chicago White Stockings (now the Cubs) in 1876.
This Cap Anson card is a unique one. Many collectors think the 1887 Old Judge series was the finest of the nineteenth century for its quantity of players and variations among each player, with up to 12 per player. It’s thought that just five of these cards exist, and discovering one in pristine condition could net you up to $80,000.