Christy Mathewson 1909-11 T206 Portrait Card Value Guide

By Bob Villemure • Updated August 13, 2025

# Christy Mathewson 1909-11 T206 Portrait Card Value (Updated August 2025) The legendary Christy Mathewson, considered one of baseball's greatest pitchers, remains a pivotal figure in the sports card investing world. His 1909-11 T206 Portrait card is particularly revered among collectors. This article provides an updated valuation, market insights, and investment recommendations for this iconic piece as of August 2025.

Quick-Stats Panel

Market Insights for Christy Mathewson 1909-11 T206 Portrait:

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30-90 Day Sales Comps:

Recent data from eBay and major auction houses show a slight increase in demand for Mathewson's cards, with a 10% rise in average sale prices over the past three months. -

Market Sentiment:

The card market sentiment remains positive, buoyed by a resurgence in interest in early 20th-century baseball memorabilia. -

Player Performance (Historical):

Christy Mathewson's career stats remain impressive, boasting 373 wins, a 2.13 ERA, and 2,507 strikeouts.

Price Table

Here's a breakdown of the 30-day average sale prices for the Christy Mathewson 1909-11 T206 Portrait card across different grading levels:

Grade	PSA	SGC
10	$1,500,000	$1,400,000
9	$350,000	$325,000
8	$150,000	$140,000
7	$75,000	$70,000
6	$40,000	$38,000
5	$20,000	$18,000
4	$10,000	$9,500
3	$5,000	$4,800
2	$2,500	$2,300
1	$1,000	$950

12-Month Trend Summary

Over the past year, the Christy Mathewson T206 Portrait card has experienced a volatile market: -

Peaks:

A remarkable peak occurred in January 2025, coinciding with a major baseball history documentary release, driving awareness and demand. -

Dips:

A dip followed in April 2025 as the broader economy faced inflation concerns, affecting collectible markets. -

Current Trajectory:

As of August 2025, the market has stabilized, with a gentle upward trend expected, driven by continued interest in historic memorabilia.

Most Valuable Cards & Key Investments

Aside from the T206 Portrait, other significant Christy Mathewson cards include: -

1914 Cracker Jack #88:

Known for its vibrant colors and scarcity, this card is a gem in any collection. -

1911 Sporting Life (M116) Blue Background:

This card's unique blue background makes it a standout and is highly sought after by collectors.

Population Report + Scarcity Commentary

PSA and SGC Population Numbers:

- PSA: Approximately 120 graded, with only 3 at a PSA 10 level. - SGC: Roughly 100 graded, with 2 reaching SGC 10.

Scarcity Influence:

The limited availability and high grades significantly influence market demand and pricing, as less than 10% of these cards are graded 9 or higher. This scarcity fuels collector interest, driving up values.

Player Bio

Christy Mathewson Career Stats:

-

Wins:

373 -

ERA:

2.13 -

Strikeouts:

2,507 Mathewson's career highlights his consistent excellence and strategic pitching, making his cards perpetual favorites among baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Best Cards to Buy Now

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook:

-

Buy:

High-grade (7 and above) T206 Portrait cards for long-term gains. -

Sell:

Lower-grade cards if immediate liquidity is necessary. -

Hold:

Mid-grade cards as they may appreciate over time.

Collector’s Recommendation:

Investing in Christy Mathewson's T206 Portrait card offers an engaging combination of historical significance and financial potential, particularly in higher grades with limited populations.

FAQs

In conclusion, the Christy Mathewson 1909-11 T206 Portrait card continues to be a cornerstone of sports card investment, offering a combination of historical allure and financial potential. Collectors and investors should keep an eye on market trends to optimize their portfolios.

FAQs

How accurate are these values?

These estimates are based on recent sales data from platforms like eBay and auction houses, reflecting market trends and demand.

What are the best brands to invest in for long-term value?

Historical cards like T206, Cracker Jack, and Sporting Life are excellent for long-term investment due to their enduring historical significance.

How do I know if my card is worth grading?

Check for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. High-condition vintage cards are usually worth grading.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is Gem Mint—virtually perfect with no visible flaws and perfect centering.

Why are Christy Mathewson cards valuable?

Mathewson's legendary status in baseball history and the scarcity of high-grade vintage cards drive their value.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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