We often quote an old friend's observation that the image on the T206 Cy Young "portrait" card seems better-suited to be framed and hanging above a fireplace mantel than it does on a baseball card.  Young's serious expression is offset against a deep, green background, creating a striking, almost regal image, as the aging pitcher was one of the game's elder statesman, in his early 40s when the T206 cards were issued.  In recent years, the card has become one of the keys to the issue, with realized prices escalating in all grades.

Adding to the desirability of this example, of course, is the tough Hindu Cigarettes reverse.  T206 Hall of Famers with difficult backs continue to skyrocket; as the cards get tucked away in private collections the truly exceptional examples get more difficult to find.  The reverse here does exhibit a few spots of paper loss, but is otherwise clean.  The front is equally strong, the primary flaw related to corner rounding.  An outstanding example, among the finest of many rareback T206 cards featured in this auction.