The 1937 Wheaties "cards" were issued on the back panels of Wheaties cereal boxes. Issued in series, there were five distinct groupings of cards, often with overlap in the player selection. "Series 9" was a 16-panel group that included one player from each of the major league teams, and is generally referred to as the "color series." The cards measure 8 1/2" x 6" and included colorized photos of players set inside colorful geometric backgrounds, with facsimile autographs and biographical information (along with a Wheaties endorsement) built into the design. They are wonderful pieces of art.

Several years ago, a grouping of pre-production proofs from the Series 9 issue made their way to auction. Printed on lighter stock, these full-color, blank-backed proofs likely originated either from the printer or from Wheaties, each measuring approximately 8" x 6", each hand-cut. They exhibit very little wear, save for the corners and edges. Each has been authenticated by GAI (they were initially sold in 2009 when that company was still in operation), housed in top loaders with the Global label affixed over the top. We have received the group on consignment and are splitting them into individual lots. They are the only pre-production proofs from any Wheaties issue we have ever seen.

Attractive example featuring Hall of Famer Billy Herman, a large yellow star serving as his background, the endorsement appearing in a blue border underneath. A visible corner ding and crease at the lowe-right is the primary flaw with this example, grading VG+ as a result.