The first series of cards in the T206 set were issued beginning in
1909 in cigarette and loose tobacco packs through 16 different brands
owned by the American Tobacco Company. It is a landmark set in the
history of baseball card collecting due to its size and rarity, with
cards of over 500 major and minor-league players issued in the set
through 1911. It is known informally as the "White Border" set due to
the
distinctive white borders surrounding the quality color lithographs on
each card.
This specimen is just gorgeous the
bright orange background contrasting against the dark White Sox jersey. Centering is just a touch east on the canvas. While three of the four white borders have some very minor soiling, Fiene's piercing blue eyes draw far more attention. Corners and edges are nicer than the grade suggests. The printing on the tough Cycle back is
clear and legible. While some general soiling on the reverse does not affect the front, it certainly keeps the card from grading higher than it has. This is an extremely difficult card to find in high grade.
PSA has only graded 14 total
examples of this T206 with a Cycle back, with only five ever
receiving a higher grade than the Good 2 offered here of Chicago's Lou Fiene.