The Billiken Cigarettes issue of 1923-24 was a Cuban-issued set that featured 2" x 2 5/8" cards depicting 60 players from the Cuban Winter League. Each black and white glossy photo features an ad on the reverse, either for Billiken or, less frequently, La Moda Cigarettes. One of the more popular and highly-prized Cuban League issues, this set includes many stars of the American Negro Leagues, including a key card of Oscar Charleston, along with Jose Mendez, Cristobal Torriente, Andy Cooper, and, of course, Pop Lloyd.

John Henry "Pop" Lloyd is one of the most important of all Negro League players. Ranked #27 on Bill James' list of all-time greats, Lloyd is credited with a .343 batting average across a 27-year career, lightning-fast baserunner, and elite defender. Considered the greatest shortstop in Negro League history, Babe Ruth was thought to believe Lloyd to be the greatest player ever. Lloyd was often called the "Black Honus Wagner" by some, a nickname to which Wagner himself famously replied, "It's an honor to be compared with him." Lloyd's cards have become more visible in the hobby after our 2023 sale of a Punch Cigarros example for more than $120,000 and our sale of this card in a lower grade for $58,000 last summer. 

With just 13 examples of Pop Lloyd's Billiken card graded by SGC and four more by PSA, this is an unquestionably rare card. This example is a stunning one, with a gorgeous image. Some moderate toning reveals a few tiny light spots here and there, in the lower-right border and above Lloyd's cap, and some corner wear consistent with the grade is also visible, primarily at the lower left. The reverse is largely clean, with a dark blemish visible above the text area. Billiken cards are often found with all manner of condition flaws, typically insect holes, creases, marks, and stains. Obtaining the card in any grade is a challenge, as evidenced by the fact that SGC has graded a total of 544 cards from the Billiken issue, yet just 19 have surpassed the EX/MT level.

Competition for Billiken Hall of Famers is stiff, and the key cards typically stay tucked away in advanced collections, seldom becoming available. A true treasure, an important card of one of the key Hall of Famers from the Negro Leagues, and one of the all-time greats of the Cuban League.

Size: large
Condition: yes