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.

Iron Man Joe McGinnity threw his last major league pitch in 1908, and with his Hall of Fame credentials securely in place, embarked on a long minor league odyssey that brought him to Newark from 1909-1912. Nicely composed with a gorgeous red gradient background, this has always been a highlight of the minor league T206 cards. A crease in the top right corner and some tobacco staining along the perimeter keeps this card from grading even higher than it already has. The printing on the Piedmont back is dark and bold, but another spot of tobacco staining further explains the card's technical grade.