Distributed in tins of Violet Chips and Mint Chips gum by the Colgan's Gum Company, the "Stars of the Diamond" issue features 1 7/16" diameter cards printed on delicate paper. Distributed between 1909 and 1911, there are a number of variations among the issue resulting in at least 289 different cards featuring more than 225 different subjects. The result is a fascinating set sometimes known as E254 Colgan's Chips. Complete sets are virtually impossible to assemble with some of the reported variations not even confirmed. Given their method of distribution it should be no surprise that they are particularly condition-sensitive and that a lower-grade examples are the norm.

This example features a young Joe McCarthy with a scarce card from his playing days. McCarthy was with Toldeo from 1908 through 1911 as part of a long playing career before embarking on his Hall of Fame managerial career. Centering is north and west on the circular canvas, with lots of surface wear toward the top. Some light creasing is present, as well as some signs of the mild edge chipping often found with the issue. The reverse is far east on the canvas, and heavy creasing on that side helps explain the card's technical grade, however, the scarcity of this issue far outweighs any cosmetic flaws on this example.

SGC has only ever graded 9 total examples of this E254 Colgan's Chip, with only seven receiving a higher grade than the Poor 1 offered here of Hall of Famer Joe McCarthy.