One of the most popular T206 approaches is to assemble a collection of each back variety, where one of its most difficult remains this simple blank back. Most blanks are seen hand cut and were perhaps rescued from a discard pile after test prints. Experts estimate the blank back as ninth-scarcest overall, tougher than some other challenging brands offered in this Love of the Game auction, including Carolina Brights and Brown Hindu.

Chicago's Del Howard wrapped his MLB career after 1909, so finding him in a discard pile feels a bit "on the nose." Its wavy edges and rounded corners do indeed imply hand-cutting along the way, followed by appreciation of his unusual status and eventual authentication by SGC. An outstanding and scarce example of this popular T206 printing anomaly!