Cap Anson – 1887 Old Judge
The card of Adrian Anson, known as “Cap Anson,” is the oldest card on our list. The Notre Dame graduate began his professional baseball career with the Rockford Forest Citys, which only lasted as a team for one year, in 1871. In 1876, he moved to the Chicago White Stockings (now the Cubs).
This 1887 Cap Anson card is a special card. Many collectors believe the 1887 Old Judge series was the best set of the 19th century due to the number of players it contained as well as the variations of each player, sometimes up to 12 per player. It is believed that only five of these cards exist, and finding one in mint condition will bring you an $80,000 payday.