Shoeless Joe Jackson – 1909 American Caramel
“Shoeless Joe” Jackson, named Joseph Walker Jackson, made his debut in the MLB in 1908 with the Philadelphia Athletics (today the Oakland Athletics). Over his thirteen-year run in baseball, Shoeless Joe had 54 home runs. He was nominated for MVP a few times but was always shy of the winning vote.
The American Tobacco Company created the card to boost cigarette sales. What makes this particular card popular may be due to Jackson’s clouded history. He was allegedly involved in a 1919 Chicago Black Sox gambling scandal which resulted in him being banned from baseball. A mint condition 1909 Jackson goes for $660,000.