The T206 White Border set is the most famous tobacco issue ever produced, and Christy Mathewson is among its most coveted subjects. This example features the scarce Sovereign 350 back, one of the tougher advertising backs in the set and a significant upgrade in rarity over the more common Piedmont and Sweet Caporal varieties.

Mathewson was the first true superstar pitcher of the 20th century. "Big Six" won 373 games for the New York Giants, posted a career ERA of 2.13 and authored perhaps the greatest pitching performance in World Series history, throwing three complete-game shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1905. Admired as much for his character as for his talent, he was one of the five original inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

Mathewson appears in three T206 poses, and this is the popular "Dark Cap" variation, depicting the handsome right-hander in his white Giants uniform with the interlocking "NY" on the sleeve, glove raised to his chest beneath a soft blue sky. The color is bright and the image well registered. The reverse displays the elegant green Sovereign Cigarettes "Fit For A King" design with the "350 Subjects" designation and Factory No. 25.

The card shows even wear to the corners and edges consistent with the grade, yet the front presents with excellent color and eye appeal. The reverse is clean and nicely centered. A premium Hall of Fame T206 with a desirable back that will please both type collectors and Mathewson enthusiasts alike. Graded VG+ 3.5 by PSA.