You’ve probably heard the news: a heavily restored T206 Wagner will hit the auction block at Love of the Game’s upcoming summer 2026 auction. So let’s have some fun. What final all-in price will the CGC Wagner fetch? The winner gets a box full of goodies from Cardhound, CGC, Pro-Mold, and more! Drop your guess here. It will feel just like bidding–but without the expense!
(If you need to join the Cardhound Facebook group, here’s the link.)
The Restored CGC Wagner
Here’s a look at the CGC example that is up for auction–consigned, by the way, by Keith Olbermann, who only has a couple other examples:
But the card you see is only part of the story. This card was restored from a famously die-cut example–and had been reduced to little more than Wagner’s image and name:
Cardhound has pondered “restored” labels like this before, and it’s still a big bundle of mixed feelings. Is a “restored” tag only at the discretion of the grader? Is it reserved for high-profile cards and clients? How much (or how little) of a card do we need to still receive a “restored” label (as opposed to just refusing to even authenticate a fragment of a card)? So many questions.
The Restored PSA Wagner
It’s not totally unprecedented: a PSA Wagner with the “restored” designation last sold for close to $2 million. Here’s a look at the before and after of that card:
How High Will It Go?
Obviously, the PSA example is much more “complete” and the restoration less dramatic. I’m guessing the current CGC example does not approach this one, but it’s a crazy hobby and vintage is on fire.
So what’s the final price? Drop your best guess and good luck!
