Controversial Honus Wagner Card Sells for Lowest Price in 6 Years, Auctioned by Keith Olbermann

Keith Olbermann's famous and controversial T206 "Die-Cut" Honus Wagner card reportedly sold through Love of the Game auctions at a head-turning price.

Darren Rovell of CLLCT reported Sunday the card sold for $1.33 million, which was the lowest mark for a T206 Wagner card in approximately six years. Rovell called that number "a testament to a great job of restoration and a testament to the fact that restoration isn't universally seen as acceptable."

While 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner cards are widely seen as some of the most coveted sports cards in the industry with fewer than 70 copies known to exist, Jeff Owens of Sports Collectors Digest explained why this particular card is surrounded by so much controversy.

The "Die-Cut" Wagner was graded Authentic Restored by CGC after it was restored and reconstructed.

According to Owens, the card "has sparked a debate over whether restored or reconstructed cards are legitimate collectibles and whether they should be sold."

It was initially so damaged that three borders and the background were trimmed away. Essentially, it was just the silhouette of Wagner with the back of the card also missing, although Olbermann paid for it and the restoration. 

It was the first of three Wagner cards the former SportsCenter host would own.

Following the refurbishing efforts, the card is much more recognizable and stands out upon first look.

"For decades card doctoring has been considered taboo and has at times been an epidemic in the hobby, with unscrupulous dealers selling trimmed and altered cards without disclosing the restoration," Owens wrote. "That may be changing with the 'Die-Cut' Wagner."

That the card sold for more than $1 million but still less than comparative Wagner cards in recent years will likely do nothing to quell the controversy.