The 1888 Allen & Ginter N11 Flags of the States & Territories set is one of the most historically rich and visually striking non-sports tobacco card sets of the 19th century. Issued as cigarette pack inserts by Allen & Ginter, this 47-card set showcases the flags of U.S. states and territories as they existed in the late 19th century. Unlike modern flag representations, these designs often differ from today’s official state flags, offering a fascinating snapshot of an America still expanding westward.

This set is particularly valued not only for its patriotic imagery but also for its depiction of U.S. territories that had not yet become states. It provides a glimpse into an era when vast regions of the country were still developing, and the concept of American identity was closely tied to territorial expansion.

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Historical Background and Survival Over Time:

Allen & Ginter was one of the most influential tobacco companies of the 19th century, pioneering the inclusion of collectible cards in cigarette packs. The N11 Flags of the States & Territories set was part of this marketing strategy, capitalizing on the growing sense of American nationalism in the late 1800s.

These cards were distributed across the United States, but like most tobacco inserts from this era, they were printed on delicate paper stock and were never meant to last. As a result, high-grade examples are scarce. Over the years, the set has survived numerous historic events that have shaped the country, including:

• Montana’s Statehood (1889) – Just a year after this set’s release, Montana transitioned from a territory to a state, marking an important milestone in American expansion. The inclusion of a Montana Territory card in this set makes it a fascinating pre-statehood collectible.

• The Oklahoma Land Rush (1889) – A pivotal moment in U.S. history, this event marked the beginning of the dissolution of Indian Territory, which was featured in the N11 set.

• The Spanish-American War (1898) – This war marked the U.S.’s emergence as a global power and led to the acquisition of new territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. While these new territories were not part of the original N11 set, they reflect the ongoing expansionist policies that shaped the country.

• The Spanish Flu Pandemic (1918–1919) – A devastating global health crisis, the Spanish Flu likely contributed to the loss or neglect of many early tobacco cards as collectors prioritized survival.

• The Great Depression (1929–1939) – Economic hardship forced many families to part with collectibles, leading to further losses of fragile tobacco cards from the 19th century.

• World War I & II (1914–1918, 1939–1945) – As America fought in two world wars, collectibles like early tobacco cards took a backseat to more immediate concerns. However, their survival through these turbulent times makes them even more valuable today.

• The Admission of Alaska & Hawaii (1959) – By the time these two states joined the Union, the N11 set had become a historical relic, depicting an America before it had reached its modern 50-state form.

• The Modern Collecting Boom (1980s–Present) – The 1980s and 1990s saw a resurgence of interest in early tobacco cards, leading to increased appreciation for non-sports sets like the N11 Flags of the States & Territories.

Despite these historical challenges, the N11 Flags of the States & Territories set has survived, offering collectors a tangible piece of American history.

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Notable & Highly Sought-After Cards:

While the entire N11 Flags of the States & Territories set is collectible, some cards stand out due to their historical significance and rarity.

1. Indian Territory (Present-Day Oklahoma)

Arguably the most significant card in the set, the Indian Territory card represents a land that no longer exists in its 1888 form. At the time, Indian Territory was designated for Native American tribes forcibly relocated there, primarily via the Trail of Tears in the early 19th century.

However, the U.S. government soon began opening up this land to settlers, leading to the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, just one year after this card’s release. Over time, Indian Territory was absorbed into what would become the state of Oklahoma in 1907.

This card is highly sought after because it captures a lost era of American history, representing a promise that was broken as Native American lands were gradually taken away. Collectors value it not only for its rarity but for the weight of history it carries.

2. Montana Territory (Achieved Statehood in 1889)

The Montana Territory card is another standout in the set. In 1888, Montana was still a vast, untamed region with a booming mining industry and a growing population of settlers, ranchers, and Native American tribes. Just a year later, in 1889, Montana became the 41st state, making this card one of the last official representations of Montana as a U.S. territory.

For collectors, this card is particularly desirable because it serves as a pre-statehood artifact, marking the transition of Montana from a rugged frontier land into an official state.

3. Dakota Territory (Pre-North & South Dakota Statehood, 1889)

At the time of this set’s release, Dakota was still a single, massive territory. However, in 1889, Dakota was split into North Dakota and South Dakota, each becoming separate states. The Dakota Territory card is significant because it represents the final days of a unified Dakota before it was divided into two.

Collectors appreciate this card for its historical accuracy and rarity, as it marks a brief moment in American history before Dakota was forever split into two separate states.

4. Arizona & New Mexico Territories (Pre-Statehood, 1912)

Both Arizona and New Mexico were still territories in 1888 and wouldn’t achieve statehood until 1912. These cards are highly collectible because they depict these regions long before they became full-fledged states.

At the time, both territories were home to a mix of Native American, Spanish, and American settlers, making them culturally and historically unique. The fact that they remained territories for nearly 25 more years after the release of this set makes these cards fascinating historical artifacts.

5. Wyoming Territory (Pre-Statehood, 1890)

Another notable territorial card is Wyoming, which wouldn’t become a state until 1890. Wyoming is particularly famous for being the first U.S. territory to grant women the right to vote (1869), making it a historically progressive region even before achieving statehood.

Collectors seek this card as a representation of Wyoming’s pioneering spirit and early history.

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Collectibility & Legacy:

The 1888 Allen & Ginter N11 Flags of the States & Territories set remains a significant and highly collectible piece of American history. It appeals to collectors for several reasons:

• Pre-Statehood Territories – Cards like Indian Territory, Montana, Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming capture the U.S. before it reached its modern form.

• Patriotic & Historical Appeal – The depiction of state and territorial flags ties directly into American history and identity.

• Rare High-Grade Examples – Due to their fragility, well-preserved versions are difficult to find, making them highly valuable.

Unlike sports tobacco cards, which tend to dominate the collecting world, the N11 Flags of the States & Territories set stands as a historical document of America in the late 19th century. It serves as a reminder of how much the country has changed and how many of these territories have evolved into modern states.

For collectors, owning a piece of this set is like holding a snapshot of a bygone America, making it a truly unique and cherished collectible.

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