updated 5:22 p.m. ET Sept. 6, 2007

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. - A rare Honus Wagner baseball card has been sold for a record $2.8 million, just over six months after it was bought for a then-record $2.35 million.

Referred to as the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards, it’s in the best condition of the few known T206 Wagner cards, released in 1909 by the American Tobacco Company.

It was purchased by an unnamed private collector in a deal brokered by SCP Auctions, the firm that handled the previous sale to a California private collector and took a minority ownership position in the card at the time.

Past owners of the card include Wayne Gretzky.

It is estimated that fewer than 100 versions of the card have surfaced. Various theories exist as to why Wagner cut off the production of his card, including financial disagreements with the company and a desire to not promote tobacco to children.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Handicapping the Halladay chase Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay   CTB: Should the Yankees get younger? DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach CTB: A prediction — Lackey will sign with Yankees CTB: Indians unlikely to deal Wood this offseason CTB: Mets could be interested in Royals’ Guilllen Complete list of free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz SCORES, SCHEDULES, STANDINGS, STATS Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: