1971 O'pee Chee Hockey Cards
If you are a fan of hockey, then you surely must have heard about the legendary 1971 O'pee Chee hockey cards. These cards are widely considered to be the greatest hockey card set of all time, and for good reason. Not only are they incredibly rare and sought-after by collectors, but they also feature some of the most iconic players and moments in the history of the sport.
The History of O'pee Chee Hockey Cards
The O'pee Chee company was founded in 1911 in London, Ontario, and started producing trading cards in the early 1930s. The company's first foray into hockey cards came in 1933 with the release of the V304A and V304B sets. These sets included some of the biggest stars of the day, such as Howie Morenz and Eddie Shore, and are highly prized by collectors today.
Over the years, O'pee Chee continued to produce hockey cards, but it wasn't until the 1971 set that they truly hit their stride. This set included a whopping 264 cards, which was a massive increase from the previous year's set of just 132. The cards featured full-color photos of the players, along with their stats and team information.
One of the most unique aspects of the 1971 O'pee Chee set was that it included both Canadian and American teams, making it the first set to do so. This was a significant milestone in the history of hockey cards, as it helped to expand the sport's popularity in the United States.
The Most Valuable Cards in the Set
While all of the cards in the 1971 O'pee Chee set are highly sought-after by collectors, there are a few that stand out as being particularly valuable. One of these is the card of Bobby Orr, which features a stunning action shot of the Boston Bruins legend. This card is so rare and valuable that it has sold for as much as $200,000 in the past.
Another highly coveted card in the set is that of Gordie Howe, which features a classic photo of "Mr. Hockey" in his Detroit Red Wings sweater. This card is also very rare and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars on the open market.
Other valuable cards in the set include those of Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, and Phil Esposito, among others. These cards are prized not only for their rarity but also for the fact that they capture some of the greatest players of all time in their prime.
The Legacy of the 1971 O'pee Chee Set
Even though the 1971 O'pee Chee set was released nearly 50 years ago, its legacy continues to this day. The set is still highly prized by collectors, and many consider it to be the pinnacle of hockey card collecting. The 264-card set remains one of the largest ever produced by a single company, and its inclusion of both Canadian and American teams helped to further cement the popularity of the sport in North America.
If you are lucky enough to own any of these cards, then you know just how special they are. And if you are a collector looking to add to your collection, then the 1971 O'pee Chee set is definitely one to keep an eye out for. It represents a true moment in hockey history and is sure to be treasured by fans for generations to come.