1972 73 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
Are you a hockey card collector looking for rare finds to add to your collection? Then you might want to check out the 1972-73 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards. These cards were produced by the company O Pee Chee (or OPC), a Canadian manufacturer that had a licensing agreement with the National Hockey League. The 1972-73 set is particularly special because it features the last cards of legendary players like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, and Tim Horton. In this article, we'll take a closer look at these cards and what makes them so valuable.
History of O Pee Chee
O Pee Chee was a confectionery and trading card company that originated in London, Ontario. It was founded in 1911 by Omer Deslauriers and his three sons, Paul, Ernest, and Frank. At first, the company focused on producing candy, gum, and chocolate bars. But in the 1930s, they expanded into trading cards, particularly sports cards.
O Pee Chee's first hockey card set was released in 1933-34. The cards were printed on thin paper and featured black and white photographs of NHL players. Over the years, O Pee Chee improved its printing methods and card quality, becoming one of the biggest names in the trading card industry.
1972-73 O Pee Chee Set
The 1972-73 O Pee Chee set consists of 340 cards, each measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches. The cards feature color photographs of NHL players from all 14 teams. The backs have player stats, biographical information, and a cartoon depicting the player's nickname or a memorable play.
Some of the notable cards from this set include:
- Card #50 - Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins
- Card #75 - Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins
- Card #129 - Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings
- Card #295 - Tim Horton, Buffalo Sabres
The set also includes rookie cards of some future Hall of Famers, such as Ken Dryden, Larry Robinson, and Darryl Sittler.
Why Are They Valuable?
The 1972-73 O Pee Chee set is considered one of the most valuable hockey card sets of all time. There are several reasons why:
Rarity
Compared to other hockey card sets from the 1970s, the 1972-73 O Pee Chee set is relatively rare. This is partly due to the fact that O Pee Chee was a Canadian company and didn't distribute its cards as widely as some American manufacturers. Also, many of the cards were discarded or damaged over the years, making high-quality examples harder to find.
Quality
The 1972-73 O Pee Chee set is known for its high-quality printing and design. The color photographs are sharp and clear, and the card stock is thick and durable. Compared to some other sets from the era, the 1972-73 O Pee Chee cards have held up well over time.
Player Significance
The 1972-73 O Pee Chee set features some of the most iconic players in NHL history. Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Gordie Howe are just a few examples. These players have all been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and their cards are highly sought after by collectors.
How to Value Your Cards
If you're lucky enough to have some 1972-73 O Pee Chee cards in your possession, you may be wondering how much they're worth. There are several factors that can affect the value of a card, including:
- Condition - Cards that are in excellent condition with sharp corners and no creases or stains are worth more than cards with signs of wear and tear.
- Player - Some players are more valuable than others, based on their significance and popularity.
- Rarity - Cards that are harder to find or were printed in smaller numbers are more valuable than cards that are more common.
You can research the value of your cards by consulting price guides or by checking online auction sites like eBay. Be sure to compare the condition and rarity of your cards to others that have sold recently, as this will give you a better idea of their value.
Conclusion
The 1972-73 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards are a prized possession for many hockey card collectors. With their high-quality printing, iconic players, and relative rarity, these cards are highly sought after and can fetch a high price on the market. If you're lucky enough to have some in your collection, take good care of them and consider having them appraised to get an idea of their value.