1972 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
If you are a fan of hockey and hockey cards, you probably have heard of the 1972 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards. These are some of the most valuable and sought-after hockey cards of all time, and for good reason. In this article, we will take a look at the history of these iconic cards, their value, and what makes them so special.
What are O Pee Chee Hockey Cards?
O Pee Chee (often spelled O-Pee-Chee) is a Canadian sports card manufacturer that has been producing hockey cards since the 1930s. The company was acquired by Topps in 1965, and the 1972 hockey set was the first set released under the partnership.
The 1972 O Pee Chee hockey set consists of 340 cards, featuring players from all 14 NHL teams at the time. One of the unique aspects of this set is that it includes both English and French text, due to the bilingual nature of Canada. The cards were printed on a gray cardstock, and the backs featured bilingual information about the player, including statistics and a brief biography.
Why are 1972 O Pee Chee hockey cards so valuable?
There are several factors that contribute to the high value of 1972 O Pee Chee hockey cards. First, the set was produced in lower quantities than its American counterpart, the 1972 Topps hockey set. This is due to the fact that O Pee Chee was a Canadian company, and there were fewer collectors in Canada at the time. As a result, the production numbers for the O Pee Chee set were significantly lower than the Topps set, making them rarer and more valuable.
Second, the 1972 O Pee Chee set includes the rookie card of arguably the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky. The Gretzky card (numbered 176) is the most valuable card in the set, and one of the most valuable hockey cards of all time. It is estimated that fewer than 50 Gretzky rookie cards in mint condition exist, and these can fetch upwards of $200,000 at auction.
Finally, the cards are highly sought-after by collectors due to their nostalgic value. Many collectors grew up with these cards, and they hold a special place in their hearts. This emotional attachment drives up the demand and value of the cards.
How can you tell if your 1972 O Pee Chee hockey cards are valuable?
The value of 1972 O Pee Chee hockey cards can vary greatly depending on the condition and rarity of the individual cards. The Gretzky rookie card is obviously the most valuable card in the set, but there are other cards that can fetch a decent price as well.
One way to determine the value of your cards is to have them graded by a professional grading company, such as PSA or Beckett. These companies will assign a grade to your card based on its condition, which can greatly affect its value. A card in pristine, mint condition can be worth many times more than the same card in poor condition.
Another way to determine the value of your cards is to look at recent sales of similar cards on auction sites such as eBay or Heritage Auctions. This can give you a good idea of what your cards are worth in the current market.
Conclusion
The 1972 O Pee Chee hockey cards are some of the most valuable and sought-after hockey cards of all time. Their rarity, the inclusion of Wayne Gretzky's rookie card, and their nostalgic value all contribute to their high value. If you have any of these cards in your collection, it may be worth having them graded or looking into their value on the current market.