1979 80 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
For the avid hockey card collector, the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set is a must-have. This set is known for its iconic design and is often referred to as one of the greatest sets of all time. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set, including its history, key cards, and notable players.
History of the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card Set
The O Pee Chee company, founded in London, Ontario in 1911, was known for producing hockey cards in Canada from the 1930s to the 1990s. In 1979, they released their fourth hockey card set, the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set.
This set consisted of 396 cards and featured players from all 17 NHL teams at the time. Each card measured 2.5 x 3.5 inches and had a white border that extended slightly beyond the edges of the image. The front of the card featured a photo of the player along with their name, team, and position. The back of the card featured the player's stats from the previous season, as well as their career stats.
Key Cards in the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card Set
While each card in the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set is coveted by collectors, there are a few key cards that stand out as particularly important.
The Wayne Gretzky rookie card, numbered #18 in the set, is the most valuable card in the set. It features a young Gretzky in his Edmonton Oilers uniform, and is highly sought-after by collectors. Other key cards in the set include the Mark Messier rookie card (#289), the Mike Bossy rookie card (#115), and the Mike Liut rookie card (#20).
Notable Players in the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card Set
Many of the greatest players in NHL history are featured in the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set. Here are a few notable players:
- Wayne Gretzky (#18)
- Mark Messier (#289)
- Mike Bossy (#115)
- Dennis Potvin (#86)
- Ken Dryden (#120)
- Bobby Clarke (#150)
- Marcel Dionne (#195)
- Guy Lafleur (#250)
- Mario Lemieux (#185)
Collecting and Investing in 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
For collectors and investors, the 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set is a must-have. The value of this set has skyrocketed over the years, particularly due to the Gretzky rookie card. A high-quality Gretzky rookie card can sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
When collecting or investing in this set, it is important to look for cards in good condition. Cards that are in mint condition or have been professionally graded are especially valuable. It is also important to do your research before purchasing cards, as there are many counterfeit cards on the market.
Conclusion
The 1979-80 O Pee Chee Hockey Card set is a true gem in the world of hockey card collecting. Its iconic design, key cards, and notable players make it a must-have for any collector or investor. Whether you're a long-time hockey fan or a newcomer to the sport, this set is sure to impress.