1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards
If you're a hockey fan, you know that collecting hockey cards is a timeless hobby that has been going on for decades. Among the many hockey cards that exist, the 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards are some of the most sought-after and rarest.
Released in 1988 by the famous Canadian sports card manufacturer O-Pee-Chee, the 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards were miniature versions of the regular-sized hockey cards. However, the mini version cards were only available in packs of gum and were not sold individually, making them much harder to find.
Despite the small size of the cards, the 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards were jam-packed with features that made them unique and desirable for collectors. The cards were vertically oriented, displaying a player's portrait on the front along with a team logo, player name, and position. The back of the cards had a ton of information including the player's stats, biographical information, and even an action photo.
Why People Love 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards
The 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards are considered the holy grail for many hockey fans and collectors for several reasons:
- Rarity: The cards were only available in packs of gum and were not sold individually. As a result, they are considered one of the rarest and hardest to find hockey cards ever produced.
- Unique Size: The mini size of the cards added another level of rarity and uniqueness to the already rare cards. The fact that every card was also vertically oriented, added to the uniqueness of the cards.
- Quality: The quality of the cards was excellent, with beautiful and crisp images and excellent printing quality. The thickness of the cardstock was also of high quality, ensuring that the cards were durable and long-lasting.
- Player Selection: The 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards featured an extensive player selection, including all of the top players from the time, such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Patrick Roy, among others.
How to Identify 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards
Identifying 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards can be a little tricky since they are visually similar to the regular-sized hockey cards. Here are some things to look for when identifying these cards:
- Size: The mini cards are smaller than the regular-sized cards and are vertically oriented.
- Logo: The logo on the front of the cards will have the words "O-Pee-Chee" written in white letters over a red oval background.
- Back: The back of the cards will feature a lot of information about the player, including their stats and a small action photo. The back will also have the words "O-Pee-Chee" written in red letters at the top center.
- Year: The year 1988 will be printed on the bottom left corner of the front of the card.
Buying and Selling 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards
Since the 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards are highly sought-after and rare, they can be expensive to buy or sell. The value of the cards varies based on the player, the condition of the card, and the rarity of the card.
For those looking to buy these cards, there are several online auction sites and sports memorabilia stores where you can find them. When buying, make sure to verify the authenticity of the card and the condition of the card before making a purchase.
For those looking to sell their cards, you have several options, including selling them on online auction sites, sports memorabilia stores, or through private sales. Make sure to research the value of your cards beforehand to ensure that you're getting a fair price for them.
The Bottom Line
The 1988 O-Pee-Chee Mini Hockey Cards are more than just collectibles; they are a piece of history and a testament to the love of hockey. If you're a hockey fan, collector, or just love sports memorabilia, these rare and unique cards are a must-have in your collection. So start searching, and who knows, you might just come across a hidden gem!
