1989 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
For hockey card collectors, the 1989 O Pee Chee set is a must-have. This iconic Canadian card manufacturer produced a set that featured some of the most recognizable hockey players of the era. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the 1989 O Pee Chee set, its key cards and players, and tips on collecting and preserving these valuable hockey cards.
History of 1989 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
O Pee Chee, originally known as O-Pee-Chee Gum Company, was founded in London, Ontario in 1911 by the O-Pee-Chee brothers. The company began producing hockey cards in the 1930s and continued to do so until the early 1990s. The 1989 O Pee Chee set was one of the company's most popular sets, featuring 264 cards that included the top players of the era.
The set was split into two series with the first series consisting of 198 cards and the second series consisting of 66 cards. The cards were printed on thick card stock and featured full-color photos of the players on the front, along with their name and team logo. The back of the cards included the player's stats from the previous season, as well as a brief bio.
Key Cards and Players
The 1989 O Pee Chee set included some of the biggest names in hockey at the time. Some of the most valuable cards from the set include:
- Card #9 - Wayne Gretzky: The Great One's card is always a fan favorite and is highly sought after by collectors.
- Card #30 - Mario Lemieux: Another all-time great, Lemieux's card is also a must-have for collectors.
- Card #113 - Patrick Roy: One of the best goaltenders of all time, Roy's card is highly sought after for any serious collector.
- Card #133 - Steve Yzerman: Yzerman was the captain of the Detroit Red Wings and a dominant force on the ice. His card is highly valued by Red Wings fans and collectors alike.
- Card #196 - Brett Hull: Hull was a prolific scorer and his card is highly valued by collectors.
- Card #220 - Joe Sakic: The longtime Colorado Avalanche captain and Hockey Hall of Famer is a fan favorite and his card is highly sought after by collectors.
- Card #230 - Luc Robitaille: The former Los Angeles Kings sniper was one of the league's top goal scorers in the late 80s and early 90s. His card is a must-have for Kings fans and collectors.
- Card #259 - Pavel Bure: Bure was a rising star in the league at the time and his card is highly valued by collectors today.
Collecting and Preserving 1989 O Pee Chee Hockey Cards
Collecting 1989 O Pee Chee hockey cards can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's important to take care of your cards to maintain their value. Here are some tips:
- Store your cards in a safe place: Keep your cards in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity, heat, or sunlight.
- Use card sleeves and top loaders: Card sleeves and top loaders can help protect your cards from scratches and other damage.
- Handle your cards with care: Avoid touching the front of the card and handle them by the edges to prevent smudging, fingerprints, or other damage.
- Invest in professional grading: Professional grading services can assess the condition of your cards and assign them a grade, which can affect their value significantly.
1989 O Pee Chee hockey cards are a valuable and sought-after collectible for any hockey fan or collector. With some knowledge about the key cards and players, along with tips on collecting and preserving the cards, you can start your own collection with confidence.
