Wayne Grezky is the absolute GOAT when it comes to hockey.
Well, that’s to my knowledge. And I’m not going to lie, as an Australian, the closest thing I saw to ice was in the back of my freezer.
Anyway, I did have a Canadian history teacher and he LOVED Wayne Gretzky. In fact, all we had to do was mention his name and that was the end of the lesson – he’d talk about the Oilers for the rest of the lesson.
So, as you could probably guess, I became well versed in Gretzky that semester.
Anyway, here’s some of the key Wayne Grezky rookie cards, and other great options.
Table of Contents
Best Wayne Gretzky Cards
1979 O-Pee-Chee #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card
EasilytheGretzky rookie card, and maybe the most essential Hockey card ever produced.
I’d actually label it as one of the top iconic cards of all time in any sport!
I love this little writeup on the back. “Wayne is considered the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur“.
So it’s safe to say that Gretzky was a known commodity before he started his career as a pro.
1979 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card
The Topps version of the card is basically the exact same as the last one.
However, it’s a Topps card, and therefore American.
With that, this card is easier to find – and is cheaper than the OPC one we spoke about earlier.
Doesn’t mean it isn’t a good card though. The Topps version is still an all-timer in the hobby.
If you can afford both, I’d strongly recommend it!
The Other Wayne Gretzky Rookie Cards
That’s it…. There’s just the two.
The Topps and O-Pee-Chee cards are the only Gretzky rookie cards that were created. The hobby wasn’t like it is now with dozens or parallels and autos, or patches, or autoswithpatches…. the list goes on.
And it isn’t like the junk wax era, when leagues let too many manufacturers create cards.
Personally, I kinda like only having the one rookie card. Reminds me of older soccer cards and stickers.
Other Wayne Gretzky Memorabilia
What’s a Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card Worth?
As you’ve probably noticed here, a Gretzky rookie card can be worth quite a lot of money.
To buy a highly graded rookie card, you’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars. Granted, the cards with lower grades are a little cheaper, but they’re still expensive.
The thing is, they’re going up in time too. I’d say these Gretzky rookie cards are rising at a minimum of 10% 20% a year pretty consistently.
With that, they’re seen by a lot as one of the ‘blue chip’ sports cards.
How Many Gretzky Rookie Cards Exist?
There were only two Wayne Gretzky rookie cards created, the O-Pee-Chee, and the Topps cards. Both cards are basically identical, and were just regional printings of the same product.
Back then, pretty much every card was ‘base’ so there are no numbered parallels or anything like that.
There’s no true print number out there with cards from this age. However, as of the time of writing, there’s about 11,000 Gretzky rookie cards graded in total with PSA. With a very small number of PSA 9 and 10s.
That means that there’s a lot less cards out there, than there are collectors.
What is the Best Hockey Cards to Collect?
Like I said at the top, I’m not a Hockey guy. However, from my research, the Gretzky rookie cards are the top Hockey cards out there.
However, when it comes to collecting, collect what you love. Many collectors keep personal collections for their favorite players or teams. Some even collect from their favorite era.
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I'm a big time sports nerd, with soccer being my first true love. I've been collecting sports cards since I was a little kid, and now... well, not much has changed, but I write about it... and I have facial hair.
I'm a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of sports memorabilia, particularly in the realm of hockey cards. My expertise extends beyond geographical boundaries, as I bring an Australian perspective to the discussion—a place where ice is a rare sight. Despite this, my passion for the subject matter is undeniable, shaped by the influence of a Canadian history teacher whose adoration for Wayne Gretzky transcended borders.
Having immersed myself in the lore of hockey through Gretzky's legacy, I've delved into the intricacies of collecting, valuing, and understanding the significance of Wayne Gretzky rookie cards. My Canadian mentor's penchant for the Oilers and Wayne Gretzky transformed me into a well-versed individual in the subject, equipping me to provide insights into the key elements outlined in the article.
Now, let's dissect the concepts covered in the article:
Key Wayne Gretzky Rookie Cards
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1979 O-Pee-Chee #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card:
- Considered the epitome of Gretzky rookie cards.
- Deemed one of the top iconic cards across all sports.
- Acknowledges Gretzky as a highly anticipated professional prospect.
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1979 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card:
- Essentially similar to the O-Pee-Chee version but produced by Topps.
- More readily available and affordable than the O-Pee-Chee counterpart.
Other Wayne Gretzky Memorabilia
- The article asserts that only two Wayne Gretzky rookie cards exist: O-Pee-Chee and Topps. This simplicity is contrasted with the current complexity of the hobby, emphasizing a reminiscent feel of older soccer cards and stickers.
Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card Value
- Highlights the substantial monetary value of Gretzky rookie cards, reaching tens of thousands of dollars for highly graded versions.
- Suggests a consistent annual increase in value, positioning Gretzky rookie cards as 'blue chip' sports cards.
Quantity of Gretzky Rookie Cards
- States that there were only two Wayne Gretzky rookie cards created, with approximately 11,000 graded in total by PSA.
- Emphasizes the scarcity of these cards compared to the number of collectors, underlining their desirability.
Best Hockey Cards to Collect
- Expresses a personal lack of expertise in hockey but acknowledges, based on research, that Gretzky rookie cards are considered the top hockey cards.
- Encourages collectors to prioritize personal preferences, whether based on favorite players, teams, or eras.
Author's Background
- Introduces the author as a dedicated sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about soccer and sports card collecting.
- Highlights the author's extensive experience in collecting sports cards since childhood.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the nuances surrounding Wayne Gretzky rookie cards and the broader context of sports card collecting positions me as a reliable source for information on this fascinating topic.
