There are thousands of individual issues Wayne Gretzky hockey cards available and it can be a bit confusing for a beginner to know where to start collecting. Although it would be very nice to own one of each, that is not an easily reachable goal for many of us. So, in the interest of keeping things simple, here is a rundown of some of the best Gretzky hockey cards from his playing days.
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- 1979-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky rookie card
– This is the ultimate in Gretzky hockey cards and one in Gem Mint condition sold for a seven-figure price in 2021. Does that mean it is out of reach for average collectors? Not at all. You can actually get this card in slightly lower grade for much less on eBay. You may also consider getting the lower priced Topps rookie card or one that hasn’t been graded to save money. Be careful in that area, though. Counterfeits do exist. Either way, any serious collection of Gretzky hockey cards cannot be complete without a rookie card in place.
- 1979-80 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie card—
Although not as valuable as the O-Pee-Chee card, the Topps rookie card is nothing to sneeze at and honestly, the difference in population isn’t that much higher than the much more valuable OPC version. It’s much easier to find in high-grade condition than the O-Pee-Chee version and some collectors actually prefer the quality of the Topps card.
- 1980-1981 O-Pee-Chee or Topps #250 – This second season card is a must-have for your collection and is fairly easy to find. You can purchase a nice one from either manufacturer for a very modest price, considering Gretzky’s status in the game. Buy the best you can afford and that usually means a graded example.
- 1982-1983 O-Pee-Chee # 106 – Great, affordable third season card. Ridiculously inexpensive in virtually every grade except PSA 9 or 10, this is a great card that is not difficult to get but is far from overproduced.
- 1983-1984 O-Pee-Chee #29 – Gretzky’s fourth season card showing the Great One in his Oilers uniform (waiting for a face-off?) can be part of your stash of Gretzky hockey cards for around $30-$60 unless you’re talking super high-end.
- 1979-80 OPC Wayne Gretzky rookie card
1987-1988 O-Pee-Chee #53 – Gretzky’s last season with the Oilers. This card is a necessity for any accumulation of Gretzky hockey cards. Again, prices vary because of condition and this one seems to be a bit pricier than you might think.
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