Hockey card collecting is more than just a hobby—it can be a serious investment. Some rare cards have sold for hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars at auctions. The value of a hockey card depends on factors like rarity, condition, and the player featured. This article highlights the ten most valuable hockey cards ever sold, featuring some of the greatest legends of the sport.
Why Are Some Hockey Cards So Valuable?
Not all hockey cards hold the same value. The price of a card depends on several key factors:
- Player’s Legacy – Cards featuring legendary players like Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and Mario Lemieux tend to be worth more.
- Rarity – Limited edition and hard-to-find cards, especially those with unique features, are highly desirable.
- Condition (Grading) – Cards graded PSA 10 (Gem Mint) are the most valuable, as they are in perfect condition.
- Autographs & Patches – Cards with player autographs or game-worn jersey patches are rare and often sell for a premium.
Now, let’s take a look at the most valuable hockey cards in history.
1. 1979-80 Topps Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card (#18) – $720,000
Wayne Gretzky, often called “The Great One,” is one of the most legendary players in hockey history. His 1979-80 Topps rookie card is among the most valuable in the world. Although it is slightly different from the O-Pee-Chee version, it remains a top collectible. In December 2020, a PSA 10-graded copy of this card sold for a record-breaking $720,000.
2. 1966 Topps Bobby Orr Rookie Card (#35) – $276,000
Bobby Orr, considered one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history, has a highly sought-after rookie card from 1966. This Topps card is extremely rare, with only two copies receiving the highest grade (BVG 10). In February 2021, one of these cards sold for an incredible $276,000.
3. 2015 Upper Deck The Cup Connor McDavid Rookie Card (#197) – $135,811
Connor McDavid is the only modern player on this list, proving his growing legacy in the NHL. His 2015 Upper Deck The Cup rookie patch autograph (RPA) card is limited to just 99 copies. A PSA 9-graded version of this card was auctioned for $135,811 in June 2020.
4. 2006-07 Upper Deck The Cup Dual NHL Shields Wayne Gretzky/Mario Lemieux – $91,200
This one-of-a-kind dual autograph patch card features two NHL icons—Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. The 2006-07 Upper Deck The Cup Dual NHL Shields card is extremely rare and valuable, selling for $91,200 in October 2021.
5. 1958 Topps Bobby Hull Rookie Card (#66) – $87,000
Bobby Hull, known as “The Golden Jet,” was one of the fastest skaters in NHL history. His 1958 Topps rookie card is highly valued, with only a few PSA 8 or higher copies in existence. In February 2021, one of these rare cards sold for $87,000.
6. 1985 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux Rookie Card (#9) – $80,100
Mario Lemieux, one of the most dominant scorers in NHL history, has a legendary rookie card from 1985. Only 48 copies of this card have received a perfect PSA 10 grade, making it extremely rare. In January 2021, a mint-condition copy of this card was sold for $80,100.
7. 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard Rookie Card (#4) – $75,000
Maurice “The Rocket” Richard was the first NHL player to score 500 goals in his career. His 1951 Parkhurst rookie card is one of the most historic hockey cards ever. With only a handful of high-graded copies available, it sold for $75,000 in July 2021.
8. 1911-12 C55 Imperial Tobacco Georges Vezina (#38) – $61,200
Georges Vezina, after whom the Vezina Trophy (awarded to the best goaltender) is named, has one of the oldest and most valuable hockey cards. His 1911-12 Imperial Tobacco rookie card is a rare gem, selling for $61,200 in May 2021.
9. 1980 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Card (#250) – $60,400
Even beyond his rookie year, Wayne Gretzky’s cards remain in high demand. His 1980 O-Pee-Chee card, released during his second NHL season, is one of the rarest and most valuable. A PSA 10 copy of this card was auctioned for $60,400 in March 2021.
10. 1923 V145-1 #25 Bert Corbeau Rookie Card – $40,000
This card is unique because Bert Corbeau was never inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, yet his 1923 rookie card is worth $40,000. The 1923 V145-1 set included only 40 cards, featuring legends like Howie Morenz and Aurele Joliat. However, it is Corbeau’s card that stands out due to its extreme rarity.
11. 2005 The Cup #180 Sidney Crosby Rookie Card (Autographed) – $37,200
Sidney Crosby’s 2005 Upper Deck The Cup rookie card is considered the ultimate collectible for fans of “Sid the Kid.” This card features both an on-card autograph and a game-worn jersey patch, making it extremely valuable. One copy of this card sold for $37,200, and its value is expected to rise as Crosby’s career continues to add to his legacy.
12. 1912 C57 #1 Georges Vezina Card – $25,000
This card holds a special place in hockey card history. The 1912 C57 #1 Georges Vezina card was the very first card in a 50-card set distributed in cigarette packs. Due to its number one ranking, this card is highly coveted by collectors aiming to complete the set. In pristine condition, it is valued at $25,000.
Conclusion: Is Hockey Card Collecting Worth It?
Hockey card collecting is not just a hobby—it can also be a profitable investment. The market for rare and high-quality cards continues to grow, with some cards reaching six-figure prices at auctions. If you have old hockey cards at home, it may be worth checking their value. Who knows? You might own a hidden treasure!
Would you invest in rare hockey cards? Let us know in the comments!
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