Wayne Gretzky

Market outlook

Rising Outlook 9/10

Continued record-breaking sales and recent graded 9 up 8.6% in 30 days to $115.9K demonstrate strong momentum; hockey market growth and Gretzky's timeless appeal drive prices.

Next months. Stable to rising with graded 9s holding $110K-$140K amid low volume sales

Long term. Strong appreciation as supply dwindles and collector base expands

History

Wayne Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, known as 'The Great One.' He holds NHL records for most career points (2,857), goals (894), and assists (1,963), winning 4 Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and revolutionizing the sport with his skill and vision. This 1979 O-Pee-Chee #18 is his true rookie card, capturing him at age 18 entering his legendary career.

First released in 1979 by O-Pee-Chee in Canada as part of the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey set, primarily distributed in Canadian markets.

• Only two copies graded 10 exist, making them the holy grail of hockey cards.
• Shattered records multiple times, including sales over $3.75 million.
• Considered the most valuable hockey card ever due to Gretzky's unparalleled legacy and the card's scarcity in top grades.

Rarity and print run

Tier

Ultra Rare

Print run

High

First printed in

1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey

Demand

Very High

Supply

Scarce

• Only 2 graded 10s and ~95 graded 9s in population out of 63,000+ graded
• Canadian-exclusive print run with lower survival in gem mint due to wax pack distribution
• High demand exhausts supply quickly

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering issues (common flaw, especially top/bottom), edge wear, surface scratches, and print defects on the colorful borders; corners are prone to dings; avoid cards with wax stains or print lines.

Storage. Store in semi-rigid holders or top-loaders with sleeves in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight; use graded/graded slabs for high-value copies; avoid stacking or direct contact with other cards.

Authenticity. Examine for correct O-Pee-Chee logo thickness, bilingual text on back (English/French), and proper color vibrancy; fakes often have off-center printing or thin card stock; authenticate via graded/graded/graded population reports showing only 2 graded 10s and 89-95 graded 9s; raw cards should not look pristine.