The 10 Most Valuable Wayne Gretzky Hockey Cards Ever Sold

As hockey's undisputed 'Great One,' Wayne Gretzky's impact on the sport is immeasurable. His prowess on the ice has translated into a legacy extending far beyond the rink, reaching into sports memorabilia and collectibles.

For Canadian sports enthusiasts and card collectors alike, Gretzky's hockey cards represent the pinnacle of the hobby. Today, we're diving into the crème de la crème of Gretzky collectibles. Join us as we countdown the 10 most expensive Wayne Gretzky hockey cards ever sold.

But before we explore these valuable pieces of sports history, let's appreciate the man behind the cards.

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Who is Wayne Gretzky?

Wayne Douglas Gretzky, born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player ever. His journey from a backyard rink to becoming the face of the NHL is nothing short of legendary.

Gretzky's professional career began in 1978 with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association. However, his move to the Edmonton Oilers in 1979 truly launched his NHL career. Over the next two decades, Gretzky would shatter nearly every offensive record in the book, earning him the nickname 'The Great One.'

Throughout his illustrious career, Gretzky amassed an astounding 894 goals and 1,963 assists for 2,857 points in 1,487 games. He led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup victories and continued to dominate the sport during his tenures with the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.

Gretzky's impact on hockey extended far beyond his on-ice achievements. He played a crucial role in popularising the sport in the United States, particularly after his trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. Often referred to as 'The Trade,' this move sent shockwaves through hockey and helped expand the NHL's footprint in non-traditional markets.

Today, Gretzky's legacy lives on not just in the record books but also in the hearts of fans and the valuable collectibles that bear his name and image.

In honour of the Great One, we're exploring these tangible pieces of hockey history in our countdown of the most expensive Wayne Gretzky hockey cards ever sold.

What Makes Wayne Gretzky Hockey Cards So Valuable?

Before we dive into our top 10 list, let's explore why Wayne Gretzky cards command such astronomical prices:

Unparalleled Legacy: Gretzky's status as the greatest player in NHL history naturally makes his cards highly desirable among collectors.
Limited Availability: Many of Gretzky's most valuable cards were produced in limited quantities, increasing their rarity and value.
Historical Significance: Cards from pivotal moments in Gretzky's career, such as his rookie season or championship years, are particularly sought after.
Autographs and Memorabilia: Cards featuring Gretzky's autograph or pieces of game-used equipment are especially valuable.

Now that we understand what drives the value of these cardboard treasures, let's count down the 10 most expensive Wayne Gretzky hockey cards ever sold.

The 10 Most Valuable Wayne Gretzky Hockey Cards

10. 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 9 - $200,000

Kicking off our list is the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card, graded PSA 9 (Mint condition). This card, featuring a fresh-faced Gretzky in his Edmonton Oilers uniform, marks the beginning of his NHL journey. The O-Pee-Chee version is particularly sought-after due to its Canadian origin and lower print run compared to its Topps counterpart.

What makes this card special is its representation of Gretzky's rookie year and its condition. PSA 9 grade indicates that the card is in near-perfect condition, a rarity for cards of this age. The vibrant blue of the Oilers jersey and Gretzky's youthful appearance make this card a true piece of hockey history.

9. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Wayne Gretzky Auto Patch /25 - $204,000

Moving forward in time and upwards in our list, we encounter the 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Wayne Gretzky Autographed Patch card. Limited to only 25 copies, this card combines three elements that drive value: Gretzky's autograph, a piece of game-used jersey, and extreme rarity.

The card features a close-up action shot of Gretzky, his signature prominently displayed, and a small swatch of his game-worn jersey embedded in the card. This trifecta of autograph, memorabilia, and scarcity makes it a highly coveted item for collectors.

8. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 9 (Centred) - $220,000

At first glance, this might seem similar to the card at number 10 on our list. However, this particular 1979 O-Pee-Chee Gretzky rookie card stands out for one crucial reason: its centre. In the world of card collecting, centring refers to how well the image is positioned within the card's borders.

A perfectly centred card is extremely rare, especially for cards from this era when printing techniques were less precise. This PSA 9 grade, coupled with exceptional centering, makes this particular Gretzky rookie card even more valuable than its slightly off-centre counterparts.

7. 1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 10 - $270,000

While the O-Pee-Chee version of Gretzky's rookie card is highly prized, its Topps counterpart is hardly cheap. This 1979 Topps Wayne Gretzky rookie card, graded PSA 10 (Gem Mint), represents the pinnacle of condition for this iconic card.

The Topps version was distributed in the United States and had a larger print run than the O-Pee-Chee version. However, finding one in Gem Mint condition is incredibly rare, hence its position on this list. The card features the same image as the O-Pee-Chee version but with slight differences in the card stock and reverse side.

6. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 10 - $465,000

Now, we're entering the realm of genuinely elite collectibles. The 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card in PSA 10 condition is one of the holy grails of hockey card collecting. As of 2021, only two known examples of this card were graded a PSA 10.

Its Canadian pedigree and lower print run set this apart from the Topps version. The O-Pee-Chee cards were often cut by hand, leading to more imperfections and making Gem Mint copies exceedingly rare. For many collectors, this represents the ultimate Gretzky rookie card.

5. 2020 Upper Deck The Cup Wayne Gretzky 'The Great One' Auto Patch 1/1 - $520,000

Leaping forward to more recent releases, we find this unique 2020 Upper Deck The Cup Wayne Gretzky card. As a one-of-one card, it's the only copy contributing significantly to its value.

This modern masterpiece features a large, on-card autograph from Gretzky, along with a substantial piece of game-used jersey patch. The card's design incorporates a classic action shot of Gretzky in his prime, making it a beautiful blend of nostalgia and modern card technology.

4. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 10 - $1.29 Million

You might be experiencing déjà vu, as this appears to be the same card as number 6 on our list. However, this particular sale, which occurred in December 2020, shattered previous records for the card. The significant jump in price reflects the explosive growth in the sports card market, particularly for blue-chip cards like Gretzky rookies.

This sale marked a watershed moment in hockey card collecting, pushing Gretzky's rookie into the million-dollar club and cementing its status as one of the most valuable sports cards in existence.

3. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 10 - $3.75 Million

Just when you thought the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Gretzky rookie couldn't get any more valuable, it does. This sale, which occurred in May 2021, once again rewrote the record books. The massive leap in price from the previous sale just five months earlier demonstrates the volatile and rapidly appreciating nature of high-end sports card collecting.

This sale set a new record for a hockey card and placed Gretzky's rookie among the most expensive sports cards ever sold, regardless of sport. It's a testament to Gretzky's enduring legacy and the growing interest in premium sports collectibles.

2. 2020 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Auto Patch Wayne Gretzky 1/1 - $4.5 Million

In a surprising twist, our second most expensive Gretzky card isn't a vintage item but a modern release. This 2020 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection card is a unique reimagining of Gretzky's rookie card, featuring an on-card autograph and a patch from a game-worn jersey.

What makes this card particularly special is its status as a one-of-one item. Upper Deck created this card as part of their Exquisite Collection, known for ultra-premium releases. The iconic rookie card design, Gretzky's autograph, a jersey patch, and its unique status drove its value to astronomical heights.

1. 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky #18 PSA 10 - $5.2 Million

Topping our list is the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card in PSA 10 condition. This particular sale, which occurred in October 2023, set a new record not just for Gretzky cards or hockey cards, but for any hockey collectible ever sold.

The card's journey to this record-breaking price is a testament to Gretzky's enduring legacy, the booming sports collectibles market, and the extreme rarity of finding this particular card in perfect condition. Of the thousands of 1979 O-Pee-Chee Gretzky rookies submitted for grading, only two have achieved the vaunted PSA 10 status.

See if this card made our list of the 15 most valuable trading cards ever sold.

More from Spin Genie

Wayne Gretzky's impact on hockey is immeasurable, and these cards serve as tangible pieces of his incredible legacy. Each card tells a part of The Great One's story, from rookie cards that captured the beginning of his NHL journey to modern releases that reimagine his incredible career.

For Canadian sports fans and collectors, these cards represent more than just valuable collectibles – they're a connection to hockey history and a tribute to one of the country's greatest sporting icons.

Explore more of the most valuable hockey cards ever in our guides:

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FAQs

Which Companies Grade Sports Cards?

The three primary sports card grading companies are:

1. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): Known for its rigorous grading standards and popularity among collectors.

2. BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Offers subgrades for corners, edges, surface, and centering, providing a more detailed evaluation.

3. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty): Recognised for its distinct grading holders and emphasis on vintage cards.

Each of these companies has its own grading criteria and processes, which can lead to variations in grades for the same card depending on the grading service used.

What Do The Numbers Mean In Sports Card Grading?

Grading is crucial for collectors and investors as it provides assurance regarding the card's condition, which can influence its market value.

Most grading companies use a 10-point scale to assess the condition of sports cards:

10 (Gem Mint): Perfect card with no visible flaws.
9 (Mint): Nearly perfect, with only minor imperfections.
8 (Near Mint-Mint): Slightly more visible flaws but still a high-quality card.
7 (Near Mint): Noticeable imperfections, yet still appealing.
6 (Excellent-Mint): More significant wear and imperfections.
5 (Excellent): Clearly visible flaws, but still collectible.
4 (Very Good-Excellent): More substantial wear and defects.
3 (Very Good): Noticeable damage, but still has collectible value.
2 (Good): Heavily worn, with significant flaws.
1 (Poor): Extremely damaged, with little to no collectible value.

Some companies also provide subgrades for specific aspects of the card, such as corners, edges, surface, and centring, which can give a more detailed assessment of the card's quality.

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