Wayne Gretzky – 1979 O-Pee-Chee
Wayne Gretzky is our first and only hockey card on the list. Wayne Gretzky’s popularity skyrocketed after he joined the Oilers in 1979. The “Great One,” as hockey fans know him, is the only player to have his jersey number retired league-wide. Over his career, Gretzky scored 894 goals, assisted 1,963 other goals, and amassed 2,857 points. He is widely considered to be the best ice hockey player of all time.
The Topps card from 1979 is far more recognizable and known, but it isn’t the most valuable. O-Pee-Chee, a Canadian chocolatier (Nestlé acquired in 1996), also produced trading cards. Their mint condition Gretzky rookie card is worth approximately $500,000 in excellent condition.