Introduction
O-Pee-Chee baseball cards were the Canadian version of Topps cards that were issued from 1951 to 1982. While many of the cards are relatively common and affordable, there are several that have significant value and could be worth money depending on condition and scarcity. This article will explore some of the most valuable O-Pee-Chee cards that collectors seek and which have sold for high prices at auction over the years.
1952 O-Pee-Chee #1 Willie Mays (Rookie Card)
The 1952 O-Pee-Chee Willie Mays rookie card is arguably the most valuable and desirable card from the entire O-Pee-Chee set era. Mays went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the all-time greats of the game. In pristine mint condition, examples of this rare Mays rookie have sold for over $300,000 at auction. Even well-centered copies in good-excellent condition can still sell for thousands. The scarcity of this iconic card in high grades is what makes it such a prize possession for serious collectors.
1972 O-Pee-Chee #138 Nolan Ryan (Partial Rookie Card)
While not technically his true “rookie” since Ryan debuted in 1966, the 1972 OPC card was his first card issued by the company and shows him with the California Angels. Examples that grade a gem mint 10 are worth over $10,000 today. Even well-centered near mint to mint copies could fetch $1,000-$3,000 depending on the exact condition. The card captured Ryan in his prime years before injuries and is a key piece for any Angels or Nolan Ryan collection.
1956 O-Pee-Chee #92 Mickey Mantle
The 1956 O-Pee-Chee Mantle is highly significant as it depicts “The Commerce Comet” during one of his best seasons when he won the Triple Crown. Pristine mint copies have reached upwards of $15,000 at auction in recent years. Near mint copies are still valuable at $3,000-5,000 for a well-centered example. Mantle’s popularity transcends borders so both Canadian and American collectors actively pursue high grade copies of this desirable issue.
1972 O-Pee-Chee #1 Roberto Clemente
Sadly, Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. As a result, his 1972 OPC card took on special meaning and significance. Graded Gem Mint 10 copies have sold for over $8,000. Even well-centered near mint to mint versions can still fetch $1,500-$3,000 depending on other factors. Any card depicting Clemente is prized by collectors due to his humility, talent, and humanitarian work off the field.
1957 O-Pee-Chee #97 Mickey Mantle
The ’57 O-Pee-Chee Mantle is nearly identical to the famed ’52 Topps Mantle but renders it distinctly Canadian. Examples that grade an impressive Gem Mint 10 can sell for well over $10,000. Near mint copies still hold value at $2,000-$4,000. What makes this card so coveted is it captures the Mick in another huge season as he batted .365 with 52 homers and finished 2nd in the MVP voting. Hence, it’s a must-have for dedicated Mantle collectors.
1959 O-Pee-Chee #167 Rocky Colavito
Best known for his power hitting prowess in the late 1950s and early 60s, Rocky Colavito enjoyed several highly productive seasons particularly with the Cleveland Indians teams of that era. His 1959 OPC card is an iconic issue scarce in the highest grades. Pristine near mint to mint copies have sold for $2,000-$3,000 at auction depending on eyelashes, centering, and overall appeal. Cleveland nostalgia also drives demand for high quality examples of this Indians slugger.
1959 O-Pee-Chee #191 Harmon Killebrew
Harmon Killebrew emerged as one of the game’s premier power hitters of the 1960s, winning AL MVP honors in 1969. His 1959 OPC rookie card captures him in his early days with the lowly Washington Senators. Very well centered mint copies have sold for up to $3,000 while solid near mint examples still fetch $1,000+. Any card showing the Killer in a Senators uniform commands premium prices due to the scarcity in pristine condition.
1963 O-Pee-Chee #135 Sandy Koufax
The 1963 OPC Koufax was issued near the height of his great career when he won 3 Cy Young Awards and a trioka of no-hitters. Super high grade specimens flirting with Gem Mint 10 quality have reportedly sold privately for over $6,000. Even sharp near mint copies still carry values of $1,000-2,000 amongst patient buyers. Koufax’s dominance, legend, and the challenge to acquire in top condition fuel demand for his classic early 1960s OPC issue.
1964 O-Pee-Chee #146 Mickey Mantle
As with the ’57 and other mid-1950s O-Pee-Chees of the Mick, pristine copies of the 1964 OPC Mantle in Gem Mint 10 condition can draw $5,000+ at auction. Well-centered examples grading a strong near mint sell in the $1,000-2,000 range. What makes this card so iconic is it captures Mantle in his prime Yankees years before injuries slowed him down. American collectors also appreciate this “Canadian cousin” to the 1964 Topps Mantle in their quests for a complete Mickey Mantle collection.
Conclusion
While many O-Pee-Chee baseball cards can be found quite reasonably on the secondary market, there are some highly condition sensitive key issues that have achieved lofty prices when offered in amazing pristine quality. Driven by statistical prowess, cultural impacts, and visual nostalgia, select cards featuring legends like Mantle, Mays, Clemente and Koufax will always command top dollar – especially in Gem Mint condition. For dedicated collectors seeking investment-quality gems to treasure for life, the rarest O-Pee-Chees could prove worth the effort to pursue.
