Tag Archives: o-pee-chee

RARE O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS

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O-Pee-Chee was a Canadian subsidiary of Topps that produced baseball cards for the Canadian market from 1952 to 1981, using the same photographs and designs as the American Topps sets but printed in Canada and featuring French text on the reverse. Like their American Topps counterparts, many O-Pee-Chee cards have become quite valuable, especially the rarest and most coveted examples.

One of the holy grails of O-Pee-Chee collecting is the 1952 Mickey Mantle card. Only a handful are known to exist, since the 1952 set had a very small print run to begin with as baseball card collecting was still in its infancy. PSA has graded only two 1952 Mantle O-Pee-Chee cards, with one earning an impressive gem mint PSA 10 grade. In 2014, that sole PSA 10 1952 Mantle O-Pee-Chee sold at auction for an astronomical $368,500, setting the record for highest price ever paid for a baseball card at that time.

Another incredibly rare pre-1960 O-Pee-Chee variant is the 1959 Warren Spahn card, which features a photo of Spahn in a Braves uniform even though he was traded from Milwaukee to the Giants prior to the 1959 season. Braves photos were all pulled from the printing plates but a few stray examples featuring Spahn as a Brave somehow made it into packs that year. The card has been called the “biggest aberration error card” of the entire O-Pee-Chee set and registry. Only a small handful are known to exist in collectors’ hands today.

For collectors looking for rarer post-1960 O-Pee-Chee cards, the 1963 Eddie Mathews is a true prize. Like the 1959 Spahn, it features an erroneous photo, showing Mathews as a Milwaukee Brave when he had been traded from that team in 1962. Even rarer than the Spahn, experts believe only one to three of the 1963 Mathews cards were ever produced before the error was caught and corrected on the printing plates. A pristine PSA-graded 1963 Mathews recently sold at auction for over $80,000, underscoring its great scarcity and demand.

Two other incredibly scarce post-1960 O-Pee-Chee variants worth mentioning are the 1968 Nolan Ryan and 1969 Tom Seaver rookie cards. The 1968 Ryan was produced with the wrong photo, showing him as an Angel even though he was a Met that season. Only a small handful are known. The 1969 Seaver is considered by many the true Seaver rookie since it predates his more common 1969 Topps and Fleer cards. Again, production was limited and a pristine copy in a PSA 10 slab recently changed hands for $100,000.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Rodriguez, Henderson, Ripken, and Murray also command big money in their rarest O-Pee-Chee forms, such as the 1975 Fred Lynn with a photo of him as an Angel instead of a Red Sox. Condition is critical, as is pedigree documentation for ultra-rare specimens. Prices into the five and even six figures are routine for true “one-of-a-kind” O-Pee-Chee errors and photo substitutions alongside superior grades.

Additional categories of rare pre-1962 O-Pee-Chee cards include those featuring all-time greats like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays in their rookie seasons, as well as the extremely low-population early returned proofs and test prints that are virtually impossible to acquire. Legendary collectors like Bill Mastro continue to set record prices paid for these vintage O-Pee-Chee keys at major auctions.

While the 1980s O-Pee-Chee sets are no longer valuable as whole sets due to higher initial print runs, outlier short prints featuring stars like Rickey Henderson and Cal Ripken Jr do attract premiums—especially those qualifying as true rookie cards in the hands of Canadian collectors. The 1981 Fleer Rickey Henderson rookie is likewise a key O-Pee-Chee collectible.

Rare O-Pee-Chee variants are in high demand among both Canadian and American collectors. With strict population reports, the true “one-of-a-kind” errors and photo substitutions can equal or surpass their American Topps counterparts in value due to their extreme scarcity. Pristine high-grade examples of icons like Mantle, Spahn, Mathews, Ryan and Seaver will always be prized targets for advanced O-Pee-Chee collectors willing to pay top dollar.

1984 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1984 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was the first produced by the Topps Canadian subsidiary since 1980. Unlike previous years, the 1984 set closely mirrored the design and content of the corresponding Topps set released in the United States. Both featured 667 total cards including 656 regular issue cards, 8 traded issue cards, and 3 manager cards.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1984 OPC set was the front design. Gone were the team icons and team name design that had been used since 1977. Instead, the 1984 cards emulated the Topps set with a solid color background and team logo placed prominently above the player’s photo. The team name was located in single-line text below along with the player’s name and position. Some variations existed, such as traded cards featuring a different logo layout, but overall the unified front design brought OPC in line with its American counterpart for the first time in several years.

The biggest stars of 1984 received special treatment on their cards. Ryne Sandberg’s featured a green and yellow gradient background to match the Cubs colors. Dave Winfield’s showed him superimposed over a sunset backdrop in honor of his then-record 10-year, $23 million contract with the Yankees. Other top players like Wade Boggs, Dwight Gooden, and Kirby Puckett received similar artistic treatments befitting their statuses as some of baseball’s marquee names at the time.

Rookies were also highlighted in the 1984 OPC set. Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. received card #1 as he began what would become a record breaking career with the Baltimore Orioles. Other notable rookies included Jeff Montgomerie (Blue Jays), Oddibe McDowell (Indians), and Dwight Smith (Cardinals). Along with standard rookie cards, select players received special “Star Rookie” parallel issues in 1984.

Traded and manager cards in the 1984 OPC set followed the standard formula established in previous years. Traded players like Willie McGee and Donnie Moore received cards showing them in the uniforms of their new teams. Veteran managers like Whitey Herzog and Billy Martin got cards honoring their leadership. Checklists, trading cards subsets, and oddball promo inserts were also included as was customary.

The reverse design of the 1984 OPC cards was distinctly different than Topps. A solid color field with thick black borders encased individual player stats. Batting and fielding stats were shown along with that season’s team and career highlights. Some traded cards again differed by listing the new team first before highlights. A small O-Pee-Chee logo ran along the bottom edge of each reverse.

In terms of rarity, the 1984 OPC set featured several scarce short prints and errors. Cards like #203 Jon Matlack and #256 Lance Parrish are known to exist in far fewer quantities than standard issues from that year. Meanwhile, reverse numbering errors on cards like #44 Rickey Henderson and custom die-cuts like the #1 Cal Ripken create even more intrigue for OPC collectors.

Overall production numbers for the 1984 OPC set were high, indicating strong demand for baseball cards in Canada at that time. As a result, most regular cards remain quite affordable compared to their rarer counterparts. Still, the unifying of designs with Topps and focus on star players like Ripken make 1984 an important year in the long history of O-Pee-Chee baseball cards. It set the standard formula that would carry the brand confidently through the 1980s boom period and beyond. For historians of the hobby and those who enjoyed OPC’s Canadian perspective, the 1984 set serves as a memorable bridge between eras.

The 1984 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was a milestone release that brought the Canadian brand fully in line with Topps for the first time. By closely mirroring the American giant’s designs while maintaining its own reverse style, OPC found an identity that worked. Highlights like Cal Ripken’s coveted rookie card and errors/short prints added nostalgia and collecting fun that persists to this day. The 1984 set reflects baseball card popularity in Canada during the sport’s heyday and remains a touchstone for memories of summers past.

1987 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was released at the height of the 1980s baseball card boom. These cards featured players from the American and National Leagues and had impressive photography and designs that appealed greatly to collectors at the time. While nowhere near as valuable as early cardboard from the 50s and 60s, 1987 O-Pee-Chee does retain solid nostalgic value for those who enjoyed the cards as kids over 30 years ago.

The set totaled 324 cards and had a large focus on star players who were excelling in the 1987 MLB season. This included Future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Mike Schmidt as well as up and coming young talents like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco who would help usher in baseball’s renaissance in the late 80s and 90s. The cards utilized glossy photo stock and vibrant colors that made the images really pop compared to more basic designs from previous decades.

In terms of rarity and condition factors, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set is considered fairly common in the world of vintage baseball cards. Production numbers were high during the boom and many of the cards survived in circulation for years after without much care or protection. As a result, well-centered, clean copies in Near Mint or better condition of even star players can generally be acquired for $1-5 each. Raw ungraded common player cards in worn Fair-Good condition often sell in lots for just pennies apiece.

There are a handful of standout rookie and star cards that have more meaningful value today however. The main headliners include Ken Griffey Jr.’s exciting rookie card, Mark McGwire’s powerful debut, and Don Mattingly’s amazing run production in 1987 that makes his card more sought after. In pristine Near Mint-Mint condition, Griffey PSA/BGS 9s have recently sold for $80-125. McGwire 9s bring $30-50 and a Mattingly gem can fetch $15-25. But even these premium cards require top grades to command four-figure prices like their ’90s counterparts.

Outside of a select few true star rookie debuts, grading and condition are absolutely crucial to retain any real value with 1987 Topps/O-Pee-Chee. Even heavily centered and clean copies of popular players need at least a BGS/PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5 grade to be worthwhile to most collectors beyond a few dollars. Anything in the 7 range or lower is generally only of interest to true set builders looking to check off boxes cheaply. For common veterans and depth players, even mint condition is still only worth around a buck or two.

For the average collector, sealed unopened 1987 O-Pee-Chee packs, boxes and factory sets offer some of the best long term potential value propositions still available at a reasonable price point. A complete 324 card factory set in mint sealed condition has been selling in the $100-150 range in recent years. And unopened rack packs and wax boxes hold 10-15 cards each and can often be found online for under $20 still sealed with their mystery and nostalgia intact. Over decades, as the supply shrinks, prices should gradually appreciate for pristine sealed 1987 cardboard.

The 1980s boom produced glut after glut of mass produced cards that today have minimal value outside of true gems. But the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set still holds its nostalgic allure for baseball fans who remember ripping packs as kids. While extremely high grade star rookies or Hall of Famers may command four figures, most examples are findable for cheap. Pristine sealed product holds the best long term potential and affordable enjoyment for those seeking a fun piece of 80s collectibles history without breaking the bank in the process. Overall the 1987 O-Pee-Chee cards remain an iconic but very attainable vintage baseball collectible.

1991 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sports card issues of the early 1990s. While it may not receive as much hype as the legendary 1990 or 1992 sets that featured stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Ripken Jr., the 1991 O-Pee-Chee cards remain a highly collectible part of baseball card history from the junk wax era. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and explore what kinds of values different 1991 O-Pee-Chee cards can demand today in the collectibles marketplace.

Released at the start of the 1991 MLB season by printer O-Pee-Chee, the 1991 set featured cards for all 26 MLB teams at the time. The design featured team action shots on a yellow background with black borders. The fronts marked each player’s name, team, and position underneath the photo. The backs provided career stats and brief biographies. As was common for O-Pee-Chee issues of that time, the cards measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches, a bit smaller than the traditional Topps baseball card size.

Despite being produced during the saturated junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1991 O-Pee-Chee set hold intrinsic nostalgic appeal for collectors who began their hobby around that time. They remind fans of summertime baseball from their childhood. Sets from this period also featured true “rookie cards” for future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Trevor Hoffman, and Jim Thome. These nostalgia factors help certain 1991 O-Pee-Chee cards maintain value greater than their production numbers might suggest.

In terms of rarity and scarcity, the 1991 O-Pee-Chee set has a main roster of 660 cards that were mass produced. Several exciting short print and parallel inserts boost the challenge of completion for enthusiasts. These include gold parallel versions of the base cards, available one per wax pack. There are also Special Edition cards that featured blue borders instead of black. The biggest draws are the ultra-short print Kenny Lofton and Rookie Pitchers cards, which even prominent sellers struggle to keep in stock.

For modern collectors, the most valuable 1991 O-Pee-Chee cards tend to fall into several categories:

Rookie cards of all-time great players still active in the sport. For example, a PSA 10 graded Chipper Jones rookie would be worth $500-1000 given his Hall of Fame career and the Atlanta Braves legend status.

Stars of the era who put together huge careers before retirement. Signature cards of pitchers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine can reach $100-200 in high grades.

Short print and parallel variants. As mentioned, the gold parallels and fewer-than-10-copies Lofton and Rookie Pitchers short prints command multi-hundred dollar prices.

High-grade rookie cards of 1990s stars. While not true rookies, mint condition cards of young Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr, or Frank Thomas could range between $50-150 depending on the player and specific card.

Complete set collectors. A flawless, authentically preserved 1991 O-Pee-Chee master set still in factory wrappers may reach over $1000 due to rarity.

For most common base cards or readily available inset cards, prices top out between $1-5 per card regardless of condition. Still, the set provides an affordable gateway into the early ’90s basketball card scene and thrill of the hobby for collectors. While it lacks the huge star rookies and visual flash of other years, the underrated 1991 O-Pee-Chee issues continue to entice nostalgia-minded investors three decades later. With some savvy collecting choices, value can absolutely be found within the pages of this often-overlooked cardboard piece of baseball history.

While the 1991 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set comes from the infamous junk wax era, certain short print variations and rookie cards of players who went on to stardom ensure select issues maintain relevance and prices surpassing their original production figures. Combining nostalgia, rarity factors, and timeless players, the set represents an affordable starting point for collectors looking to add some iconic early ’90s cardboard to their collections.

O-PEE-CHEE 1992 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was issued midway through the Major League Baseball season and included cards for players and teams from both the American and National Leagues. Produced by Playoff Corporation under license from Topps, the 1992 O-Pee-Chee set maintained the same basic design and statistics found in Topps’ flagship release while using the O-Pee-Chee logo and brand popular in Canada.

The set totaled 330 cards and had no parallel issues or special subsets found in some modern releases. Rather, it strictly featured individual player and team cards along with select retired greats and leaders/rookies cards to round out the roster. Design-wise, the front of each 1992 O-Pee-Chee baseball card displayed a vertical action photo of the featured player in their team’s uniform along with their name, team, and vital statistics printed along the bottom border.

On the backs, players’ career stats along with a brief bio of their previous season’s accomplishments were showcased in an easy-to-read layout. While not as graphically intricate as later ’90s designs, the straightforward photography and statistical information made the 1992 O-Pee-Chee set a popular and accessible option for both Canadian and American collectors at the time. Some notable rookies featured that year included Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Todd Hollandsworth while living legends like Mike Schmidt and Carlton Fisk received cards in the retired greats section.

As the 1992 MLB season was still underway when the cards were published, the rosters and team photos reflected where players ended up after early-season trades. For example, cards show Orel Hershiser in a Cleveland Indians uniform after being dealt from the Dodgers and Eddie Murray with the Toronto Blue Jays after joining them from the Orioles via trade. The team cards themselves depicted the entire active roster at the time of printing rather than Opening Day lineups.

Case hits or autograph parallels were nonexistent in the base 1992 O-Pee-Chee set, though error cards featuring typos, missing signatures, or photo/stat mistakes have since become highly valuable to specialized collectors. Overall production numbers on the 1992 release were high enough to keep individual common cards readily available and affordable to the average collector or player for decades after pack sales. As such, basic condition or themed team/player sets can still be completed relatively inexpensively from the ’92 O-Pee-Chee checklist.

While not especially rare in its own right, the 1992 O-Pee-Chee set remains an interesting historical baseball card release when viewed through the lens of larger sports card and baseball trends from that era. It captures rosters at a unique transition point midway through a MLB season and displays photography and layouts familiar to collectors weaned on 1980s card sets. Its production also coincided with the burgeoning initial popularity of sports memorabilia and a growing collector base demanding more premium insert sets and parallels in the ’90s boom period.

In the ensuing decades, as the vintage baseball card market experienced peaks and valleys, the straightforward 1992 O-Pee-Chee release found a steady place as an affordable and recognizable set for Canadians and others seeking representation of their favorite players and teams from that season. Even inflections like the rise of independent grading have done little to drive demand or values drastically for its unnumbered commons. Instead, the ’92 OPC endures more as a memorial to a snapshot in baseball history accessible to casual collectors rather than a sophisticated speculative investment.

For enthusiasts of 1980s/early ’90s card designs or aficionados of specific players, the 1992 O-Pee-Chee set remains a worthwhile curiosity three decades later. Its large print run also ensures examples will remain obtainable representations of that period for budget-minded collectors. As with all vintage sports products, ongoing condition and finite supplies mean condition-sensitive key cards or coveted hit variations hold the most long-term appeal and value appreciation over time for dedicated investors.

O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was one of the most widely collected issues of the decade. Produced by Topps under license from The Topps Company, Inc., the 1987 set featured players from both the American and National Leagues. With 525 total cards in the base set, it was the largest O-Pee-Chee set to date marking the continued growth of baseball card popularity in the 1980s.

As with previous issues, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee cards featured players’ name, team, position, and statistical information on the front with player bios on the back. The cards had a traditional matt finish and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the standard size that had been used since the early 1950s. Visually, the designs were largely similar to Topps’ flagship 1987 issue released in the United States with some minor layout differences specific to the O-Pee-Chee brand.

Some key storylines and players highlighted in the 1987 set included Roger Clemens winning his second Cy Young Award after posting a 20-9 record and 268 strikeouts for the Boston Red Sox. Clemens’ card featured one of the set’s most coveted rookie cards as collectors anticipated his eventual Hall of Fame career. The Detroit Tigers squad that won the American League East title was also well represented, led by superstars Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, and Jack Morris.

Rookie cards that gained popularity in the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set included Mark McGwire with the Oakland A’s, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets, and skateboarding phenom Tony Hawk who had a brief minor league stint in the Padres system before focusing on his professional skateboarding career. Hawk’s card in particular became a cult favorite among collectors. The Chicago Cubs, who were coming off a division title in 1984, also featured several young stars like Ryne Sandberg, Shawon Dunston, and Rafael Palmeiro.

On the National League side, the 1987 St. Louis Cardinals squad powered by sluggers Jack Clark and Andy Van Slyke and anchored by pitchers Joe Magrane and Todd Worrell captured the World Series title, defeating the Minnesota Twins. Likewise, the Detroit Tigers featured prominently for repeating as American League Champions, falling just short of another World Series championship. The 1987 season would be remembered as the final year for legendary players like Andre Dawson, Dave Parker, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan, who all appeared in their last baseball card issues during their Hall of Fame careers.

In terms of rarity and scarcity amongst collectors, short print cards in the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set included Gary Carter of the New York Mets at card number 121, Ken Oberkfell of the Chicago Cubs at number 173, and Darnell Coles of the Detroit Tigers at number 351. These were produced in lower numbers, making them tougher pulls from packs and more sought after in the secondary trade and auction markets. The error cards for Omar Moreno (photo swapped with Bill Madlock) and Alan Trammell (wrong team logo) also gained notoriety and higher values amongst collectors.

Beyond the base 525 card issue, O-Pee-Chee also produced various inserts during the late 1980s. In 1987 these included career stats leaders, O-Pee-Chee All-Stars highlighting the season’s top performers, Traded sets updating player switches midseason, and World Series highlights recapping the St. Louis Cardinals championship run. Each parallel set provided additional collecting and challenges for completionists.

The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set serves as a snapshot of the sport during a transitional decade. Rookies like Clemens, McGwire, and Gooden hinted at the power surge ahead while veterans like Ryan, Schmidt, and Dawson said farewell. For collectors, it spawned legions of young hobbyists chasing the stars of their youth in addition to fueling the retro craze decades later. Whether chasing complete sets, seeking specific rookie cards, or pursuing error variants, the allure and nostalgia of 1987 O-Pee-Chee cards ensures their staying power for generations of baseball fans.

1988 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1988 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set holds nostalgia and value for many collectors and fans of the late 1980s era of Major League Baseball. The design features vibrant color photos on a white background with team logos featuring prominently. The set includes cards for all MLB teams from that season. With the rise of stars like Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, and Jose Canseco in the late 80s, interest in this period has grown over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at details, conditions, and prices that influence the collectible value of 1988 O-Pee-Chee cards today.

The 1988 set contains 792 total cards, included base rookie and star cards, variations, and special subset cards focused on All-Star players, team leaders, and award winners. Some key rookie cards included Ken Griffey Jr.’s exciting debut with the Seattle Mariners and Tim Salmon’s Angels rookie card. Star cards like Canseco’s Oakland A’s issue and Frank Viola’s Twins card represented the league’s elite talent. Subsets honored the 1987 All-Star teams, league leaders, and award winners like Don Mattingly’s batting title and Orel Hershiser’s Cy Young and World Series MVP achievements.

Condition is the most important factor when determining the monetary value of any vintage sports card. Even small bends, creases, or worn edges can significantly impact a card’s grade and price. The 1988 O-Pee-Chee set is no exception, as cards preserved in mint condition from the pack to today are considerably rarer and fetch higher prices. A player’s career accomplishments and fame over the decades also influences demand and interest level in their rookie card from sets like 1988. Superstar seasons and achievements elevated the values of young stars’ rookie cards in the following years.

For common base cards in worn near-mint or good condition pulled from boxes and collections, prices typically range from around $1-5. More popular rookie cards and stars in similar condition may gain $5-15. But once condition improves to near-mint or better for key cards, values jump considerably. A Mint Ken Griffey Jr. rookie around a PSA 9 grade would command $100-200 based on recent sales. Don Mattingly or Wade Boggs star cards in similar condition bring $50-75. The most expensive cards are true gem mint examples worthy of the highest PSA or BGS grades of 10. An unworn Griffey Jr. rookie PSA 10 sold for over $2000 recently.

Being the flagship O-Pee-Chee issue of that year, 1988 remains one of the more popular and recognizable sets for players, managers, and executives of its era. While the glut of factory-sealed wax boxes produced and still available keep most common cards affordable, condition and the allure of star rookies continue driving keen collector demand. For unopened wax packs or boxes, prices tend to start around $50-75 but can multiply greatly if the packaging remains crisp. A sealed case of 24 wax boxes recently sold at auction for nearly $3500. Overall values are steady or increasing slowly as millennials and younger collectors rediscover the late 80s players and teams of their childhood. The nostalgia and memorabilia connections ensure the 1988 O-Pee-Chee set maintains strong interest from both investors and fans appreciating the vintage cardboard artifacts of their favorite sport.

While 1988 O-Pee-Chee cards as a whole remain quite attainable for most collectors, certain key rookie cards and true gem mint examples have seen significant price appreciation due to sustained demand. Condition is paramount, but the allure of rookie seasons for famous stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and breakthrough accomplishments by future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs gave added lasting value and nostalgia to many cards from this classic baseball set. Whether acquiring singles, team sets, or higher-grade trophies to enjoy or invest, the 1988 O-Pee-Chee issue remains a fan-favorite of the late 1980s MLB era with plenty still to offer avid players and collectors of the hobby alike.

O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS 1983

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The 1983 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was issued midway through the MLB season by the Topps Company of Canada. Unlike in previous years, the set featured more modern colorful designs and photography rather than simple black and white illustrations on the borders. It consisted of 493 total cards including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Wade Boggs.

The set paid tribute to the 60th anniversary of the very first O-Pee-Chee cards issued back in 1923. Each card featured a special Anniversary Series logo on the bottom left hand corner. The design theme incorporated yellow borders with players photographed against solid color backgrounds of various colors such as red, green, blue, orange, etc. Text was kept to a minimum with just the player’s name, position, and team written at the bottom in white.

Some notable rookie cards from the set included: Ryne Sandberg of the Philadelphia Phillies who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Chicago Cubs. His card shows him batting from the left side. Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox who is considered one of the greatest contact hitters of all time and also inducted into the Hall of Fame. His card photographs him fielding at third base. Oddibe McDowell of the Cleveland Indians who won the AL Rookie of the Year award that season. His photo has him swinging the bat.

Other rookie cards that would have future star potential included Fred McGriff of the Toronto Blue Jays before he became a star first baseman for the Atlanta Braves in the 1990s World Series championships. Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros who never panned out but his son would become an elite MLB starting pitcher decades later. Shawn Abner of the New York Mets who flashed promise as a speedster but injuries derailed his career.

The set was dominated by stars of the era such as Eddie Murray batting for the Baltimore Orioles, who remains the last player to win the AL MVP award in both the AL East and West divisions. Steve Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies, whose 272 career wins makes him one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in baseball history. Mike Schmidt of the Phillies, a future Hall of Famer who won the NL MVP award three times in the 1980s while leading the league in home runs multiple seasons.

Rookie card standouts also included Future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn, though they did not pan out as rookies in the set since Ripken spent most of 1982 in the minors and Gwynn split time between the minors and big league roster. Ripken’s 1983 O-Pee-Chee card shows him as a member of the Baltimore Orioles after breaking in full-time in 1981. Gwynn is photographed as a member of the San Diego Padres where he anchored their outfield for two decades.

Perhaps the most visually iconic card from the set was of Nolan Ryan, known as “The Ryan Express”, pitching for the Houston Astros where he was entering the final seasons of his career. His card photographs him in full windup motion, capturing the blazing fastball that made him a legend with over 5000 career strikeouts. Dave Winfield of the New York Yankees also had one of the more dramatic action shot cards, illustrated swinging for the fences with his unusually long and smooth left-handed swing.

Other notable cards photographed Hall of Famers such as Robin Yount of the Milwaukee Brewers receiving the AL MVP award in 1982, which he won again three seasons later. Mike Schmidt of the Phillies, then in the midst of his record-setting home run and RBI seasons of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Another Philly, Steve Carlton, who was on the downside of his career but still had over 240 wins at that point. Pitcher Ferguson Jenkins rounding out the final seasons with the Texas Rangers after a standout career mostly with the Chicago Cubs that landed him in the Hall.

While not all the rookie cards from 1983 panned out to stardom, many current and future Hall of Famers were featured in their primes making this one of the more historically notable O-Pee-Chee issues. Factors such as the dynamic photography, inclusion of rising stars and established superstars, and the anniversary logo added modern cachet that resonated with collectors at the time and continues to drive interest in the set decades later.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1988 O-PEE-CHEE

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The 1988 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was the last year that O-Pee-Chee produced cards before losing the license to produce cards in Canada. The set contains 132 cards and was printed by O-Pee-Chee to be the Canadian equivalent to the 1988 Topps set in the United States. As the final year of O-Pee-Chee production, the 1988 set is a popular one for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and 1988 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards price guide.

Some of the key details about the 1988 O-Pee-Chee set include that all cards have a white border. The front of the card depicts the player portrait along with their name, team, and stats. On the back is the player’s bio written in both English and French. The design is similar to 1988 Topps but with minor differences in colors and logos to differentiate between the two brands. The design was also used for O-Pee-Chee’s hockey card set from the same year.

When it comes to the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1988 O-Pee-Chee set, there are a few that tend to attract the highest prices according to online auction sites and sales between collectors. At the top of the list is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Considered one of the best rookie cards of all-time, a Griffey Jr. in near mint to mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars. Other highly valuable rookie cards include Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Randy Johnson.

Stars of the era like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly also have cards that command three figure prices in high grades. Autograph cards that were inserted randomly in factory sets are also extremely rare and valuable. High grade examples of these autographed cards for players like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr, and Roger Clemens can sell for over $1000. Another factor that can increase a card’s value is if it features a player on an unlikely team. For example, a Rickey Henderson card showing him with the Oakland A’s rather than an expected team like the Blue Jays, Yankees or Red Sox does well.

When it comes to common cards or stars from the past their primes, prices are much lower on average. Most cards from the base set in played condition can be acquired for $1-5. Even mint condition examples of veterans or role players don’t tend to exceed $10-20. There are exceptions. A card like an Ozzie Smith showing him making one of his famous defensive plays or Roberto Alomar hitting a home run could attract higher bids from collectors due to the action shot image on the front. Another factor that can raise the value of a common card is if it features Canadian players, especially those who made their debut in the 1988 set.

In terms of the overall condition and quality of the 1988 O-Pee-Chee cards, they are generally well made and hold up well over time compared to some earlier 1970s/1980s issues that tended to be more fragile. The cardboard stock is thick with a glossy finish. Near mint examples with sharp corners and no creases are readily available for most players. Top graded mint condition examples suitable for a professional grading service like PSA or SGC can still demand premium prices. As with any vintage set, carefully reviewing photos is recommended when buying online to ensure the condition meets expectations.

When looking at 1988 O-Pee-Chee prices over time, values were relatively low throughout the late 80s/90s as the set was readily available. Prices started rising in the early 2000s as the vintage card market boomed. The values peaked in the mid-2010s as interest in vintage sets and rookie cards of stars reached new heights. In the past few years, there has been some leveling off in prices for common cards while premium rookies and stars have held steady. The longevity of interest in the 1988 O-Pee-Chee cards is a testament to their iconic rookie class and status as the final year of production from the brand.

The 1988 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set remains a highly collectible issue for vintage card enthusiasts. The star rookies and players from the set continue to attract strong prices. But there are also solid collecting opportunities in acquiring common players and stars in higher grades at affordable prices according to the guide above. For Canadian collectors especially, it serves as an important part of sports card history. Following the trends of the players and carefully checking conditions when buying are keys to finding value based on the 1988 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards price guide.

1983 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1983 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was the 28th edition of the Canadian version of Topps baseball cards produced by O-Pee-Chee. Unlike previous years, the 1983 set only featured 255 cards as opposed to the usual 525 cards found in modern sets. This was due to a printing error that saw only half the cards produced. Despite this shorter print run, the 1983 O-Pee-Chee set today contains several of the most valuable and highly-coveted modern-era baseball cards.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the 1983 O-Pee-Chee set is the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card. As the first card issued featuring Ripken as a Baltimore Oriole, it started what became one of the greatest careers in baseball history. In pristine Mint condition, examples of the Ripken rookie have sold for over $100,000, making it one of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever printed. Its premium status is due to Ripken retiring as the player with the most consecutive games played with 2,632, a record that may never be broken. Only about 30 PSA 10 Gem Mint examples are known to exist.

Another hugely significant card from the set is Darryl Strawberry’s rookie card. As the top overall pick in the 1980 MLB draft by the New York Mets, Strawberry burst onto the scene and became an All-Star many times over. In a PSA 10 grade, his iconic 1983 O-Pee-Chee card has sold for over $40,000. Like Ripken, its value stems from capturing the arrival of a true superstar at the beginning of his storied career. With active population estimates showing fewer than 20 examples in the coveted PSA 10 condition, it remains one of the highest valued early 80s rookies.

Rounding out the top three most valuable cards from the set is Wade Boggs’ rookie issue. As the sparkplug third baseman for the Boston Red Sox dynasty teams of the late 80s, Boggs patrolled the hot corner with elite defense and constantly found ways to get on base at the plate. In 1986, he became the first player ever to bat over .350 in five consecutive seasons. His ’83 rookie has sold for over $20,000 in a PSA 10 grade due to capturing the beginnings of a surefire Hall of Fame career. With a smaller printed run that year and low grading population, it remains a true keys to the set.

Other exceptionally high value cards include Steve Sax’s rookie (PSA 10 value over $10,000), Eric Show’s rookie (over $8,000 PSA 10 value), and Mike Schmidt’s card valued in the thousands even in lower grades. Each captured burgeoning stardom with the Dodgers, Expos, and Phillies respectively. Cards featuring superstar veterans like Dave Winfield (Padres), Kirk Gibson (Tigers), and Gary Carter (Expos) have achieved four-figure prices in pristine condition due to the immense talent level and careers they represent.

For modern star rookie cards, the 1983 O-Pee-Chee set stands tall. With the printing error causing the smallest production run for a flagship set since the late 1970s, population reports show grading populations to be miniscule today compared to subsequent years. When accounting for the Hall of Fame careers, championships won, and dominance displayed by Ripken, Boggs, Strawberry and others captured in that pivotal rookie season, it’s clear why their respective 1983 cards remain the jewels of any era collection. With such a confluence of factors at play, it’s hard to envision any modern set surpassing the 1983 O-Pee-Chee’s star power and valuation any time soon. For collectors seeking trueIconstatus, these cards represent some of the best investments and centerpieces money can buy in the hobby today.

While the 1983 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set featured almost half as many total cards compared to modern series due to a printing issue, it more than makes up for it with the Hall of Fame careers and superstar talent featured as rookies. Headlined by the Cal Ripken Jr., Darryl Strawberry, and Wade Boggs rookie cards, examples in pristine condition have achieved auction prices upward of $100,000 total. Additional keys like the Steve Sax, Eric Show, and Mike Schmidt rookies also hold significant four-figure valuations. With such an intersection of captured stardom and low population reports across PSA’s elite 10 grade, the combination makes this one of the all-time most valuable modern sets for serious collectors, many decades after it was initially released. The 1983 O-Pee-Chee cards lives on as some of the premier vintage investments available in the contemporary trading card market today.