The Value of Old Hockey Cards

Price Guides

• Price guides provide general information about value of old hockey cards. Many collectors consider old hockey cards, otherwise known as vintage hockey cards, to have been produced prior to 1980. Some production years (such as the 1969-1970 O-Pee-Chee hockey card set) have been designated by price guides as "Condition Sensitive." This means that the cards were produced on a poorer grade of paper stock or the colors are susceptible to fading or chipping. Consequently it can be difficult to find those hockey cards in "mint" condition,

Grading Levels

• Sports memorabilia shows or sports cards stores can provide information about how to determine the value of old hockey cards by grading the card. Grades are descriptions of the condition of the card, such as mint, near mint, excellent and poor. A mint hockey card, for example, will be well-centered with balanced bordering on all four sides. The grade level decreases as the bordering becomes more unbalanced. The sharpness of the corners and the sides of card also are key to determining the grade level of an old hockey card.

Card Shaving

• By comparing the sizes of hockey cards you wish to purchase with similar cards in the same set you can determine if cards have had their sides shaved to hide soft corners or other similar defects. Old hockey cards were not laser cut, but were cut using guillotine cutters or hand-cutting tools. Therefore it is unrealistic to expect to find perfectly cut older cards. Some price guides provide dimensions of the cards in each set. Use a ruler to measure the cards to determine of the cards have been shaved.

Coloring and Appearance

• The coloring on the face of old hockey card may fade. The grading level of the old hockey card will decrease as the clarity of the picture lessens. Creases on the front or the back of the hockey card will dramatically decrease the grade level and, consequently, the card's value. You can ascertain the existence of creases by holding the card flat (parallel to the floor) and toward a light source. Look across the surface of the hockey card and most creases can be easily seen, especially if you use a magnifying glass.

Rookie Cards

• Price guides provide information about whether an old hockey card is a short print or a rookie card. Short print hockey numbers have production numbers that are usually substantially lower than the rest of the cards in the set. Consequently, these hockey cards usually carry a higher value. Rookie cards are a hockey player's first nationally-produced hockey card and they are valued higher.

Hall of Fame Players

• Cards featuring players who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame or may be inducted into the hall of fame carry higher value. This is especially true for their rookie cards. Players who were considered starts in their day but who are not in the hall of fame, also carry a higher market value.

Market Value

• Although there are many criteria to consider when valuing old hockey cards, the best test of your grading ability is the marketplace. If you set a price that purchasers agree with, then you have placed the proper value on an old hockey card.