Proof? 1986 O-pee-chee Hockey

jimrad

I have some 1986 O-Pee-Chee cards that I just pulled out of a folder that says proof on it. I can't seem to find any good info through google, so maybe someone here can help. Are these some sort of proof card and does that mean good or bad as far as possible value? I didn't see these listed on the master player registries either???
Players I have are Roy/Gretzky/Gretzky assist leaders/Wendel Clark/Yzerman/LaFontaine/Vanbiesbrouck and they are blank on the back.
Does PSA grade these? I hope to get some on Ebay or offer through here.
Thanks
Jim

lsutigers1973

Looks like a common blank back error to me.

otwcards

Actually, there is plenty of the blank back "overstock" that's been floating around for years. Hager used to slab them and call them "proofs." They are NOT proofs, but OPC overrun that made it into the hobby. They are usually sold at a discount to the regular issues unless someone tries to dupe the buyer into believing that they are something more than just "waste" stock.

Tedw9

Jim,

Proofs are sort of a grey area when it comes to collecting. Unless you are buying the certified Topps proofs through Topps Vault on Ebay, or aluminum proof plates, it is hard to say if those are legit proofs. I also have a few OPC "proofs" both baseball singles and a hockey uncut strip that I purchased a few years back.

As far as value, despite the fact that if they are a real proof and they are more rare than the regular card counterparts, they seem to be less valuable. I believe this to be because there is no solid way to prove if they are proofs or not. While writing this, I decided to check Ebay on these. It seems Beckett will grade them. A Gretzky graded 9.5 sold for $41. Gretzky Proof

I read somewhere that there are 100+ of each OPC proof produced in the 80's. I am not sure of how true that is, I am only passing on what I have read in the past. This is a large amount compared to the early Topps proofs where this is rumored to be no more than 8 of a card in existence.

You may want to check with Beckett to see if they will still grade them. You may not get rich, but you will get more than if you sold them raw. Hope this helps.

jimrad

Thanks for the information. I really appreciate the help. I might try and get one of these graded to see what comes back.