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1979 Gretzky Topps PSA 9 or OPC PSA 8?

wallst32wallst32 Posts: 513 ✭✭
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I've been looking for a 79 OPC Gretkzy in PSA 8 and noticed the price range is roughly in line with a 79 Topps PSA 9 based on recent ebay sales; not sure what VCP would say over the longer run. Which card would you prefer to have? For hockey RC's I've always gone with the OPC version over Topps. But to me there's always been something special with a MINT grade over anything less. The 79 OPC in PSA 9 is more than what I'd be willing to spend on a card as this is just for my personal collection so that would not be an option.
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Comments

  • milbrocomilbroco Posts: 2,743 ✭✭✭✭
    I think you should buy one of my PSA 8 Topps at OPC PSA 9 prices................

    Seriously, I would go with the OPC 8 over the PSA 9. I am not sure but I think an OPC 8 is harder to find than a PSA 9. Again, I would o with the OPC.

    Best of luck,
    Bob
    ebay seller name milbroco
    email bcmiller7@comcast.net
  • shagrotn77shagrotn77 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭✭
    OPC PSA 8. Definitely.
    "My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. Our childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When we were insolent we were placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds - pretty standard really."
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,219 ✭✭
    Before I looked at the POP REPORT, I was going to say "I'm not a hockey guy, but from everything I have learned over the past few years on this board, I would go with the OPC "8". Best of luck with whatever you choose."

    Then I looked at the POP REPORT and the Topps "9" is 4x's RARER than the OPC "8". This surprised me.

    OPC GRADED
    PSA 8 - 471
    PSA 8.5 - 4
    PSA 9 - 52
    PSA 10 -1
    Total graded - 2,747

    TOPPS GRADED
    PSA 8 - 982
    PSA 8.5 - 7
    PSA 9 - 120
    PSA 10 -1
    Total graded - 4,101

    Maybe the Topps "9" is the way to go. This will be an interesting thread to follow. GOOD LUCK!

    Edited to add: In the past YEAR, VCP lists only ONE SALE of a Topps "9" and 22 sales of an OPC "8". Based on this I think I would go with the Topps "9".

    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • FrozencaribouFrozencaribou Posts: 1,091 ✭✭✭✭✭
    From a lifelong hockey collector, let me tell you the pop doesn't matter when comparing 1972-1990 Topps and OPC. OPC is king and Topps is an afterthought to the overwhelming majority of hockey collectors for this period. Specifically for the Gretzky topps rookie 9 versus the OPC rookie 8, I would say the trend has been slightly upward for the OPC and downward for the Topps over the past year.

    I would say go with what you like best and forget about speculation on it. Both will do okay but not great as "investments" in my opinion.
  • vladguerrerovladguerrero Posts: 4,077 ✭✭✭
    No contestee opc
  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    go for a high-grade 8 O-Pee-Chee
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • sportscardtheorysportscardtheory Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭
    I would want the Topps based on the fact that it is a better grade and much harder to get in a 9. Who cares if the OPC card is a better raw card. We aren't talking raw cards here. If I were investing, I would go with the Topps MINT 9 all day over a NM-MT 8 OPC. Now if it was just to own one and value doesn't matter at all, a nice undergraded OPC 8 or 8.5 would be fine.
    tradingcardcommunity on reddit - CLICK HERE, JOIN AND POST!]
  • Mickey71Mickey71 Posts: 4,259 ✭✭✭✭
    Sportscardtheory,

    I totally agree. We are talking graded not raw and not the same grade.

    Mickey71
  • Probstein123Probstein123 Posts: 1,281 ✭
    its all about the OPC
    Rick Probstein
    Ebay Store:
    Probstein123
    phone: 973 747 6304
    email: rickprobstein1@gmail.com

    Probstein123 is actively accepting CONSIGNMENTS !!
  • Brian48Brian48 Posts: 2,624 ✭✭✭
    OPC. Hands down.
  • hockeycrazyhockeycrazy Posts: 309 ✭✭
    I generally respond OPC over Topps when it comes to hockey. It's a no brainer.

    However, with this 1979 card, I have to go witht the Topps in PSA9. Let's face it, no matter how you slice it, this is one very ugly card of Gretzky. Easily the least eye appealing of all his cards. Even with nice PSA 8 Gretzky rookies, one has to look at the many defects. At least with the Topps PSA 9, the OPC irregularities are not present.
  • addicted2ebayaddicted2ebay Posts: 2,096 ✭✭✭✭
    Bump

    Looks like Topps PSA 9 might be the winner looking at recent completed sales. 2.6k, 2.4k, & 4k
    OPC 8's avg about 1.8k. Interesting thread.
  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭
    Interesting to see this over time. Does anyone have VCP for the 2 cards over the last couple years that they can copy and paste for both cards? It's surprising to me because when I am hunting for hockey HOF RC's, I don't even consider Topps. Only O-Pee-Chee for me. And I like the OPC rough cuts as I think it gives each card a slightly different feel and look.
  • baz518baz518 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭✭
    OPC. Supply is only part of it, demand is overwhelmingly in OPCs favor.
  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    i still vote OPC
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • shagrotn77shagrotn77 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>i still vote OPC >>



    Ditto.
    "My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. Our childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When we were insolent we were placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds - pretty standard really."
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭
    My personal preference is OPC.

    If you decide on OPC then be patient and buy one with both very strong centering with a centered oil dot. Even if the dot is something that doesn't bother you, it bothers most and will have a play in a future sale.

    Not all '79 Topps 9s are created equal. If you go this route buy a very strong 9. I've seen some horrendous looking 9s that I wouldn't want in my personal collection at any price. Pay the premium.

    Good luck!



  • shagrotn77shagrotn77 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭✭
    If I didn't already own a 9, I would have been all over this killer 8 that sold recently on eBay:

    image
    "My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. Our childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When we were insolent we were placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds - pretty standard really."
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Interesting to see this over time. Does anyone have VCP for the 2 cards over the last couple years that they can copy and paste for both cards? It's surprising to me because when I am hunting for hockey HOF RC's, I don't even consider Topps. Only O-Pee-Chee for me. And I like the OPC rough cuts as I think it gives each card a slightly different feel and look. >>



    I don't have a VCP membership, and I haven't tracked the sales of the Topps and OPC card while I was out of collecting, but now that I'm back in full-swing it appears they've spiked in price. I vaguely remember OPC 8s $700 to $1,000 and Topps 9s at around $1200 to $1800 <--- might be off w/ these though.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>If I didn't already own a 9, I would have been all over this killer 8 that sold recently on eBay: >>



    One of the many reason I love the '79 OPC is because there's so many different variations a collector can go with. You love this card, but I wouldn't even consider it because of the OC oil drip and slightly off registration...BUT I can see why one would say this is a KILLER Gretzky RC!
  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭
    I think the same debate can be had on the Mario Lemieux rookie: OPC PSA 8 or Topps PSA 9. Much cheaper than the gretzky but the same debate applies. Both seem to sell around $175.

    And again with the 1984 Yzerman, the OPC 8 sells for at least double the Topps 9.
  • baz518baz518 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭✭
    I think OPC is preferred in hockey more than Topps is preferred in baseball. Although I don't think the price comparisons would compare like the Gretzky.
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    1st run opc. anyone got a high end one for sale?
  • slum22slum22 Posts: 2,594 ✭✭✭✭
    I have been looking at adding one of these so I am interested in all the answers and reasons people are giving. What is the way to tell if a card is first run?
    Steve
  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭


    << <i>I have been looking at adding one of these so I am interested in all the answers and reasons people are giving. What is the way to tell if a card is first run? >>



    I don't know if it's been substantiated or not, but the general belief is that the 2 blue print lines running across the back of the card means it was "first print run". Whether a premium is associated with that is up the buyer. Here's a link to one on ebay: Link
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I have been looking at adding one of these so I am interested in all the answers and reasons people are giving. What is the way to tell if a card is first run? >>



    I don't know if it's been substantiated or not, but the general belief is that the 2 blue print lines running across the back of the card means it was "first print run". Whether a premium is associated with that is up the buyer. Here's a link to one on ebay: Link >>





    Does PSA or other third party grading companies dock the grade for that? I could see it going both ways.

  • DavisDavis Posts: 705 ✭✭


    << <i>Does PSA or other third party grading companies dock the grade for that? I could see it going both ways. >>



    No, I don't believe so. A lot of buyers actually prefer the print lines.
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    for sure.
  • shagrotn77shagrotn77 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Even if the dot is something that doesn't bother you, it bothers most and will have a play in a future sale. >>



    I actually have to disagree with this. While there are some collectors that care about the centering of the red drip, I think most are mainly concerned with overall centering and corners. The centering of the drip is not high on the radar, if it's there at all. But different strokes. I get it.
    "My father would womanize, he would drink. He would make outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. Our childhood was typical. Summers in Rangoon, luge lessons. In the spring we'd make meat helmets. When we were insolent we were placed in a burlap bag and beaten with reeds - pretty standard really."
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Does PSA or other third party grading companies dock the grade for that? I could see it going both ways. >>



    No, I don't believe so. A lot of buyers actually prefer the print lines. >>




    I think you are right after reviewing recent sales. Not sure if it commands a premium but perhaps it does.


    It is interesting to see that it varies to some degree on the various copies. Some lines are much darker and more pronounced on the side without the puck.


    I reviewed quote a few and it seems that there are quite a few more without it.

  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    i'd prefer an opc, rugged edge, 1st run, centered card complete w/ centered red drip in an 8, maybe even the right 7. not asking much is it?
  • lahmejoonlahmejoon Posts: 1,758 ✭✭✭✭
    Is it safe to say that OPC production exceeded Topps production for this set, since hockey is king in Canada? If that's the case, I would probably go with the Topps 9.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Does PSA or other third party grading companies dock the grade for that? I could see it going both ways. >>



    No, I don't believe so. A lot of buyers actually prefer the print lines. >>




    I think you are right after reviewing recent sales. Not sure if it commands a premium but perhaps it does.


    It is interesting to see that it varies to some degree on the various copies. Some lines are much darker and more pronounced on the side without the puck.


    I reviewed quote a few and it seems that there are quite a few more without it. >>



    I can see it going both ways too. The blue lines are a printing issue/defect. PSA doesn't downgrade the blue lines, or signify on the flip that it's a first print run (I wish they would put it on the flip).

    If advertised by the seller, it seems the first print run cards squeeze out a little bit more money.
  • 80sOPC80sOPC Posts: 1,393 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>i'd prefer an opc, rugged edge, 1st run, centered card complete w/ centered red drip in an 8, maybe even the right 7. not asking much is it? >>



    That's what I was looking for as well and hit the BIN on this earlier in the year:



    image
  • initialDinitialD Posts: 1,624 ✭✭✭
    OPC for sure. Although, a first run top end PSA 8 will carry more than ordinary PSA 8 pricing

    Just wait until PWCC pops one up hahaha!!

    I would by no means undervalue a PSA 9 Topps that looked all of a 10 though

    Again, premium. Go for it! Good luck on your hunt
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Even if the dot is something that doesn't bother you, it bothers most and will have a play in a future sale. >>



    I actually have to disagree with this. While there are some collectors that care about the centering of the red drip, I think most are mainly concerned with overall centering and corners. The centering of the drip is not high on the radar, if it's there at all. But different strokes. I get it. >>



    You're right. The overall centering of the card is definitely number one priority for overall eye-appeal. A lot of collectors don't know/recognize the oil drip, but it's one of those things -- once you see it, it's a pretty big distraction. It pops out at you like those 3d posters with hidden images. Like dating profile pics that should be examined thoroughly before the first date.

    Doesn't help that it's super bright either.

    But, hey, the PSA 10's oil drip is way OC.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>i'd prefer an opc, rugged edge, 1st run, centered card complete w/ centered red drip in an 8, maybe even the right 7. not asking much is it? >>



    That's what I was looking for as well and hit the BIN on this earlier in the year:



    image >>



    This is an amazing card! Congrats!
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    that one works! nice card.

    and yes, the drip can be an issue, especially once pointed out as mullins stated. it's not the biggest "look for", but definitely plays a factor for me.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>that one works! nice card.

    and yes, the drip can be an issue, especially once pointed out as mullins stated. it's not the biggest "look for", but definitely plays a factor for me. >>



    I'd take that 8 over these any day of the week.

    image

    image

    Still loving this 3 I picked up.

    image
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    no way i'd buy that 10. however, I do like that sgc 9, but it'd have to be a very good price to overcome the drip. that 10 was a gift, no doubt.
  • baz518baz518 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭✭
    To me, even a bigger turn off than the OC drip is poor registration on the magenta and yellow... which that SGC 96 exhibits greatly. I don't see how that doesn't detract from eye appeal as much as an OC card.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>no way i'd buy that 10. however, I do like that sgc 9, but it'd have to be a very good price to overcome the drip. that 10 was a gift, no doubt. >>



    The 10 is a POP 1. MANY 9s out there that are deserving of a 10.
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    thoughts on this one?

    79 gretzky

    seems like it has most of everthing im looking for. centered, rough edges, first run, nice drip. seems like it should be slightly higher compared to other 7's listed.
  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭


    << <i>thoughts on this one?

    79 gretzky

    seems like it has most of everthing im looking for. centered, rough edges, first run, nice drip. seems like it should be slightly higher compared to other 7's listed. >>




    Very nice!

    sold for $726 in August
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭
    Nice 7! I thought about buying that one, but didn't want to go over $800 on it. $975 still isn't a bad price though considering it has everything.
  • clarke442clarke442 Posts: 611 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Still loving this 3 I picked up.

    image >>



    WOW !
    Really nice looking card.
    I wonder what it would have graded with out the crease, which I assume is why it is a 3.
  • fiveninerfiveniner Posts: 4,111 ✭✭✭
    OPC without a doubt!!!!!
    Tony(AN ANGEL WATCHES OVER ME)
  • begsu1013begsu1013 Posts: 1,943 ✭✭
    yep, looks like it just sold again @ $899. not bad!
  • Dpeck100Dpeck100 Posts: 10,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    PSA 9 Topps


    Over 4k already.


  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>PSA 9 Topps


    Over 4k already. >>



    Saw this last night....

    Not really surprised...just thought it would take another ten to fifteen years to get to over 4k.
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