Wayne Gretzky broke countless records during his illustrious playing career. So it’s only fitting that a Wayne Gretzky rookie card would sell for a record price at auction.
Per Dan O’Leary of NHL.com, a 1979 Gretzky O-Pee-Chee rookie card (from his 1978-79 rookie season) sold for $1.25 million at an auction on Friday. O’Leary noted that this is the first ever hockey card to sell for over $1 million.
This was no ordinary Gretzky rookie card, either. According to Heritage Auctions, the seller of this historic piece, there are only two Gretzky rookie cards that have been rated as “Gem Mint 10” condition.
Another Gretzky rookie card sold for $465,000 at auction in Aug. 2016, per O’Leary. That previously stood as the record for the most expensive hockey card sold. But it was only a matter of time until another Gretzky rookie sold.
Several rare sports card have sold for seven figures here in 2020. Back in August, a Mike Trout Topps 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor rookie card sold for $3.93 million at Goldin Auctions.
And back in May, an autographed Trout Bowman Draft Chrome Prospect rookie card sold for $900,000.
That set a new record for the most expensive trading card ever sold.
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A rare LeBron James 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection rookie card sold for $1.845 million at Goldin Auctions back in July. This became the most expensive modern-day sports card ever sold. It featured James’ autograph plus a game-worn jersey patch.
Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, played in the NHL from 1979-80 to 1998-99. He is the all time leader in goals (894) and points (2,857) by wide margins. No. 99 let the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s.
“The Great One” captured nine Hart Trophies and a whopping 10 scoring titles as well. After his playing career, the NHL honored Gretzky by retiring his No. 99 league-wide.
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