The Top Ten Most Valuable Hockey Cards Ever Sold
The Most Valuable Hockey Cards Ever Sold: A Collector’s Dream
Hockey card collecting has remained a thrilling hobby for decades, producing some of the most iconic and valuable sports memorabilia in the world. From Wayne Gretzky to Bobby Orr, certain cards have become legendary not only for their rarity but for their staggering auction prices. In this blog post, we delve into the top ten most valuable hockey cards ever sold, exploring why they command such high prices and what makes them so desirable to collectors.
1. 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card #18
Highest Sale: $3.75 Million
Date: May 2021
Grade: PSA 10
Private Sale through Heritage Auctions
Considered the Holy Grail of hockey cards, Wayne Gretzky’s rookie card in a PSA 10 grade sold for an astonishing $3.75 million in a private sale. This card is iconic not only because it features "The Great One," but because of its incredible condition rarity. Only two copies have ever received the perfect PSA 10 rating, making it one of the most sought-after cards in the world.
2. 1979-80 Topps Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card #18
Highest Sale: $1.29 Million
Date: December 2020
Grade: PSA 10
Another iconic rookie card of Gretzky, the Topps version shares the same imagery as the O-Pee-Chee but with a slightly different print quality and English-only text on the back of the card. It is also exceptionally rare in a PSA 10 grade, achieving a record-breaking sale of $1.29 million.
3. Alexander Ovechkin 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup Hockey Rookie Patch Auto Gold Rainbow 8/8 #179
Highest Sale: $381,000
Date: April 2025
Grade: BGS 8
An iconic card representing Alexander Ovechkin’s dominance in the NHL, the 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup Gold Rainbow Rookie Patch Auto is limited to just 8 copies. This BGS 8 example sold for $381,000 in April 2025, setting a record for Ovechkin rookies and solidifying his status as one of the most collectible modern players in hockey history.
4. 1966 Topps Bobby Orr Rookie Card #35
Highest Sale: $276,000
Date: February 2021
Grade: BVG 10
Before Gretzky, there was Bobby Orr. This 1966 Topps card features a young Orr in his rookie season, a card that has since become a centerpiece for vintage hockey card collectors. In pristine BVG 10 condition, it fetched $276,000 at auction, cementing Orr’s legacy as one of the greatest defensemen of all time.
5. 2015 Upper Deck The Cup Connor McDavid Rookie Card #197
Highest Sale: $228,000.00
Date: July 2022
Grade: PSA 10
Fast forward to the modern era, and Connor McDavid's rookie card from the 2015 Upper Deck The Cup set has gained significant value. The specific card that sold for $228,000 was serial-numbered to 99, adding to its rarity and desirability.
6. 1951 Parkhurst Gordie Howe #66
Highest Sale: $210,330
Date: May 2021
Grade: PSA 8.5
The 1951 Parkhurst Gordie Howe rookie card is a cornerstone for vintage hockey collectors. In May 2021, a PSA 8.5 copy of this iconic card sold for $210,330, highlighting its status as one of the most valuable early hockey cards. Featuring "Mr. Hockey" during his rookie season, this card symbolizes the beginning of a legendary career that spanned decades.
7. 2020 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Gold Sidney Crosby 1/1
Highest Sale: $164,400
Date: March 2022
Grade: PSA 8
One of the most coveted modern hockey cards, the 2020 Skybox Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Gold featuring Sidney Crosby is a true gem for collectors. Graded PSA 8, this 1-of-1 card sold for $164,400 through Goldin Auctions in March 2022, solidifying its place as one of the most valuable Crosby cards ever produced.
8. 2004 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection NHL Shield Wayne Gretzky Patch Autograph
Highest Sale: $145,000
Date: May 2022
Grade: BGS 8.5
A stunning piece of modern hockey memorabilia, the 2004 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Wayne Gretzky Patch Autograph features a one-of-a-kind NHL shield patch along with Gretzky’s signature. This BGS 8.5 card sold for $145,000 through Fanatics Collect Auction in May 2022, solidifying its place as one of the most valuable Gretzky cards from the modern era.
9. 2015 Upper Deck The Cup Exquisite Connor McDavid Rookie Patch Autograph #97 /97
Highest Sale: $135,811.20
Date: June 2020
Grade: PSA 9
Connor McDavid’s 2015 Exquisite Rookie Patch Autograph is one of the most visually striking and valuable cards from his debut season. Limited to just 97 copies and bearing his jersey number, this PSA 9 example sold for $135,811.20 through Lelands Auctions in June 2020, underscoring McDavid’s status as the face of modern hockey.
10. 2005-2006 Upper Deck The Cup Sidney Crosby 52/99 #180
Highest Sale: $125,200
Date: June 2020
Grade: BGS 10
Sidney Crosby’s 2005-06 Upper Deck The Cup rookie card is a grail for modern hockey collectors. This BGS 10 example, numbered 52 out of 99, sold for $125,200 in June 2020, further cementing Crosby’s place as one of the greatest players of his generation and making this card a must-have for serious collectors.
Final Thoughts: Why Are Hockey Cards So Valuable?
The hockey card market continues to thrive as more collectors chase the rarest and most iconic pieces of hockey history. The value of these cards is driven by factors such as player legacy, card condition, rarity, and demand. Whether it’s a Gretzky rookie or a vintage Bobby Orr card, the stories behind these collectibles add depth and allure, making them treasured assets for avid hockey fans and serious investors alike.