Career Gretzkys

[JJRoxx]

Until Wayne Gretzky was traded to the L.A. Kings in 1988, the obvious choice for collecting his cards each year was O-Pee-Chee. In 1988 Topps replaced OPC for the year. In 1990, Upper Deck was the card of choice. From 1991-1999, what card would you choose as the best Wayne Gretzky available?

[valleynuckfan]

In 1988 Topps replaced OPC for the year.
What does this mean?
Topps had the first '88 card of Gretzky holding up a Kings jersey at the press conference.
The later '88 OPC version had Wayne in full LA gear on the ice. A much more collectable card.

[carlo16]

What does this mean?
Topps had the first '88 card of Gretzky holding up a Kings jersey at the press conference.
The later '88 OPC version had Wayne in full LA gear on the ice. A much more collectable card.

88 Topps Gretzky is a top 10 iconic hockey card. A rare instance that the topps is more desirable than the opc which is a terrible looking 4am photo shoot card.

[JJRoxx]

In the opinion of most collectors, the’ 88 Topps is preferred over the OPC because it was the first and not staged at a later time. My question is: What is the best card to acquire for
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999?

[rohara99]

In the opinion of most collectors, the’ 88 Topps is preferred over the OPC because it was the first and not staged at a later time. My question is: What is the best card to acquire for
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999?

I would think there are far too many sets, inserts and parralels to determine 'the best' Gretzky card to acquire from each year.

[BestRCs]

Just IMO off the top of my head.....

I'd actually go with the below now for 1989 and 1990

1989 - O-Pee-Chee Tembec
1990 - Topps Tiffany
1991 - Pinnacle B
1992 - Topps Gold
1993
1994 - Score "The Franchise". Semic stickers for something different.
1995
1996 - Select Mirror Gold
1997 - Pinnacle Totally Certified Platinum Mirror Gold/30 or the AS JSY AU/99
1998
1999

[valleynuckfan]

Just IMO off the top of my head.....

I'd actually go with the below now for 1989 and 1990

1989 - O-Pee-Chee Tembec.....

Definitely a very rare issue to acquire. I only learned of them a couple of years ago when I was researching '89 wax and factory sets.

[JJRoxx]

I would think there are far too many sets, inserts and parralels to determine 'the best' Gretzky card to acquire from each year.

I don’t disagree. But, I have challenged myself to search for an answer that would be acceptable and look good framed and hanging on the wall.

[JJRoxx]

I’m not familiar with what “tembec” is. Can you tell me?

Currently, I have:
1991 PINNACLE B PSA 9
1992 Stadium Club Members Choice PSA 10
1993 Leaf Studio Signature Insert PSA 10
1994 1994 Leaf Limited 1122/2500 PSA 8 (looking to upgrade)
1995 Score Border Battle PSA 10
1996 Donruss Elite Gold 0042/2000 PSA 9
1997 DRE 0830/2500 (currently being graded)
1998-99 Upper Deck 98-99 MVP PSA 9 (hanging them up)

I like your platinum gold choice, but I’m not crazy about the protective film.

What do you think?