As a layman (who knows collectibles, but not sports cards per se) who is just trying to find his way, the first thing I'm trying to understand is why an OPC Gretzky rookie card is more coveted over the Topps version?

The Topps has better QP (production quality ie cut, registration, colouring etc)
The Topps doesn't have the dot on his left shoulder
The Topps is a true first print (November release date as compared to January)

The only thing I can figure out is that the actual production numbers of the Topps version dwarves the OPC but I can't find the production numbers anywhere?

Looking forward to everybody's insight.

Jim

As a rule of thumb, OPC is a much smaller print run then Topps. The OPC card is also harder to find in higher grade condition. 447 psa 8's compared to just under 1000 for the Topps version. 48 psa 9's compared to 119.

Jim.

Take in consideration that canadian kids do not collect Topps, since OPC rules all over Canada.
Hockey collectors are certainly much more from Canada than USA. 1 + 1 = 2.

Topps (post 1967) is a joke in hockey sets.

1- OPC had larger sets (ex.396 vs 264)
2- OPC covered WHA from 1972 to 1977 (Not Topps)
3- Topps did not issued in 1982 and 1983
4- OPC also has the french market
5- Some early OPC inserts Dont have a Topps counterpart.

I dont care about the laser cut on a topps....I want the real thing, I want an OPC. (As a canadian)

Loving all the insight so far, so keep bringing it. As for Canadian kids not collecting Topps, my favourite all time set is 80-81 Topps. The memories it brings back of this Scarborough, ON bred kid buying packs and scratching off to see if we were right about what player it was is absolutely priceless. I totally understand OPC being the most in demand version but I just wasn't sure what the possible production numbers might be. I didn't know if an OPC print run (although a smaller company) but for a hockey mad population would have still been smaller than the large company (Topps) making a more limited print run but I guess the population report proves that the OPC is tougher in grade and probably sheer numbers.

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

Jim

Topps also misses on a lot of key rookie cards that O-Pee-Chee had in there higher numbers.
So most Hockey card collectors want to complete a set that has more to offer than a set that does not.