Hockey cards are a popular recreational activity for kids and adults alike. Simply put, they’re like Magic: The Gathering cards that feature professional hockey players! The only difference is that they usually have more of an entertainment value instead of being worth money.
Is it ever worth it to invest in a set of hockey cards? That is the question. Are you looking to buy a complete set of hockey cards or are you into collecting just a few players? What do you think all the buzz is about? We’ll tell you how to value them, as well as which ones are the most pricey and rare to purchase.
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The Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
You might be wondering, what is the value of these cards? Well, it is definitely not fair to say that they are worthless. The card collecting community has recognized the value of a set of hockey cards and have accordingly established collectible value standards. In 2020, the price of a standard set of NHL hockey cards (without any rookies or superstitions) ranges from $40.00 to $150.00, depending on the condition of the sets and whether or not they are graded or certified. It should be noted that most collectors buy their cards from dealers and pay cash, hence the reason why they are so expensive.
Grade/Certification
You are probably wondering how you are supposed to know the “grade” of any particular set of hockey cards. Well, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, there are five (5) grades that dealers use to classify any collection of NHL hockey cards:
- Grade Mint – Made from brand new and never opened or used cards. These are the least valuable cards in existence, usually found in sets. They have no imperfections and are completely free of any signs of use or wear.
- Grade Near Mint – Made from brand new and never opened or used cards. These are the next least valuable cards in existence, usually found in sets. They have very little to no signs of usage or wear. You will rarely see fans hold onto these cards for long.
- Grade Fine – Made from brand new and never opened or used cards. These are the next most valuable cards in existence, usually found in sets. You will see lots of signs of wear on these cards with some exceptions, but they are still in absolutely perfect condition.
- Grade Very Good – Made from brand new and never opened or used cards. These are the most valuable cards in existence. You will rarely if ever see fans hold onto these cards for long as they are usually destroyed by constant usage and abuse. Some examples of wear include bent corners, creases, or scratches on the cards, but nothing too severe. The grades are determined by both the degree of wear and tear as well as the condition of the cards.
- Grade Excellent – Made from brand new and never opened or used cards. These are the most valuable cards in existence. You will rarely if ever see fans hold onto these cards for long as they are usually completely destroyed by constant usage and abuse. Some examples of wear include bent corners, creases, or scratches on the cards, but nothing too severe. The grades are determined by both the degree of wear and tear as well as the condition of the cards.
Value
Now you might be wondering how much are you supposed to pay for a particular set of NHL hockey cards. Well, it is definitely not fair to say that they are priceless, as they have measurable value. The value of a standard set of NHL hockey cards ranges from $40.00 to $150.00, depending on the condition of the sets and whether or not they are graded or certified. So it is safe to assume that the value of your cards will increase or decrease based on how well you play the game!
Rarity
You are probably wondering how much rarity your particular set of NHL cards is worth. Well, it is definitely not fair to say that they are extremely rare, as they have a value and can be found in sets or individually. The rarity of a set of NHL cards ranges from Very Rare – Out of Print to Very Common – Hard to Find with the following criteria:
- At least 75 cards in the set (no exceptions)
- Complete set (no partial sets)
- Grade Mint
- Unopened and Unused
Some examples of very rare sets of NHL cards include the 1969-70 Topps Set, which has never been opened, and the 1986-87 Upper Deck Set, which only has 7 cards total. So, in general, it is safe to assume that the more rare the set, the higher the value.
Availability
If you want to know how easy it will be for you to find a particular set of hockey cards, it is probably best to look at the following three (3) factors:
- Time – Searching for a rare set of cards takes a significant amount of time, especially if you want to find a complete set. It will be very difficult to come across all of the necessary cards in one search.
- Space – There is a finite amount of space in your collection, especially if you are storing the cards in a conventional manner. It is best to keep your cards in a safe and dry place, so once you find the set you want, you can continue to enjoy them for many years.
- Knowledge – You need to know what you are looking for, as well as be able to recognize it when you see it. People who are passionate about cards tend to accumulate sets that are extremely rare, simply because they enjoy the search and the thrill of finding a complete set. Once you figure out what you are looking for, the rest is relatively easy.
In conclusion, collecting cards is a lot of fun and can be highly rewarding, as long as you know how to value them and keep track of what you have. If you want to learn how to value your cards and what to look for, as well as understand the process of card acquisition and preservation, we recommend that you read our detailed guide on how to value and archive your cards!