Upper Deck is one of the most popular brands among card collectors, with a range of hockey cards spanning several decades. Many of these cards are very valuable, with some having surpassed the $100 price point, making them accessible to the average person. It’s quite the lucrative hobby, as you’ll see below.
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The Early Years
Upper Deck was founded in the 1960s and initially focused on baseball cards. It started as a small, family-run business, mailing out 5,000 cards per week to customers in the U.S. and Canada. In those days, cards were printed using paper that was thicker than usual, allowing for better quality. In addition, many of the cards were designed in a more artistic fashion, with brighter colors and more elaborate artwork.
It wasn’t long before hockey cards were added to the collection, and the brand has been expanding ever since. In 1970, Upper Deck released its first set of hockey cards, and over the years, the size of the collection has grown considerably, making it one of the world’s largest sports card archives. Most of the cards are stored in climate-controlled storage, keeping them safe and dust-free.
For the average hockey fan, it’s fascinating to trace the history of the sport via the collection. You’ll see iconic figures from years gone by, as well as key moments from more recent seasons. There are also cards that feature non-traditional hockey content, such as logos from other sports leagues or customized designs that celebrate particular teams or individuals.
What Makes These Cards Special?
The following are a handful of reasons why these cards are worth money:
1. Design.
When it comes to sports collectibles, there’s nothing more important than the design of the card. Upper Deck uses traditional sports card artwork, which is composed of a portrait of the athlete, as well as team logos, numbers, and specific decorations. In addition, many of the cards feature unique designs and colorful artwork, adding to the overall aesthetic beauty. When it comes to the value of a single card, this is undoubtedly the most important factor. The cards are designed and handcrafted by experts, so any variations in quality will directly affect the value.
2. Unusual Design.
Many of the cards on this list will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a toy store or a comic book store, as they were ubiquitous in those places back in the day. However, not every card on the list conforms to the usual design conventions used by Upper Deck. A few of the cards are extremely rare, and even more so because they don’t fit the mold. These are often the most expensive cards on the list, as well as some of the most sought-after possessions in the entire collection. They also serve as a testimony to the creativity of the artists who designed them and the uniqueness of the product that they produced.
3. The Collection.
One of the things that makes these cards so valuable is the sheer volume of them. Although it’s not entirely possible to put a number on it, it’s safe to assume that the collection contains at least 500,000 cards, making it one of the largest in the world. The sheer size of the collection alone makes it an incredible resource, as there are always new cards to add to your collection. If you had a dime for every card in the collection, it would already be worth a fortune.
4. Portraits.
Another important factor in the value of these cards is the fact that they feature some of the most recognizable athletes and iconic football players from years gone by. Even those who aren’t familiar with the game will recognize almost all of the players because of their appearances on these cards. It’s not only about the value of the cards, but the value of the portraits as well. Many of the players on this list held a special place in the hearts of sports fans in the 20th century, so it’s not hard to see why their portraits would continue to hold value today.
5. The History.
These cards represent a history lesson in the form of a collection. Not only does it feature some really cool designs and artwork, but it also illustrates the growth of the sport, as well as the industry itself. Many of the cards on this list feature players who had only recently become popular, either because they were born in the 20th century or because they played at a time when baseball, or soccer as it was known then, wasn’t on the same level of popularity it is today. This makes the vintage cards even more precious to fans and historians of the game. In fact, many of the players featured on these cards were first exposed to fame while playing baseball or soccer in the European leagues, so it’s only natural that their popularity would continue to resonate long after their playing days were over.
6. Artwork.
The artwork on these cards is, for the most part, quite good, although it’s not always easy to tell when examining it online. Many of the cards feature at least three portraits, with an overview of the teams and players below. In some of the older cards, especially from the 1990s, the artwork is a little worse for wear, but considering the size of the collection, it’s quite extraordinary that any of the cards survived in such good condition. It also helps that the cards were stored in a climate-controlled environment, preventing any damage from the elements.
7. Brand.
Finally, we have brand, which is an important factor in the value of these cards. Many of the players on this list will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a toy store or a comic book store, as they were ubiquitous in those places back in the day. However, not every card on the list conforms to the usual design conventions used by Upper Deck. Designers at the brand created variations of the standard sports card, resulting in some very cool and rare designs. In addition, many of the cards feature other sports logos or unique artwork, adding to the overall aesthetic beauty. When it comes to collecting these cards, it’s more than just a matter of having them in your collection, it’s about having them in your hands as well.
If you’re thinking about adding any of these cards to your collection, it’s important to do your research. Just like any other collectible, knowing the history and the overall value of what you’re purchasing is a good idea.