Missing Star Cards from OPC Sets 1965-1970 and 1972
 

I got a couple of inquiries from Player Collectors about the availability of particular star cards from the older sets and the 1972 "high number" series. The older sets are "short sets" but done so with the same numbering and cards included in the same year Topps set, cut off after the first 200-300 cards depending on the set. Although initially disappointing, it actually supports even higher value for the HOF cards from the sets because there are even fewer of the individual HOFer player cards covering the era. For example, there are like 3,700 1971 Topps Roberto Clemente cards graded, and only 44 OPC. However, how many ever 1966 Clemente Topps cards are graded, the OPC ratio is zero, as the limited OPC set did not reach his number from the Topps set.

To satisfy collectors just starting into these, I am starting a list of the missing frontline HOF cards missing from these sets. I am only including those that I know that have substantial player collector followings. If you want specific information on a particular player or card, feel free to ask. Please feel free to add on any omissions.

1965: Koufax, Mantle (although the WS card is widely accepted as his 65 OPC), Carlton RC, Hunter RC, Perez RC, Yaz, Stargell

1966: Clemente, Aaron, Carlton, Stargell

1967: THE ONLY STAR CARDS INCLUDED IN THIS SET ARE MANTLE AND STARGELL. Someone should have gotten fired for this.

1968: Bench RC, Rose, Mantle

1969: Aaron, Seaver, R. Jackson RC, Yaz, Bonds RC,

1970: Ryan, Rose, Bench

1972: Ryan, Rose, Morgan traded

Fun information which I had no idea about, but should probably be in the Postwar cards section.

Brian

Agreed on both points.
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Ryan does appear on 2 1970 OPC, an NL Playoff game card #197 Ryan saves the day!, and an WS card #198 We're number one! with 3 other Mets.

The 197 Ryan card is one of the tougher cards in the 70 OPC set. Perhaps because it is Ryan's only "lone" appearance in the set??