Let's See Some OPC, You Hosers

[Exhibitman]

From the Great White North:

[Jim65]

I have every Mets OPC card from 1965 to 1990s. This is the last card I bought to complete the run.

[Cliff Bowman]

These are the only known OPC variations other than card stock, at least through 1985 anyway.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

These are the only known OPC variations known other than card stock, at least through 1985 anyway.

Cliff,

I collect Orioles cards and have two different backs for the 1969 OPC Orioles Rookies card #66. Ptd. in Canada is farther right on the top card and more left on the lower card. Since I only collect the Orioles, I'm not sure if other Rookie Stars cards have the same variation.

1969 OPC #66 Variation.jpg


Also, the 1967 OPC Checklist #62, with Frank Robinson has two different backs. The copyright symbol is under the R on one version and the T on the other. I will try and post pictures tomorrow.

[Cliff Bowman]

You're right, I forgot about that one.

[DeanH3]

That '71 Ryan is way cool. The backs on the 71's are so much better than the Topps version.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

That '71 Ryan is way cool. The backs on the 71's are so much better than the Topps version.

Agree. I wonder why OPC changed the backs on the semi-highs and high series to English only.

[BaltOrioles]

Originally Posted by BaltOrioles

Also, the 1967 OPC Checklist #62, with Frank Robinson has two different backs. The copyright symbol is under the R on one version and the T on the other. I will try and post pictures tomorrow.

Here is the 1967 OPC Checklist variation I mentioned last night.

1967 OPC Variations.jpg

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by DeanH3

That '71 Ryan is way cool. The backs on the 71's are so much better than the Topps version.

Agree on the backs of the '71s. It has baffled my why they redesigned the backs of the '71s while leaving the backs of other years virtually the same as the US Topps issue.

[laughlinfan]

Always loved the OPC cards as a kid - grew up close enough to Canada to pick some up whenever we crossed the border. The gum was much better than Topps. I have a bunch of wrappers I have had since 78 or 79 and I came across them a few years ago - I could still smell the gum and it was like being instantly transported back 40 years!

The 1971 backs are night and day better than the gray, green, black and white mess of the backs of the Topps counterparts. Thanks for the scans - lots of great memories!

[hcv123]

I have been a fan of the O Pee Chee's for years - WAY under appreciated issues with only a fraction of the production of Topps US issues. Some favorites from my Clemente collection.

[Exhibitman]

Beautiful Clemente's, Howard.

A few of my others:

[Rrrlyons]

Couple from my favorite OPC set.
Rick

[Eric72]

Lefty

[jb217676]

The Wizard!!!

[jason.1969]

Is 1971 the first year OPC included the updated team on card fronts?

[jason.1969]

Highlight of my modest OPC collection is the full set of Hank Aaron specials, including the OPC-only versions of 3-8.

[Exhibitman]

Those are great, Jason. Not easy in good shape and centered.

[Big Red Machine]

Here are a couple of my favorites.

[jchcollins]

Not everyone likes rough cuts, but I dig them.




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[BaltOrioles]

I love the OPC cards. Growing up in Maine, we sometimes traveled over to Canada. I picked up a few cards as a kid, but at first I didn't realize there was a difference. Centering has always seemed to be an issue the the OPC sets.

1966 OPC Orioles team set with Jim Palmer rookie. I wish that OPC had included Brooks and Frank Robinson in the set.

1966 O-Pee-Chee #1.jpg 1966 O-Pee-Chee #2 - Copy.JPG


1966 OPC Jim Palmer

SCAN9680.jpg SCAN9679.jpg

[Exhibitman]

I love the rough cuts; that's how you know it is an OPC. Well, that plus crappy centering on nearly every card. Which makes it so fun when you find some clean, sharp, centered cards, even commons.

Meanwhile, a few more:

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Not everyone likes rough cuts, but I dig them.




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I also rather enjoy those rough cuts. Nearly impossible for card trimmers/doctors to screw with them.

[Tom S.]

Here's a few pictures of my complete 1969 OPC set in the binder. I love the magenta backs on these!

[jb67]

Great thread. Love seeing everyone's favorites. Here are a couple of my favorites.

[irv]

Is there any premium between with these OPC cards like there is with OPC VS Topps hockey cards? I believe I have a few OPC baseball cards somewhere but I'd have to hunt for them.

[Exhibitman]

Not much, as far as I can tell. I bought a collection of OPC cards once and was surprised by how little they are worth. The average card costs more but not by a ton. So few people collect OPC relative to Topps, I guess. I got into them because of my player collections and my love of all things 1971 Topps (OPC has much nicer backs and stock IMO). I try to pick up nice HOFer examples on the cheap when I see them at the National or on eBay.

[Cliff Bowman]

My favorite year is 1974 with the yellow backs. When I collected the 1965 through 1985 OPC Cubs team sets the most difficult to find were the 74's, followed by the 65 high numbers. The last card I needed in the whole run was a 74 Dave Rosello four player rookie card.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Not much, as far as I can tell. I bought a collection of OPC cards once and was surprised by how little they are worth. The average card costs more but not by a ton. So few people collect OPC relative to Topps, I guess. I got into them because of my player collections and my love of all things 1971 Topps (OPC has much nicer backs and stock IMO). I try to pick up nice HOFer examples on the cheap when I see them at the National or on eBay.

Thanks Adam. I just assumed they would be considering most CDN kids likely collected hockey cards back then so these would be on the more rare side?
Were these sold stateside as well or mainly/only in Canada?

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

My favorite year is 1974 with the yellow backs. When I collected the 1965 through 1985 OPC Cubs team sets the most difficult to find were the 74's, followed by the 65 high numbers. The last card I needed in the whole run was a 74 Dave Rosello four player rookie card.

I found the 1974's tough also but the 1971 high series was toughest and most expensive.

[JollyElm]

I'm happy to have this one...

1974winfield456OPC.jpg

[grainsley]

I know Pete gets no love, but I was thrilled to pull this from a pack in 1965.....and for OPC, great centering. Still one of my fave cards!

[Jayhawke]

Originally Posted by grainsley

I know Pete gets no love, but I was thrilled to pull this from a pack in 1965.....and for OPC, great centering. Still one of my fave cards!

That is a great looking Rose. Looks like a PSA 8.

[Exhibitman]

Doesn't it seem like Topps purposely made the USA card backs unreadable in the 1970s? From 1971-1980 I can't think of a single year where the OPC card back wasn't easier to read than the USA card back. In 71 and 74 especially so.