Description
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee
Terry Sawchuk #231 Special Memorial Card Detroit Red Wings (VG-EX 4)
A Timeless Tribute to a Goaltending Icon: The 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Terry Sawchuk Memorial.
For the serious vintage hockey collector, few cards carry the emotional weight and historical significance of the 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee #231 Terry Sawchuk Memorial card. Issued just months after his untimely passing in May 1970, this card was the hockey world's final salute to a man many still consider the greatest goaltender to ever play the game. Sawchuk was a titan of the "Original Six" era, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, and a four-time Vezina Trophy winner who redefined the position with his legendary "crouch" style and sheer physical bravery. This card features the iconic black-bordered memorial banner on the front, distinguishing it as one of the most respected "tribute" cards in the hobby.
This particular specimen is the O-Pee-Chee (OPC) version, which is the preferred choice for many Canadian collectors. It features the classic bilingual English and French text on the reverse, providing a comprehensive look at Sawchuk's storied career across Detroit, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York. While this card shows the honest signs of being enjoyed by a previous generation of collectors, it remains a vibrant and essential piece of memorabilia that captures the end of an era in NHL history. Whether you are building a 1970-71 set or collecting Hall of Fame legends, this Sawchuk memorial is a cornerstone piece.
Condition Report:
This card is estimated at a VG-EX 4 grade, offering a classic "vintage" look that balances affordability with clear eye appeal.
This card is estimated at a VG-EX 4 grade, offering a classic "vintage" look that balances affordability with clear eye appeal.
-
- Corners: The corners show definitive rounding and moderate wear consistent with a mid-grade vintage card. There is visible softening at all four points, particularly at the bottom-right.
- Edges: The edges show typical O-Pee-Chee "rough cut" characteristics with minor chipping and silvering visible along the black border sections.
- Centering: The centering on the front is shifted toward the top-left, which is common for this high-demand series.
- Surface: The surface retains good color, though careful inspection reveals light surface impressions and minor scuffing. There are no major vertical or horizontal creases that break the paper, but a small corner crease is noticeable and the "VG-EX" designation accounts for the general surface age and corner softening. The bilingual back is well-preserved with clear, legible text.
Grade Estimate:
VG-EX 4 (Very Good-Excellent). Consistent corner wear and minor edge chipping; no major creases, but shows authentic vintage handling.
VG-EX 4 (Very Good-Excellent). Consistent corner wear and minor edge chipping; no major creases, but shows authentic vintage handling.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.