Description
1971-72 O-Pee-Chee
Gordie Howe #262 Retirement Special Detroit Red Wings VG-EX 4
Own a piece of hockey history with the iconic "Mr. Hockey" retirement tribute!
This 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Gordie Howe #262 marks one of the most significant moments in sports card history: the legendary first retirement of Gordie Howe. After 25 unparalleled seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, O-Pee-Chee released this special collector's card to honor a career that included four Stanley Cups and six Hart Trophies. This card is a true "OPC exclusive," as it was not included in the smaller American Topps set of the same year.
Player Legacy & Card History
Known universally as "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe was the backbone of the Detroit Red Wings for a quarter-century. This card details his monumental achievements, from most games played to most career goals at the time of its printing. While history shows Howe eventually returned to the ice in the WHA and later the NHL with the Hartford Whalers, this card remains the definitive contemporary tribute to his legendary initial departure from the Red Wings. It is one of the most sought-after cards in the 1971-72 set, trailing only the major rookie cards of Dryden, Lafleur, and Dionne.
Known universally as "Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe was the backbone of the Detroit Red Wings for a quarter-century. This card details his monumental achievements, from most games played to most career goals at the time of its printing. While history shows Howe eventually returned to the ice in the WHA and later the NHL with the Hartford Whalers, this card remains the definitive contemporary tribute to his legendary initial departure from the Red Wings. It is one of the most sought-after cards in the 1971-72 set, trailing only the major rookie cards of Dryden, Lafleur, and Dionne.
Condition Report
This vintage specimen presents well for its age, showcasing the classic charm of early 70s hockey cards.
This vintage specimen presents well for its age, showcasing the classic charm of early 70s hockey cards.
- Centering: The front shows a moderate shift toward the top-right border, common for O-Pee-Chee’s production standards of the era.
- Corners: All four corners exhibit noticeable softening and wear, consistent with a mid-grade vintage card.
- Edges: Displays characteristic "rough-cut" edges typical of O-Pee-Chee cards printed in London, Ontario. There is light chipping along the blue borders on the front.
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- Surface: The back features the highly desirable O-Pee-Chee bilingual format, with Gordie’s career biography presented in both English and French. The back surface shows light age-toning and minor spotting but remains clear of major creases or marks.
Grade Estimate:
- VG-EX 4
Realistic raw estimate. The card shows clear corner wear and centering shifts, but maintains excellent eye appeal and a clean, crease-free surface.
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