Description
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee
Al Smith #87 Rookie Card RC Pittsburgh Penguins (VG-EX 4)
Own a piece of Penguins history with this 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Al Smith Rookie Card.
This vintage 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Al Smith #87 is a true staple for any Pittsburgh Penguins collector or vintage hockey enthusiast. As one of the early goalies for the "blue-jersey era" Penguins, Al Smith’s 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee release captures the rugged aesthetic of 1970s hockey. This card is part of the iconic "orange border" set, known for its vibrant colors and being the first year O-Pee-Chee used their own logo on the back instead of the Topps brand.
Player History & Achievements
Al Smith was a workhorse between the pipes, famously known for his eccentric style and classic leather equipment. Before becoming a fixture in Pittsburgh, Smith spent time in the Maple Leafs system. This card celebrates his emergence as a primary netminder during the 1969-70 season where he posted a 3.03 GAA. His career spanned across the NHL and WHA, making him a cult favorite among fans of vintage goaltending.
Al Smith was a workhorse between the pipes, famously known for his eccentric style and classic leather equipment. Before becoming a fixture in Pittsburgh, Smith spent time in the Maple Leafs system. This card celebrates his emergence as a primary netminder during the 1969-70 season where he posted a 3.03 GAA. His career spanned across the NHL and WHA, making him a cult favorite among fans of vintage goaltending.
The O-Pee-Chee Difference
Unlike its Topps American counterpart, this Canadian O-Pee-Chee version features the desirable bilingual back with stats and biography printed in both English and French. The back of this specific card #87 remains clean with no ink marks, which is a rare find for a card over 50 years old.
Unlike its Topps American counterpart, this Canadian O-Pee-Chee version features the desirable bilingual back with stats and biography printed in both English and French. The back of this specific card #87 remains clean with no ink marks, which is a rare find for a card over 50 years old.
Condition Report & Grade Estimate
- Centering: The card exhibits a notable shift toward the bottom-right on the front (approx. 80/20), which is common for this high-production era.
- Corners: All four corners show light-to-moderate softening and minor "fuzzing," consistent with a card that has been enjoyed but handled with care.
- Edges: The edges show the characteristic O-Pee-Chee "rough cut," confirming its 1970s Canadian origin. There is light chipping along the right-hand orange border.
- Surface: The front surface retains good gloss with no major creases or wrinkles visible. The back is remarkably clean with no paper loss or staining.
Grade Estimate: VG-EX 4. While the card lacks major technical flaws like creases, the centering and corner wear keep it in the "Very Good to Excellent" range.
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