1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Serge Bernier #152 Los Angeles Kings

Description

1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Serge Bernier #152 Los Angeles Kings Here is your chance to own a 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Serge Bernier #152 Los Angeles Kings card, a charming Quebec Connection piece from the landmark Canadian issue of 1972-73. Bernier, born in Quebec City, was a slick playmaking right wing whose junior stardom made him one of the most coveted young Canadian forwards of his generation, and within months of this card's release he became one of the signature early signings of the new World Hockey Association, making this Kings card a true snapshot of a player at a career crossroads. The bilingual back, printed in English and French, notes his Quebec junior roots, his full seasons splitting time between the Kings and their American Hockey League affiliate, and his tricky, creative style of play, and it confirms the authentic Canadian O-Pee-Chee bilingual back rather than a puzzle back. The 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee set is treasured for its painted-feeling green backdrop portraits, the vertical team name down the left edge, and the warm Canadian card stock that distinguishes these cards from their Topps twins, and this example shows all the hallmarks of the Canadian print run with its orange PRINTED IN CANADA line. the front displays light, even corner wear with the bottom corners showing the most softness, a small nick on the right border near the lower photo frame, brown ink smudging from the original print run in the lower right portion of the photo area, clean edges elsewhere, vertical centering of approximately 48/52, and the usual slightly left-weighted horizontal borders of the design, with no creases or wrinkles visible on the front or back under close scanning. The bilingual career statistics remain sharp and readable. A conservative grade estimate of EX 5 reflects the corner softness, the right border nick, and the factory print smudge, all of which are honest wear and production traits rather than damage from abuse. Serge Bernier cards from this set are notably scarcer in the Canadian market than the big name Los Angeles cards, so this is a smart add for set builders, Kings collectors, and collectors of Quebec born players who went on to shape the WHA era. Grade Estimate: EX 5