🃏 The Fascinating History of Trading Cards

Trading cards have captured imaginations for over a century, evolving from early advertising tools to must-have collectibles spanning sports, pop culture, and fantasy games. Whether you're into vintage hockey cards or classic collector sets, trading cards have a rich story worth sharing.

📜 Origins in the 1800s

The story begins in the late 19th century, when trading cards were used as promotional items. Tobacco companies included cards in their cigarette packs to stiffen the packaging and give buyers something extra. These early cards often featured actresses, animals, or athletes — sparking early collector interest.

🥅 Enter Sports Cards: Baseball & Hockey

By the early 1900s, baseball cards surged in popularity in the U.S. But in Canada, the rise of hockey cards created a cultural staple. One of the earliest and most sought-after Canadian hockey cards is from the 1910 Imperial Tobacco set, featuring players from the National Hockey Association — the NHL’s predecessor.

 Did you know? The first full set of Canadian hockey cards was printed over 110 years ago, making it one of the longest-running collectible sports traditions in the country.

💥 The Boom Years: 1980s–90s

The 1980s and 1990s brought a trading card explosion. Companies like Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, and Donruss competed for dominance. Meanwhile in Canada, brands like O-Pee-Chee became household names, producing bilingual hockey cards that became national icons.

This era introduced:

• Glossy finishes

• Holograms

• Limited editions

• Autographed cards

Collectors were no longer just kids — the market saw serious investors and passionate hobbyists enter the fold.

🎮 Beyond Sports: Fantasy, Comics & More

The 1990s also marked the rise of non-sport trading cards, including:

• Pokémon (1996 Japan, 1999 Canada/US)

• Magic: The Gathering (1993)

• Other pop-culture series

These opened up collecting to gamers, comic book fans, and sci-fi enthusiasts — many of whom still actively build decks and collections today.

📈 The Modern Era: Rarity, Grading & NFTs

Today, the trading card market is global, high-tech, and booming again. Key trends include:

• Card grading for investment-level quality

• One-of-a-kind printing runs

• Digital trading cards and NFTs

• Online marketplaces and global trading

Collectors still cherish the thrill of opening a pack — whether for nostalgia or the chase for that ultra-rare gem.

🧊 Canadian Collectors Are Still Leading the Game

From Tim Hortons exclusive hockey card packs to thriving collector conventions across Canada, the passion for trading cards is stronger than ever up north.

💡 Fun Fact: Some rare O-Pee-Chee cards printed in Canada are worth thousands today, especially those with printing quirks or bilingual errors!

🛍️ Start or Grow Your Collection

At store.piskun.ca, we carry a wide selection of vintage trading cards, with a special focus on hockey and a mix of non-sports collectibles. Whether you're a new collector or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone.

📦 We ship worldwide | 💬 Live chat support | 🏷️ Use code "FIRST" for 20% off your first order