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One of the all-time great sets in the hobby, 1887 N28 Allen & Ginter Baseball helped inspire one of the modern hobby’s most popular brands. Besides baseball players, the classic set also has athletes from other sports.
1888 N29 Allen & Ginter marked the second time the tobacco maker released a set of world champions trading cards. The 50-card multi-sport set includes six baseball players.
1909 T204 Ramly Baseball cards feature an intricate design and a key early option for Walter Johnson. T.T.T. backs and Square Frame variations add even more rarity to the 121-card base set.
Featuring the most valuable card in existence, 1909-11 T206 Baseball is considered the greatest vintage set of all-time by many collectors. The famed T206 Honus Wagner card is the key card in the release but there is much more available to collectors in the massive set.
Part of a large minor league set released over three years, 1909-11 T212 Obak Baseball cards are some of the most popular Pacific Coast League cards for collectors. Key cards include Chick Gandil, Buck Weaver and Ten Million.
The first major set of hockey cards, 1910 C56 Hockey predates that NHL. Key players include Newsy LaLonde, Cyclone Taylor and Art Ross.
Officially an early part of the T209 set, 1910 T209 Contentnea First Series Baseball is a color release that features 16 minor league players from the Carolina Association and Eastern Carolina League.
1910 T209 Contentnea Photo Series Baseball is technically the second series of T209, but the black-and-white cards share very little with the First Series release. Featuring over 220 minor league cards, the set is quite tough to complete.
Originally found as a promotion in a sports newspaper, 1910-11 M116 Sporting Life Baseball was released in multiple groups during 1910 and 1911. The attractive set features cards for several Hall of Fame players, including Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner.
Offering collectors a vintage two-in-one shot, 1911 T201 Mecca Double Folders Baseball cards contain two players and a folding system to allow either to be the primary image on the card. Key dual-player cards include Sam Crawford and Ty Cobb, as well as Johnny Evers and Frank Chance.
Collectors love gold and the vintage 1911 T205 Baseball set enhances the appeal with a strong lineup of Hall of Fame talent. Multiple variations and card back advertisements add up to a challenging chase for collectors.
1911 T208 Fireside Baseball is not as well known as other T-series sets, but the scarce release is very valuable and pays homage to the 1910 World Series champion Philadelphia Athletics.
Featuring minor league players from the Pacific Coast League, as well as leading actresses, the scarce 1911 T217 Mono Baseball set has the feel of an oddball set. Roger Peckinpaugh is the key name in the release.
1911-12 C55 Hockey is one of the most important and readily collected sets of all-time. Key cards include Georges Vezina, Newsy LaLonde and Art Ross.
1912 C46 Baseball was one of the earliest Canadian-issued sets to include only baseball players and stands out from other sets of the era based on its intricate design elements. The 90-card checklist features players from the International League and key options for Joe McGinnity and Joe Kelley.
Three’s not a crowd with 1912 T202 Hassan Triple Folders Baseball. The triple-panel release features several key vintage cards for Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson.
While the brown-centered set missing several of the biggest names of the period has long divided collectors, 1912 T207 Baseball remains an appealing vintage release. Top cards include limited options for Louis Lowdermilk and Irving Lewis as well as multiple Hall of Fame players, including Tris Speaker and Walter Johnson.
1912-13 C57 Hockey is the final major hockey set of the tobacco era. Believed to have been produced by Imperial Tobacco, top cards include Georges Vezina and Cyclone Taylor.
1913 T200 Fatima Baseball cards were originally found via Fatima cigarette packages and remain an appealing choice for vintage collectors. The set features a detailed look at all 16 major league teams of the time.
1914 Cracker Jack Baseball is an all-time hobby classic. The vintage checklist includes baseball greats like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Shoeless Joe Jackson and Walter Johnson, as well as many other legends of the diamond.
Similar to the previous year’s set, 1915 Cracker Jack Baseball remains very popular with vintage collectors. Because it’s more readily available, a greater number of collectors chase the complete set. Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Joe Jackson are some of the key cards.
1923 V128-1 Paulin’s Candy Hockey features players from the Western Canada Hockey League. Key cards include George Hainsworth and Newsy LaLonde.
One of the earliest hockey card sets, 1923 V145-1 Hockey features many of the game’s top stars at the time. Included on the checklist are the likes of Georges Vezina, Howie Morenz and King Clancy.
Introduced as a candy premium, 1924 V130 Maple Crispette Hockey doubled as a collect and win contest for a pair of skates. The 30-card set has one extreme short print as well as key stars like Howie Morenz and Georges Vezina.
1924 V145-2 Hockey features many of the game’s top stars at the time. Included on the checklist are the likes of Georges Vezina, Howie Morenz and King Clancy. A greenish tint on card fronts helps differentiate them from V145-1 cards.
One of the last hockey card sets distributed via tobacco products, 1924-25 C144 Champ’s Cigarettes is relatively tough to find today. Notable players include Georges Vezina and Howie Morenz.
Featuring amateur squads from throughout Western Canada, 1928 V128-2 Paulin’s Candy Hockey cards are popular among hockey historians. The checklist includes high school, college and women’s hockey teams.
Featuring a distinctive design, the 1933 DeLong Baseball checklist is on the smaller side but still manages to pack a lot of talent into the set. Top cards include Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx and Goose Goslin.
A multi-sport set for the ages, 1933 Sport Kings is visually appealing and loaded with Hall of Fame talent from multiple athletic arenas. The baseball subjects, including Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, are the most popular, but Jim Thorpe and Bobby Jones are among many of the other sought-after non-baseball cards.
Celebrated for a checklist filled with Hall of Fame players like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, 1933 U.S. Caramel Baseball is also home to one of the rarest short prints of the vintage era.
One of the rarest early hockey card sets, 1933 V129 Hockey is highlighted by the Harry Oliver short print. Other stars in the set include Howie Morenz, Eddie Shore, Charlie Conacher and King Clancy.
1933-34 O-Pee-Chee V304A Hockey is the first of five early hockey sets from the iconic Canadian company. Key cards include Howie Morenz, Charlie Conacher and Eddie Shore.
Continuing from where the V304A set left off, 1933-34 O-Pee-Chee Hockey features a similar design. However, these 24 cards are considered much rarer, commanding strong amounts on the secondary market.
1933-34 V252 Canadian Gum Hockey was one of the sport’s first sets to come with gum. The set also had a game component that left many cards with cut bottoms. Key players include Howie Morenz and Charlie Conacher.
Despite a small checklist of 21 skip-numbered cards 1933-34 V288 Hamilton Gum Hockey represents a challenge for completists. Every card has four color tint variations.
One of several hockey card sets issued with gum that year, 1933-34 V357 Ice Kings Hockey remains popular today, in part, because of its close ties to the Goudey brand. Howie Morenz and Charlie Conacher are among the key players in the set.
1935 National Chicle Football was the first nationally available set with only football players. The vintage set includes legendary coach Knute Rockne and the rookie card for Bronko Nagurski.
1935-36 O-Pee-Chee V304C Hockey continues from two previous hockey card sets from the company. The 24 cards feature a new design but the numbering carries on from where the earlier sets left off.
1936-37 O-Pee-Chee V304D Hockey continues a checklist that started three sets earlier. The 36-card set is distinct for its die-cut design that allowed cards to stand up.
1937 V356 World Wide Gum Hockey is a classic pre-war set that features a very simple design. The 135-card set features many hockey legends, including Conn Smythe, King Clancy, Eddie Shore and Howie Morenz.
1937-38 O-Pee-Chee V304E Hockey was the last hockey card set of the decade from the company. The 48-card checklist includes Toe Blake, Aurel Joliat, Turk Broda and Charlie Conacher.
Led by Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, Hank Greenberg and Jimmie Foxx, 1938 Goudey Baseball marked a strong return for the brand after several down years. The cartoon design makes the 48-card set easy to recognize.
A favorite among vintage collectors, 1939 Play Ball Baseball was part of the groundwork for what would become the Bowman brand. Key cards include Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio.
1939-40 O-Pee-Chee V301-1 Hockey is a set of 5×7 premiums. The 100-card checklist includes such stars as Eddie Shore, Turk Broda and Sid Abe. The set is also notable for being one of the first impacted by WWII.
1940 Play Ball Baseball offers a deep checklist that is headlined by Shoeless Joe Jackson, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams. The black-and-white set is considered by many collectors to be one of the best the hobby has ever produced.
Picking up where the previous year’s set left off, 1940-41 O-Pee-Chee V301-2 includes 50 players. The over-sized cards are highlighted by a sepia design. Several stars are on the checklist, including Milt Schmidt.
The final release from Goudey, 1941 Goudey Baseball is not the strongest effort from the company, but the colorful look makes it stand out. Led by Hall of Fame players Carl Hubbell and Mel Ott, there are actually four versions of each card and several short prints.
The third and final set in Gum, Inc. line’s original run, 1941 Play Ball Baseball features an improved look and another strong checklist. Highlights include Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Pee Wee Reese.
The first product dedicated to professional hoops, 1948 Bowman Basketball is a tough set to complete. The George Mikan rookie card is considered the top card in the release.
1948 Bowman Football marked the start of modern football collecting. The vintage set includes rookies of Sammy Baugh, Pete Pihos and Steve Van Buren.
1948 Leaf Football combined college and pro stars in the same vintage set. Top rookies include Slingin Sammy Baugh and Chuck Bednarik.
1948-49 Leaf Baseball is a hobby classic. The first color set of baseball cards following WWII, the checklist includes rookie cards for Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, as well as key cards for several other all-time greats.
Collectors may think they are seeing double with 1949 Leaf Football. The skip-numbered set is very similar to the 1948 release, but with a few key differences.
An iconic vintage release, 1950 Bowman Football features an artistic style and key rookie cards for Otto Graham and Y.A. Tittle.
Not only is 1950 Topps Felt Backs Football the brand’s initial foray into football card sets, but it is also home to the Joe Paterno rookie card.
1951 Bowman Football is home to the rookie card for legendary coach Tom Landry. The vintage football release actually differs from the baseball set design.
1951 Topps Magic Football came with an added scratch-off surprise for collectors. The top rookies include Vic Janowicz, Babe Parilli and Bill Wade.
Ushering in the modern hockey card era, 1951-52 Parkhurst Hockey is one of the hobby’s all-time great sets. The first set in several years, the checklist is nearly all rookies, including Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard.
1952 Bowman Large Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1952 Bowman Small Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
Led by the Tim Horton rookie card, 1952-53 Parkhurst Hockey marked the company’s second attempt at making cards for the sport.
1953 Bowman Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1953-54 Parkhurst Hockey has a strong rookie roster that includes Jean Beliveau, Gump Worsley and Andy Bathgate. Because the cards are similar to ’52-53, it can be somewhat confusing.
1954 Bowman Baseball is highlighted by a classy, colorful design and the presence of many Hall of Fame cards. However, errors and variations are plentiful and the set does not have many notable rookie cards.
1954 Bowman Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1954 Red Heart Baseball is one of the few products to be released in conjunction with dog food. The classic set includes Mickey Mantle and Stan Musial.
With competition from Topps for the first time, 1954-55 Parkhurst Hockey features lots of colorful action images and a 100-card checklist. The key rookie in the set is legendary goaltender, Johnny Bower.
1954-55 Topps Hockey is the company’s first-ever set for the sport. Featuring players from the NHL’s four American teams, Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk are the most popular cards.
1955 Bowman Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1955-56 Parkhurst Hockey is the sport’s only set of the year. Highlighting players from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, Jacques Plante is the key rookie card.
Focusing exclusively on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, 1957-58 Parkhurst Hockey includes rookie cards of Frank Mahovlich and Henri Richard.
The Bill Russell rookie card anchors 1957-58 Topps Basketball. As the first NBA card product, it remains very popular with vintage collectors.
1957-58 Topps Hockey is the company’s second set for the sport. They returned after a couple of years off, making several adjustments. Key rookies include Glenn Hall, Johnny Bucyk and Norm Ullman.
Although 1958 Topps Football doesn’t have a lot of notable cards, it does include the rookie card of the legendary Jim Brown.
1958-59 Parkhurst Hockey has just 50 cards, all of which are limited to only the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. Ralph Backstrom is the most significant rookie card.
Led by the Bobby Hull rookie card, 1958-59 Topps Hockey is one the company’s most memorable sets. The 66-card checklist also includes rookies of Eddie Shack and Ken Wharram.
1959-60 Parkhurst Hockey marked the third consecutive year where the set had 50 cards of the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. Punch Imlach and Carl Brewer are considered the set’s best rookie cards.
1959-60 Topps Hockey highlights just the teams from the United States. Although there are no major rookies, the 66-card set does have Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and other stars.
1960 Fleer Baseball Greats is one of the first sets to rely solely on retired players. Although not overly popular at the time, the checklist is nearly all Hall of Fame members and remains an affordable way to collect some of the biggest names in baseball history.
1960 Fleer Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1960 Topps Football may lack rookie firepower, but its simple structure and attractive design have made it a favorite among budget-minded set builders.
1960-61 Parkhurst Hockey saw the Detroit Red Wings join the Maple Leafs and Canadiens on the checklist. Key cards include Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, John McKenzie and the final card from Maurice Richard’s playing career.
Home to the Stan Mikita rookie card, 1960-61 Topps Hockey also includes several retired legends. Players from the Rangers, Bruins and Blackhawks are included in the set.
1961 Fleer Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1961 Topps Football is the company’s first to showcase players from both the NFL and AFL. Key rookie cards include Don Maynard and Jim Otto.
1961-62 Fleer Basketball is one of the greatest NBA sets the sport has ever seen. The checklist includes rookie cards of Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and more.
1961-62 Parkhurst Hockey has a 51-card checklist that focuses solely on the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. Dave Keon is the only significant rookie in the colorful set.
Focusing on the Blackhawks, Rangers and Bruins, 1961-62 Topps Hockey is a 66-card set. Key rookie cards include Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle.
1962 Fleer Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1962 Post Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
Thanks to condition-sensitive black borders and numerous short prints, completing the 1962 Topps Football can be a challenge. Rookie cards include Fran Tarkenton and Mike Ditka.
1962-63 Parkhurst Hockey features cards from three teams. The set uses two distinct designs. Key cards include Gordie Howe and Jacques Plante.
1962-63 Topps Hockey marks the first time they made a hockey set without white borders. Focusing on the Rangers, Bruins and Blackhawks, key rookies include Vic Hadfield and Jim Nielson.
1963 Fleer Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1963 Topps Football includes a mix of old and new design elements. The checklist includes rookie cards of all-time greats Ray Nitschke and Deacon Jones.
The final Parkhurst set during its original run with the NHL, 1963-64 Parkhurst Hockey features a distinct design. Particular emphasis is placed on Canadian squads with extra slots on the checklist. Cesare Maniago is the set’s best rookie card.
Featuring the first horizontal hockey design from the company, 1963-64 Topps Hockey is a 66-card set the focuses on the NHL’s three American teams. Key rookie cards include Ed Johnston and Gilles Villemure.
1964 Philadelphia Football marked the company’s first foray into the NFL. Key cards include Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas and Merlin Olsen.
1964-65 Topps Hockey marked the first time Topps used the Tall Boy format for a sports card set. The release also had an expanded checklist divided into two series. Key rookies include Marcel Paille and Gary Dornhoefer.
1965 Philadelphia Football marks the company’s second year as the official NFL card producer. The checklist includes rookie cards of six Hall of Famers, including Paul Warfield and Charley Taylor.
Reverting back to a standard card size, 1965-66 Topps Hockey had the company’s biggest checklist to date. Notable rookies include Phil Esposito, Dennis Hull and Gary Cheevers.
Led by rookie cards for Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers, 1966 Philadelphia Football is a vintage favorite for NFL collectors.
Home to the Bobby Orr rookie card, 1966-67 Topps Hockey is also memorable for its TV set design. Other notable rookies include Emile Francis, Harry Sinden and Peter Mahovlich.
1967 Philadelphia Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
As hockey launched its Expansion Era, 1967-68 Topps Hockey marked the final release to include only Original Six teams. The 132-card set includes rookies of Rogie Vachon, Glen Sather and Jacques Lemaire.
Including both NFL and AFL players for the first time in several years, 1968 Topps Football features a strong checklist. Top Hall of Fame veteran cards include Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Gale Sayers, Johnny Unitas, Jack Kemp and Dick Butkus. The key rookie card is Bob Greise.
1968-69 O-Pee-Chee Hockey marked the first time the Canadian company offered its own set to Canadians. Key rookies include Bernie Parent and Gary Unger.
Flyers goaltending great Bernie Parent is the key rookie card in 1968-69 Topps Hockey. Notable for being the company’s last horizontal base set design, the checklist also has many Hall of Famers.
1969-70 O-Pee-Chee Hockey features a distinct design and an expanded checklist of 231 cards. Tony Esposito and Serge Savard are the main rookies.
Featuring the tallboy rookie card for Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), 1969-70 Topps Basketball is a memorable vintage release.
1969-70 Topps Hockey marks the first time the card maker included career stats on the backs. It’s also the first Topps hockey set to have natural backgrounds. Although the checklist has several Hall of Famers, the lone major rookie is Serge Savard.
Bobby Clarke, Gilbert Perreault, Brad Park, Guy Lapointe and Darryl Sittler lead a loaded rookie crop in 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Hockey. The memorable design includes several spotlights in the background.
Led by the Pete Maravich rookie card, 1970-71 Topps Basketball features a tallboy design. Each pack also includes one poster insert.
Gilbert Perreault and Brad Park both have rookie cards in 1970-71 Topps Hockey. The 132-card set features a distinct design that is most notable for five lights in the background.
One of the most attractive sets of the era, 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey also has a loaded checklist. Ken Dryden, Guy Lafleur and Marcel Dionne are among the major rookie cards.
Bob Lanier and Rick Barry rookie cards headline the vibrant 1971-72 Topps Basketball. The vintage NBA/ABA set switched back to standard sizing and greatly increased the checklist.
A classic design and the rookie card of Ken Dryden, one of the best goalies ever, make 1971-72 Topps Hockey stand out. The set also has several cards that 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey doesn’t, including another all-time great, Gordie Howe.
Although 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Hockey doesn’t have a headline rookie, the set still boasts a solid veteran core that includes Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull and Ken Dryden.
1972-73 Topps Basketball is one of the most popular vintage basketball sets in the hobby. The clear standout is Dr. J’s rookie card.
At 176 cards, 1972-73 Topps Hockey was the company’s largest to date. Although there aren’t any high profile rookie cards, the design is very very distinct. The set also has the first cards of the New York Islanders and Atlanta Flames.
Rookie cards for Franco Harris, Ken Stabler, Dan Dierdorf and Jack Ham headline 1973 Topps Football.
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is a colorful set that uses both green and red borders. The rookie card crop includes Larry Robinson, Bill Barber, Billy Smith and Dave Schultz.
1973-74 Topps Basketball may not have the strongest design or rookie card checklist, but the vintage NBA/ABA set is still worth checking out.
1973-74 Topps Hockey features a boldly colored design. Although it looks similar to its O-Pee-Chee counterpart, the checklist is very different. Billy Smith is the key rookie.
1974 Topps Football features notable veteran cards for Roger Staubach and Terry Bradshaw, plus the Ray Guy rookie card.
1974-75 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has a deep rookie lineup that includes Denis Potvin, Lanny McDonald and Bob Gainey. It also has the first cards of legendary coaches Don Cherry and Scotty Bowman. The expanded checklist reflects the NHL’s expansion.
1974-75 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey is the first of four sets made by the Canadian card maker of the rival hockey league. Gordie Howe, Gary Cheevers and Bobby Hull are among the former NHL greats in the set.
Featuring Bill Walton and George Gervin rookie cards, 1974-75 Topps Basketball stands out for another reason with NBA and ABA collectors.
1974-75 Topps Hockey is highlighted by a strong rookie crop that include Lanny McDonald, Denis Potvin and Borje Salming. Legendary coaches Scotty Bowman and Don Cherry also have rookies in the set.
1975 Topps Football offers rookie cards for Mel Blount, Dan Fouts, Drew Pearson, Rocky Bleier and Lynn Swann
1975-76 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has one of the company’s simpler designs. The relatively tame checklist includes rookie cards of Clark Gillies and Harold Snepsts.
1975-76 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey is the company’s second set of the short-lived league. Key rookie cards include Richard Brodeur and Mark Howe.
Led by the Moses Malone rookie card, 1975-76 Topps Basketball is a classic NBA/ABA set with a strong design.
Boasting the company’s biggest hockey checklist until the 1990s, 1975-76 Topps Hockey has a deceptively simple design. Key rookies include Pierre Larouche, Clark Gillies and Ron Greschner.
1976 Topps Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is highlighted by a 396-card checklist. Bryan Trottier is the key rookie card. The set is also notable for several quirks and subset cards.
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey marked the third straight year a set for the upstart league was made. Without any key rookie cards, Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull lead single-card sales.
1976-77 Topps Basketball returns to the tallboy sizing to highlight a much smaller selection of NBA stars.
Despite a reduced checklist, 1976-77 Topps Hockey includes several subset cards. The Bryan Trottier rookie is the most valuable card in the set.
1977 Topps Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1977-78 O-Pee-Chee Hockey closely mirrors the same season’s Topps set. Although the design is somewhat uninspired, the checklist includes rookies of Mike Milbury and Paul Holmgren.
1977-78 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey is the final set the card maker produced for the failing league. The set has a smaller checklist with no major rookie cards.
Another ’70s release, 1977-78 Topps Basketball is led by rookie cards for Robert Parish, Darryl Dawkins and Adrian Dantley.
1977-78 Topps Hockey marks the final appearance of Bobby Orr on a Topps card during his playing career. The 264-card set includes rookies of Mike Milbury and Mike Palmateer.
1978 Topps Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1978-79 O-Pee-Chee Hockey boasts a large 396-card checklist. Several hobby favorite players of the era have rookie cards in the set, including Mike Bossy, Bernie Federko, Dave Taylor and Doug Wilson.
Nearing the end of the decade, Jack Sikma, Dennis Johnson and Bernard King are the top rookies in 1978-79 Topps Basketball.
Mike Bossy, Doug Wilson and Bernie Federko all have rookie cards in 1978-79 Topps Hockey. The design features a lot of familiar elements while the 264-card checklist is comprehensive.
1979 Topps Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
Made famous for the Wayne Gretzky rookie card, 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee Hockey features a bold design highlighted by its blue borders. The set also features the final cards of Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and Ken Dryden from their playing careers.
A weaker rookie crop greeted collectors at the start of the decade, but 1979-80 Topps Basketball still has fans in the hobby.
Led by a Wayne Gretzky rookie card, 1979-80 Topps Hockey will always have a special place for hockey card collectors. Although not quite as desirable as its 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee cousin, the blue design is a hobby classic.
1980 Topps Football Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
Ray Bourque and Mark Messier lead a loaded 1980-81 O-Pee-Chee Hockey checklist that includes a ton of great rookie cards. Other key cards include Mike Gartner, Michel Goulet and Mike Liut rookies and the second-year Wayne Gretzky.
1980-81 Topps Basketball brought collectors the iconic Larry Bird and Magic Johnson rookie card. The trio-based vintage product includes multiple mini-card panels featuring NBA players.
1980-81 Topps Hockey is notable for its scratch-off card fronts. A loaded rookie card checklist includes Ray Bourque, Mike Gartner and Mike Liut.
Boasting the Joe Montana rookie card, 1981 Topps Football is home to a hobby legend with a few other notable debuts worth checking out, as well.
The 1981-82 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has one of the best rookie lineups ever for a sports card set. First-year cards include Paul Coffey, Jarri Kurri, Denis Savard and Larry Murphy.
1981-82 Topps Basketball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
1981-82 Topps Hockey suffered from a different distribution method. While the first 66 cards were available everywhere, the West and East each had their own additional 66 cards. Key rookies include Jari Kurri, Denis Savard, Peter Stastny and Dino Ciccarelli.
A turning point in the hobby, 1982 Topps Football saw the return of NFL licensing along with rookie cards for Lawrence Taylor and Ronnie Lott.
With Topps sitting out, 1982-83 O-Pee-Chee Hockey was the sport’s only major release. Key rookie cards include Grant Fuhr, Dale Hawerchuk and Ron Francis.
1983 Topps Football brought some changes to collectors along with the rookies cards for Marcus Allen and Mike Singletary.
For ice collectors, 1983-84 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is the only major option for the year. Key rookies include Steve Larmer, Bernie Nicholls and Scott Stevens.
Regarded as one of the best sets of 1980s football cards, 1984 Topps Football includes rookie cards of Dan Marino, John Elway, Eric Dickerson and more.
1984-85 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has one of the most impressive rookie card lineups of the decade. Led by Steve Yzerman, other key cards include rookies of Chris Chelios, Tom Barrasso, Cam Neely, Pat LaFontaine and Doug Gilmour.
1984-85 Topps Hockey sees the company return to the rink after a short absence. A strong rookie crop includes Steve Yzerman, Pat LaFontaine, Dave Andreychuk and Tom Barrasso.
Mario Lemieux and Al MacInnis rookie cards lead a stacked 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Hockey checklist. Over the years, the strong lineup and clean design have made it one of the best sports card sets of the 1980s.
Although not as desirable as its O-Pee-Chee cousin, 1985-86 Topps Hockey still carries a fair bit of clout thanks to the Mario Lemieux rookie. Other rookies include Kirk Muller and Kelly Hrudey.
Anchored by the Patrick Roy rookie card, 1986-87 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has another loaded checklist. Other notable rookies include John Vanbiesbrouck and Wendel Clark.
1986-87 Topps Hockey features a clean design with bright white borders. Although the Patrick Roy rookie is by far the key card, other first-year standouts include John Vanbiesbrouk and Wendel Clark.
T214 Victory Baseball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
T215 Pirate Baseball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
T215 Red Cross Baseball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
T216 Kotton Baseball Card Price Comparisons, Set Details, Checklist, Auction Tracker and Buying Guide.
