After a down decade in the 1940s, the 1950s hockey cards saw a resurgence. Parkhurst and Topps both released full-color products during this period. The early 1950s cards from Parkhurst, particularly 1951-52 Parkhurst, feature some of the most valuable and popular hockey cards in existence.
The top overall rookie options from 1950-1959 hockey card sets include Gordie Howe and Maurice “Rocket” Richard. Both rookie cards are found in 1951-52 Parkhurst. Other top rookies from the decade include Doug Harvey, Tim Horton, Dickie Moore, Jean Beliveau, Johnny Bower, Jacques Plante, Frank Mahovlich, and Bobby Hull.
Explore our database of 1950s Hockey Card Set Information. Each product profile features set checklists, product info, expert analysis, top cards and rookie cards to collect, and deals on singles and boxes. Browse hockey cards from 1950-51, 1951-52, 1952-53, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1957-58, 1958-59, and 1959-60 hockey card sets.
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.
Led by the Tim Horton rookie card, 1952-53 Parkhurst Hockey marked the company’s second attempt at making cards for the sport.
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.
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.
1955-56 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.
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.
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.
 
1959/60 TOPPS NHL HOCKEY CARD #47 BOBBY HULL KSA 5 EX SHARP 59/60 TOPPS RP |
1959/60 TOPPS NHL HOCKEY CARD #63 GORDIE HOWE KSA 5 EX NICE!! 59/60 TOPPS RP |
1959-60 TOPPS HOCKEY~#23~JOHNNY BUCYK~HALL OF FAME~BOSTON BRUINS~KSA 9 MINT |
1959-60 TOPPS HOCKEY~#23~JOHNNY BUCYK~HALL OF FAME~BOSTON BRUINS~PSA NM 7 |
1959 Topps Bobby Hull Autographed 2nd Year Card #47 PSA/DNA 10 |
