Offered is the most important hockey card of the modern era: a 1979 O-Pee-Chee #18 Wayne Gretzky Rookie, graded NM 7 by PSA. Gretzky's Canadian O-Pee-Chee rookie was printed in smaller quantities than its Topps counterpart, and collectors widely regard it as the definitive version. Its blue borders readily show chipping and wear, which makes nicely preserved examples especially desirable.

The obverse shows "The Great One" in mid-stride in the Edmonton Oilers' blue-and-orange road sweater, stick in hand, beneath a white "Edmonton Oilers" banner. An Oilers logo appears at lower right. The bilingual reverse, designed in the shape of a skate, details his 1978-79 WHA campaign of 46 goals and 110 points. It notes that he "debuted in WHA at age 17" and calls him "the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur."

Gretzky rewrote the record book. He retired with 894 goals and 2,857 points, still the most in NHL history. Along the way he won four Stanley Cups with Edmonton, nine Hart Trophies and ten Art Ross Trophies, and he became the first player to score 200 points in a season. The NHL retired his No. 99 league-wide, and the Hockey Hall of Fame waived its waiting period to induct him in 1999.

This example displays well-preserved blue borders, sharp color and a clear image, with corners and edges consistent with the NM 7 grade. It is a premier example of the hobby's ultimate hockey rookie. Encapsulated by PSA (Cert. #31425241).