Did you know that a simple cardboard box full of hockey cards from 1979-1980 recently sold for a staggering $3.72 million? This incredible find was tucked away in a basement in Saskatchewan, Canada, gathering dust for decades until its true value was realized.
The box contained 16 smaller boxes, each holding 48 packs of O-Pee-Chee hockey cards, totaling around 10,752 cards in pristine condition. The '79-'80 O-Pee-Chee release is particularly famous for featuring the rookie debut card of Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. It is estimated that there are approximately two dozen of Gretzky's rookie cards from that season within this set.
The discovery of this unopened case of hockey cards caused a stir among collectors worldwide. The owner, a passionate collector himself, had amassed a significant collection over the years, with this particular find hidden behind other items in his basement.
The recent accounting of his long-forgotten collection led to the revelation of this valuable treasure trove. The cards, purchased directly from a wholesaler in the late 1970s and early 1980s, had remained untouched and preserved in their original packaging.
Heritage Auctions, the platform through which the cards were sold, described this find as a 'thrilling miracle of survival' and one of the most significant trading card lots they have ever offered.
Aside from the hockey cards, the auction also featured other notable sales, including a high-grade 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card that fetched $2.37 million. The total sales from the event amounted to an impressive $25.98 million.
This story serves as a reminder to never underestimate the potential value of items tucked away in basements or attics. Who knows what treasures may be waiting to be discovered in your own home?
