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The 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee set, a 396-card titan of hockey’s golden age, is a collector’s dream, blending rookies like Yzerman with leader cards that cement legends. Card #357, celebrating Wayne Gretzky’s 1983-84 goal-scoring dominance, is a pinnacle of the set’s trophy subset (#373-396), honoring his record-setting 87-goal campaign. Graded Gem Mint 9.5 (near-flawless, akin to PSA 9.5/BGS 9.5), this slabbed masterpiece is a condition rarity from OPC’s tricky production—prone to centering issues and edge wear. For Oilers superfans, Gretzky completists, or investors chasing Hall of Fame award cards, this is a high-grade icon: unmatched legacy, trophy prestige, and market strength. Here’s why it’s a collection cornerstone as of October 7, 2025.

Card Description

• Player & Design: Features Wayne Gretzky, the 5'11" Brantford-born genius who rewrote hockey’s record books, in a dynamic Edmonton Oilers action shot—likely sniping a goal or skating with intent, clad in blue-and-orange. The front, at 2.5" x 3.5", sports OPC’s classic ‘84-85 layout: a large action image with a circular inset headshot, framed by a diagonal yellow stripe with “Goal Leader” and “Edmonton Oilers” in white script. The bilingual (English/French) back highlights his 1983-84 NHL-best 87 goals (205 points total, another record), plus Cup-winning stats and OHL roots with Sault Ste. Marie. Card #357 leads the goal-scoring subset, a testament to Gretzky’s eight-straight Art Ross and Hart supremacy, with vibrant gloss that pops in high grade.
• Condition & Grading: Slabbed in a Gem Mint 9.5 holder by a authenticator. Expect near-perfect 55/45 centering, immaculate corners, pristine edges, and a flawless surface—no scratches, wax stains, or print defects, a rarity for OPC’s light stock. Pop for 9.5+ is tight (under 150 estimated for #357), dwarfing raw copies (often NM 7) or mid-grade slabs, making it a display jewel.
• Rarity & Parallels: From OPC’s Canadian-focused run (scarcer than Topps’ U.S. version), #357 is a base leader card with no parallels, but its subset status and Gretzky cachet boost exclusivity. High-grade survivors are rare—most fall to 7-8 due to production flaws—ideal for pairing with his ‘84-85 OPC base (#258), Assist Leader (#382), or All-Star (#208) for an Oilers trophy rainbow.

Why Buy This Card for Your Collection?

• Player Legacy on Ice: Gretzky, “The Great One,” is hockey’s Everest—2,857 points (894 goals, 1,963 assists) in 1,487 games, four Stanley Cups (1984-88), nine Harts, ten Art Ross trophies, and untouchable records like his 92-goal season (1981-82). His 1983-84 haul (87 goals, 118 assists, 205 points) clinched Edmonton’s first Cup, a Hart, and an Art Ross, redefining offensive limits. HOF-inducted in 1999, #99 retired league-wide, Gretzky at 64 in 2025 is a TNT analyst and 99 Foundation leader, shaping stars like McDavid. This card freezes his goal-scoring zenith—a trophy moment from the Oilers’ dynasty dawn.
• Investment Upside: OPC ‘84-85 Gretzky cards are hobby anchors, up 20-30% YOY with vintage fever and HOF reverence. Low 9.5 pop insulates it from overproduction, eyeing 2-3x growth by 2028 (Cup anniversary hype or McDavid record pushes). Gem Mint 9.5 delivers near-PSA 10 value without the $500+ premium, with fluid flips or cross-grading potential.
• Collection Fit: A must for Oilers dynasty PCs, OPC ‘84-85 master sets (~$600 NM complete), or Gretzky trophy rainbows—pair with his 1984 Cup relics for storytelling heft. Its slabbed shine pops in top-loaders, shadow boxes, or registries, evoking ‘80s pack-rip nostalgia. Newbies score a HOF award card; vets bolster leader subsets in a Yzerman-rookie-heavy market.
• Market Snapshot: No bubbles—just relentless demand for The Great One’s records.

Grab this Gem Mint 9.5 Gretzky #357 and you’re owning hockey’s pinnacle—a slabbed Oilers trophy card with 87-goal swagger and timeless shine. Edmonton dynasty forever! 🛢️