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The 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee set is a hobby icon—396 cards of mid-'80s NHL intensity, headlined by a rookie class boasting Hall of Famers like Steve Yzerman (#67), Chris Chelios (#122), and Pat LaFontaine (#129). Tucked into the prestigious All-Star subset (#207-218) is #218, Pat Riggin's nod to his stellar 1983-84 season with the Washington Capitals. Graded Pristine 10 (a flawless equivalent to PSA 10 Gem Mint, with perfect centering, corners, edges, and surface), this slabbed standout is a condition rarity from OPC's challenging production—off-center prints and light stock often cap survivors at 7-8 grades. For Capitals diehards, '80s OPC set builders, or fans of goaltending tandems, this card is a value-packed essential: award pedigree at a fraction of Gretzky All-Star prices. Here's why it's a portfolio upgrade as of October 7, 2025.

Card Description

• Player & Design: Features Pat Riggin, the 5'9", 170-lb Kincardine, Ontario-born netminder who anchored Washington's crease, captured in a focused action pose—likely mid-save in his Capitals red-and-blue, mask on, gloves extended. OPC's signature '84-85 front divides a large main image with a circular inset headshot in the lower right, accented by a diagonal blue stripe proclaiming "All-Star" in white script and "Washington Capitals" below. At 2.5" x 3.5", the bilingual (English/French) back recaps his career highs (e.g., 1983-84: 25-18-9, 2.69 GAA in 52 games) and Jennings Trophy share with Al Jensen, plus OHL roots with the London Knights. Vibrant gloss and sharp registration make this All-Star a visual standout in the subset alongside Gretzky (#208) and Bossy (#209).
• Condition & Grading: Awarded a perfect Pristine 10 by a top authenticator (mirroring PSA/BGS 10 rigor), denoting dead-on 50/50 centering, immaculate corners, pristine edges, and a flawless surface sans scratches, wax residue, or print defects—exceptional for OPC's era quirks. Pop reports are ultra-low (under 5 estimated across services for #218 at 10), transforming a common All-Star into a chase gem that eclipses raw copies averaging NM 7 due to handling wear.
• Rarity & Parallels: From OPC's Canadian-focused run (smaller than U.S. Topps at 396 cards, no stickers here), #218 is a base All-Star with no direct parallels, but its subset status adds exclusivity amid the set's rookie overload. High-grade examples like this are finite—most Riggin cards top out mid-grade—ideal for pairing with his 1981-82 OPC rookie (#37) or Jensen's All-Star (#212) for a Capitals tandem theme.

Why Buy This Card for Your Collection?

• Player Legacy on Ice: Riggin was a WHA teen prodigy turned NHL workhorse—drafted 33rd overall by Atlanta in 1979, he logged 350 games across five teams (Flames/Capitals/Bruins/Penguins/Blues) from 1981-88, posting a 153-120-52 record, 3.43 GAA, .879 SV%, and 11 shutouts. His pinnacle? 1983-84 with Washington: sharing the Jennings Trophy with Jensen for fewest goals allowed (226), earning Second-Team All-Star honors, and a career-high 57 games in 1984-85 (despite Jensen's injury). A 1979 London Knights alum (Dave Pinkney Trophy winner, like dad Dennis), he added World Championships gold (1985) and sparked '80s debates with his fiery patriotism (e.g., post-1984 Worlds quip on American talent). At 66 in 2025, Riggin's a broadcasting staple and Knights legend—his #1 retired by the franchise—embodying '80s goalie grit without HOF flash.
• Investment Upside: OPC '84-85 All-Stars ride a vintage surge, up 18-25% YOY for award winners, buoyed by set hype (Yzerman PSA 10s at $2K+). Finite supply (under 5 at 10) buffers it from overproduction, with 2x potential by 2028 via Capitals playoff nostalgia or OPC master sets (~$600 NM complete). Pristine slabs cross to PSA seamlessly, ensuring flip liquidity without superstar premiums.
• Collection Fit: A keystone for Capitals '80s PCs, OPC All-Star subsets (12 cards ~$150 NM), or Jennings duo builds (with Jensen). Its pristine sheen excels in top-loaders, registries, or shadow boxes, channeling pack-fresh OPC magic. Newbies land an All-Star; vets plug a "condition crown" in a Gretzky/Bossy-heavy run, layering depth to rookie-focused sets.
• Market Snapshot: October 2025 eBay/COMC: no spikes, just consistent climbs tied to set demand.

Claim this Pristine 10 Riggin #218 and you're securing '80s OPC excellence—a Capitals All-Star with Jennings shine and flawless form. Washington walled forever! 🦅