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Iconic Gretzky Action: 1982 Neilson #23 "The Flip Shot" – KSA 8 NMM!

Add a piece of hockey royalty to your collection with this sharp 1982 Neilson Wayne Gretzky #23 "The Flip Shot", graded a strong KSA 8 NMM (Near Mint-Mint) – one of the cleanest examples available from this classic Canadian promo set!

Wayne Gretzky – "The Great One" – redefined the NHL in the early 1980s, shattering records with the Edmonton Oilers en route to four Stanley Cups and becoming the undisputed greatest player ever. This card captures him in prime form: mid-motion on his famous flip shot, a deceptive technique that made defenders and goalies look silly. Issued as a candy-bar insert in 1982-83, the 50-card Neilson's Gretzky set honors his life and career – from childhood black-and-white photos to pro color action – with bilingual (English/French) backs explaining hockey tips. It's pure 80s nostalgia and a must-have for any Oilers, Gretzky, or vintage hockey PC.

Why this KSA 8 stands out and is a smart buy right now:

• KSA 8 NMM grade – Excellent eye appeal with sharp corners, clean edges, strong centering, and minimal surface wear. KSA (a respected third-party grader, especially for vintage hockey) often delivers conservative yet accurate assessments – an 8 here rivals or exceeds many PSA 7–8 equivalents in presentation. High-grade examples from this set are tough due to the promo distribution and age (over 40 years old!).
• "The Flip Shot" theme – Iconic action photo of Gretzky's signature move. Collectors love these instructional-style cards for their storytelling – the back even discusses shot technique with illustrations.
• Market positioning – Ungraded/raw copies of #23 sell in the $5–$20USD range on sites like COMC and eBay. Graded examples (mostly PSA/BGS) from the set fetch premiums; total set auction value exceeds $35K across hundreds of sales. KSA-graded Gretzkys (including this era) trade solidly, with similar mid-grade singles in the $30–$100+ USD zone depending on eye appeal. In 2026, Gretzky cards remain blue-chip – his rookies and 80s parallels hold strong as new collectors enter the hobby chasing legends.
• Affordable entry to Gretzky greatness – Unlike his $10K+ rookie cards or high-end OPCs, this delivers authentic "Great One" vibes at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for building a Gretzky-themed rainbow, 80s hockey display, or as a conversation starter.
• Slabbed and protected – Secure in the KSA holder, ready to display or store long-term. No worries about handling wear.

Ideal for:

• Gretzky completists chasing Neilson parallels and variations
• Vintage hockey fans who love promo/food-issue sets
• Investors in timeless legends – Gretzky's legacy only grows
• Budget-conscious collectors wanting a high-grade 80s Gretzky without flagship prices

This KSA 8 is crisp, vibrant, and a standout example from one of hockey's most beloved promotional sets. With Gretzky's enduring popularity and limited high-grade supply from this candy-bar era, these pieces continue to attract strong interest.

Don't miss out – grab this authenticated slice of NHL history today before it joins a private collection!