Bidspirit auction | 1979-80 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky

1979-80 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky Card SGC Authentic - Wayne Gretzky's iconic rookie card from the 1979-80 Topps hockey set, graded Authentic (Altered) by SGC. This is the card that launched a thousand collections — Gretzky's first appearance in a major trading card issue, captured in his Edmonton Oilers uniform at age 17, just as he was beginning his ascent toward becoming the greatest player in NHL history. The card shows the characteristic wear and alteration consistent with heavy play from the early 1980s, which is nearly universal among surviving examples of this card in the hands of collectors who actually used them. SGC's Authentic designation acknowledges the card's genuineness while accounting for the honest aging and handling that comes with a four-decade-old card that was treasured by hockey fans who knew they were holding something special. The back carries the famous text noting Wayne ”is considered the best prospect to turn professional since Guy Lafleur” — a prediction that proved breathtakingly conservative.