(LOT 571)
1966 Topps #35 Bobby Orr Rookie (PSA NM/MT 8)
Rookie card mania continues to be a primary collecting focus in our illustrious card hobby, and only a handful of post-WWII rookie cards could possibly compete with the hallowed stature of Bobby Orr's 1966 Topps #35 inaugural subject. Simply stated, Bobby Orr revolutionized Hockey via the way he played the defensemen position, and is arguably considered by many to be the greatest peak value hockey player of all-time. His accomplishments are countless, including 3 consecutive league MVP Hart Trophies, 2 playoff MVP Conn Smythe Trophies, a record 8 straight best defensemen Norris Trophies and two league-scoring leader Art Ross Trophies. While players such as the great Gretzky, Howe and Lemieux may have amassed more lifetime scoring records, Orr played as a defenseman and due to serious knee injuries played only nine full seasons.

Those who played against him all attest to his blistering slap shot and skating speed with most in agreement that no hockey player ever skated as fast and elusive as this iconic Boston legend. For all of the aforementioned reasons, Orr's cards are highly sought after by serious hockey enthusiasts, with none more valuable than his 1966/67 Topps rookie card, presented here in a sensational PSA NM/MT 8 holder. Remarkably, PSA has encapsulated roughly 900 examples, with only a meager 2 specimens graded higher! The classic television set portrait image of Orr encompassed by extremely condition sensitive wood grain borders has miraculously maintained virtually 100% of its original pristine state. Very similar to the 1955 Bowman and 1962 Topps baseball cards, many of these cards are seriously subjected to border chipping, minimizing the opportunity for elevated grades.

Somehow, this offering has bested "Father Time", retaining nearly all of its original pristine qualities including pack-fresh surfaces, a perfect Bobby Orr image, precision cut corners, and bold/vivid typography. For full disclosure, only some diminutive surface wear near the upper left corner prevents this card from achieving a higher assessment. No hockey card is pursued as aggressively as the Bobby Orr rookie card with all price tags excessively exceeding the significantly understated SMR values. Synonymous with the Topps/Bowman Mickey Mantle and Joe Namath rookie cards, there is an unparalleled mystique associated with Orr's first Topps cardboard issue in the post-WWII card market, with seemingly no end in sight for its relentless pricing upticks!

MIN BID $12,500
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