Hockey enthusiasts are buzzing as an unopened case of 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards, potentially containing multiple Wayne Gretzky rookie cards, is set to be auctioned once more. The case, which consists of 16 unopened boxes, was initially bid at a staggering $3.72 million (U.S.) by Thornhill real estate agent Jack Arshawsky in February, but the payment never materialized.
Discovered in a Regina, Saskatchewan home, the case was entrusted to Heritage Auctions, a Texas-based auction house. According to Heritage, this item is considered the 'Holy Grail' of sports memorabilia, particularly because 1979 marks the rookie year of Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The auction house estimates the case could contain between 25 to 27 Gretzky rookie cards.
In a notable precedent, a single graded Gem Mint 10 Gretzky rookie card sold for $3.75 million (U.S.) in 2021, setting a record at the time. Following Arshawsky's failed bid, Heritage Auctions is relisting the case during their Winter Sports Catalogue Auction from December 5 to 7. Currently, the top bid stands at $1.35 million (U.S.) as of December 3.
Potential bidders must be pre-approved before their bids can be accepted, according to the auction house's website. The anticipation surrounding this auction continues to grow as collectors hope to snag a piece of hockey history.