Bobby Orr’s 1966 rookie card is one of the most iconic in hockey history, as well as among the most valuable.
But not all Orr rookies are made equal: A “test” issue printed by Topps in the United States in limited-quantity featuring only English text (no French) is far rarer than the standard cards and often commands a premium.
One of three examples of Orr’s 1966 Topps hockey test cards, graded PSA 9 (none higher), is currently at auction at REA with bidding nearing $200,000, including buyer’s premium.
It’s just the second time a PSA 9 example has sold at auction, with another copy fetching $204,020 in February 2019 — the second-most expensive Orr card ever sold, surpassed only by a BVG Pristine copy of the more common card variation ($276,000).
PSA has graded nearly 1,500 copies of the standard 1966 Topps Orr card and just 140 copies of the Orr “Test” issue.
The only other hockey players to have cards sell for more than $200,000 other than Gretzky and Orr are Gordie Howe and Connor McDavid.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.