The 1972 O-Pee-Chee (OPC) CFL football card set is one of the most beloved collections among sports card enthusiasts and Canadian football fans. This set, produced by the O-Pee-Chee Company, captures a unique era of Canadian football and offers a nostalgic glimpse into the stars and teams of the Canadian Football League (CFL). With its distinctive design, iconic players, and rarity, the 1972 opc cfl football cards set has become a must-have for vintage collectors. This article will explore the significance, design, notable cards, and long-term value of the 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football card series.
Background of O-Pee-Chee and the CFL
O-Pee-Chee, a Canadian company known for producing trading cards, became synonymous with sports card manufacturing in the 20th century. The company had a strong association with both hockey and baseball cards but also ventured into producing CFL football cards, beginning in the 1950s. These cards documented the CFL’s growth and rise in popularity across Canada, becoming valuable collector’s items over time.
The 1972 release came during an exciting era for the CFL. The league was thriving, with teams like the Edmonton Eskimos (now known as the Edmonton Elks), Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Argonauts boasting competitive rosters and passionate fan bases. Stars such as Russ Jackson and George Reed had helped cement football’s popularity in Canada, and the cards from this era capture the essence of CFL history.
Design and Features of the 1972 OPC CFL Cards
The design of the 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football cards is instantly recognizable to collectors for its simple yet bold aesthetic. Each card features a photograph of a player in action or posed against a bright, solid-colored background. The player’s name, position, and team logo are displayed prominently on the front of the card.
Here are some key elements that make the 1972 OPC set distinctive:
- Card Size: The cards measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the standard size for most trading cards of the era.
- Set Composition: The 1972 OPC CFL set contains 132 cards. This was a smaller set compared to other sports card releases, making it slightly more manageable to collect as a complete set.
- Player Information: The back of each card includes personal details about the player, such as height, weight, college attended, and career statistics up to the 1971 season.
- French and English Text: Reflecting Canada’s bilingual culture, the cards feature both English and French text, making them appealing to a wide Canadian audience.
These cards also include team cards and coaches, adding further depth to the set. The use of both posed shots and action images gives the set a nice balance between portrait photography and dynamic football moments.
Notable Players and Cards in the 1972 Set
Several cards in the 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football set are highly sought after by collectors due to the prominence of the players or their significance in CFL history. Here are a few standout cards:
- George Reed (Card #15)
- George Reed was one of the greatest running backs in CFL history, known for his powerful running style and consistency. Playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Reed set multiple records for rushing yards and touchdowns. His card in the 1972 set is one of the most valuable due to his legendary status.
- Angelo Mosca (Card #38)
- Angelo Mosca, also known as “King Kong,” was a fearsome defensive tackle who played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Mosca was not only known for his skills on the field but also for his larger-than-life personality, making his card a fan favorite.
- Tom Wilkinson (Card #50)
- Wilkinson was a talented quarterback who would later help the Edmonton Eskimos become one of the greatest dynasties in CFL history. His 1972 card predates his most famous years, adding to its allure among collectors.
- Ron Lancaster (Card #87)
- Lancaster was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in CFL history, known for his time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. His card from this set remains a key highlight for fans of the Roughriders and CFL collectors in general.
- Coach Cards and Team Cards
- In addition to player cards, the 1972 OPC set includes several cards featuring coaches and team photos, giving collectors a well-rounded view of the CFL’s landscape at the time.
Rarity and Condition Challenges
One of the reasons the 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL cards are highly valued by collectors today is their relative rarity. Compared to hockey and baseball cards, CFL cards from this era were produced in smaller quantities, and fewer have survived in excellent condition.
Collectors often encounter challenges when searching for 1972 OPC cards in mint condition due to several factors:
- Centering Issues: Many cards from the 1972 OPC set suffer from off-center printing, which affects their grade and value.
- Surface Wear and Damage: Given that these cards were made primarily for children, many were subjected to heavy handling, resulting in wear, creases, or fading.
- Availability: While individual cards from the set can be found relatively easily, completing a full 132-card set in high grade can be quite difficult.
Graded versions of these cards, especially those certified by professional grading companies like PSA or Beckett, command higher prices. Cards graded PSA 9 or 10 are extremely rare and can fetch a premium on the secondary market.
Value and Market Trends
The market for 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football cards has grown steadily over the years, driven by a combination of nostalgia and the growing interest in vintage sports memorabilia. While the set does not command the same global recognition as vintage baseball or hockey cards, it holds significant value within Canada and among CFL fans worldwide.
- Individual Player Cards: Cards of CFL legends like George Reed, Ron Lancaster, and Angelo Mosca often sell for higher amounts, particularly if they are in mint condition.
- Complete Sets: A complete 1972 OPC CFL set in good condition can fetch anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the grades of individual cards.
- Graded Cards: High-grade individual cards, especially those graded PSA 8 or higher, are particularly desirable. Rare, well-preserved cards can sell for hundreds of dollars each.
The value of these cards is also influenced by CFL-related events, such as Hall of Fame inductions, anniversaries, or memorials, which often create spikes in interest and demand for specific player cards.
Why the 1972 OPC CFL Cards Are Still Popular Today
There are several reasons why the 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football cards continue to be cherished by collectors:
- CFL Nostalgia: The set captures an era when the CFL was deeply rooted in Canadian sports culture, and collecting these cards allows fans to relive the memories of that time.
- Player Legacy: Many of the players featured in the set, such as George Reed and Ron Lancaster, remain legends in CFL history, and their cards serve as mementos of their careers.
- Design and Aesthetics: The bilingual text, colorful backgrounds, and mix of action and portrait shots make the 1972 set visually appealing to collectors.
- Rarity and Challenge: The difficulty in finding high-quality cards from this set adds a layer of excitement and satisfaction for those seeking to complete it.
Conclusion
The 1972 O-Pee-Chee CFL football card set is more than just a collection of sports memorabilia—it’s a snapshot of Canadian football history. With its bold design, iconic players, and rarity, the set holds significant appeal for both CFL fans and sports card collectors alike. While it may not be as famous as some baseball or hockey card sets, the 1972 OPC CFL cards continue to attract attention for their charm and historical value. Collectors seeking a challenge, as well as a piece of CFL nostalgia, will find this set a rewarding addition to their collections. Whether completing the entire set or acquiring a few key cards, the 1972 OPC CFL football series offers a lasting connection to one of Canada’s greatest sports traditions.
