Question re 1965 Topps Clemente Pirates Card

[tom1315]

Hey guys! We have a 1965 Topps Roberto Clemente card. What is the difference between a card described as "o-pee-chee" versus one that is not described this way?

My friend has the aforementioned Topps card yet when looking on eBay we see a card with above in the description and then another listing for what appears to be the same card without that language.

There is a large difference in value...can someone explain the difference?

Thank you!

Tom

Go Pack! NC State graduate 1981

[dietdew]

O-Pee-Chee cards were issued in Canada using the basically the same design as the U.S. Topps cards. There are minor differences usually some French text, slightly different card stock, and the backs of some of the sets were different. The sets had less cards and had much smaller print runs, but for the most part don't carry much or any of a premium over their Topps counterparts.

[dietdew]

[xpress34]

O-Pee-Chee cards were issued in Canada using the basically the same design as the U.S. Topps cards. There are minor differences usually some French text, slightly different card stock, and the backs of some of the sets were different. The sets had less cards and had much smaller print runs, but for the most part don't carry much or any of a premium over their Topps counterparts.

When it comes to vintage - and especially RCs, that statement is absolutely NOT true.

In 1968, there are 4 versions of the set and the Ryan/Koosman RC (177) varies widely depending on the specific set.

The Topps version books at $500 in Mint
The OPC (o-pee-chee) version books at $750+ in Mint
The MB (Milton Bradley) version (from a board game) books just higher than OPC
The Venezulan is the Grail though - in rouch shape it fetches OVER $1,000. A 7.0 sold for just shy of $10,000 a year or so ago.

In comparison, a Topps 7.0 might bring $250 - $300...
An OPC 7.0 would top $1,000...

I would say that is a hefty premium.

- Smitty

[dietdew]

When it comes to vintage - and especially RCs, that statement is absolutely NOT true.

In 1968, there are 4 versions of the set and the Ryan/Koosman RC (177) varies widely depending on the specific set.

The Topps version books at $500 in Mint
The OPC (o-pee-chee) version books at $750+ in Mint
The MB (Milton Bradley) version (from a board game) books just higher than OPC
The Venezulan is the Grail though - in rouch shape it fetches OVER $1,000. A 7.0 sold for just shy of $10,000 a year or so ago.

In comparison, a Topps 7.0 might bring $250 - $300...
An OPC 7.0 would top $1,000...

I would say that is a hefty premium.

- Smitty

Nolan Ryan, particularly THAT Nolan Ryan, probably isn't the best comparison.

Since I submitted a pic, I'll use the 1968 Rod Carew for example (2nd year Topps card and 1st O-Pee-Chee card). The Topps books for $50, the OPC for $60, and since you mentioned it, the Venezuelan books at $300 in near mint. Carew's next two Topps/OPC matching issues in 1970 and 1971 have the same $10 difference in book price. That's not really a huge premium for a card that had a much shorter print run and should be a lot more difficult to acquire. The premiums for raw or low grade cards are for the most part negligible but grow as you move up in condition.

[tom1315]

Gentlemen, thank you both for the re quick replies and examples.

I will share your answers and comments with my friend.

Tom

Go Pack! NC State 1981 graduate

[David]

Yeah, OPC is the Canadian version of Topps. They're rarer and, for 1960s cards, more valuable.

[MUSEOVEN]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLxKHHqoFbU