This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
Although his career lasted just 12 seasons before retiring at the age of 30, Boston's Bobby Orr was a transcendent talent who rates among the greatest to ever lace up a pair of skates. While routinely lighting the lamp 30 to 40 times a season, an accomplishment virtually unheard of at the time for a defenseman, it was his unprecedented prowess as a playmaker that made Orr a legend in NHL history, leading the league five times in assists and claiming an all-time league +/- record of +124 in the 1970-71 season. At the time of Orr's rookie campaign in 1966, Topps released a test issue that, upon first inspection, appeared to be nearly identical to their regular release. The differences in appearance on the front were slight, but the reverse would forego the usual bio in both English and French, presented in only English to be sold exclusively in the United States. The test issue was largely confined to areas of the south as well as California, neither of which showed much interest in the sport before NHL expansion, resulting in a very short test run with the cards printed in low quantity. The scarcity of the card, in tandem with Orr's legendary popularity, has made the 1966-67 Topps USA Test Bobby Orr rookie card one of the most coveted pasteboards ever dedicated to the ice. The featured example is among the finest ever seen, one of 7 to earn a PSA 8.5 NM/MT grade with only 2 assessed higher. Expertly centered with a wood frame that is brought forth by the lacquer-like gloss that seemingly intensifies the overall draw, the card is bolstered by corners that make a convincing case for MINT qualification. A light white cut line is apparent on the right edge, which is a true assurance of the offered card's originality and only adds to this card's lore. The reverse is a deep black in the shape of an ice rink, holding a small bio and statistics (or lack thereof due to his rookie status) against the off-white stock of the issue. A stunning and endearing collectible, one of the most significant pieces ever produced by Topps for any sport, offered in outstanding NM/MT+ condition that borders on being MINT!