Mario Lemieux Rookie Cards
Mario Lemieux rookie cards highlight one of the greatest scorers in NHL history. Most collectors start with his 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee and Topps #9 rookies, then add rookie-year scoring leaders, box-bottoms, and the O-Pee-Chee sticker for a deeper run.
Rookie year: 1984Flagship RC: 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 / Topps #9Top recent sale: High-grade copies of 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9, especially in PSA 9 and PSA 10, often lead recent Lemieux rookie sales snapshots.See live listings
Best Mario Lemieux Rookie Cards
O-Pee-Chee Rookie Scoring Leaders
1985 · O-Pee-Chee · #262 · Rookie Scoring Leaders
Values & Trends
Mario Lemieux rookie cards sit near the top of vintage hockey collecting. His 1984-85 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Hall of Fame scoring resume keep steady demand for his 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee and Topps rookies. Collectors focus on clean copies of his flagship #9 cards first, then build around scoring leaders subsets, box-bottoms, and the sticker issue.
- Flagship focus: 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 is the signature Lemieux rookie card, with 1985-86 Topps #9 as the main U.S. counterpart. Both are widely recognized, but high-grade O-Pee-Chee copies are much tougher.
- Condition and grade sensitivity: Centering, print quality, and rough-cut edges on O-Pee-Chee stock make PSA 9 and PSA 10 examples scarce. Topps is a bit cleaner on average, but still shows centering and corner wear.
- Premiums for eye appeal: Strong centering, bright yellow borders, and clean surfaces command clear premiums over average copies, even at the same numeric grade.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Mario Lemieux Rookie Cards
- Start with a flagship base RC: Most collectors begin with 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 as the core rookie, then add 1985-86 Topps #9 as a more accessible companion from the same design.
- Decide on O-Pee-Chee vs Topps: O-Pee-Chee is scarcer in high grade and usually carries stronger prices; Topps offers a similar look with slightly easier centering and print quality at lower entry points.
- Add key alternates: The 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Scoring Leaders #262, O-Pee-Chee and Topps box-bottoms, and the O-Pee-Chee sticker #97 are popular ways to round out a small Lemieux rookie run.
- Check centering and color first: Yellow borders and dark print can show chipping, toning, and rough cuts. Prioritize cards with strong centering, minimal chipping, and clean surfaces before you think about grading.
- Use grading as a tool, not a requirement: grading guides help you decide when a Lemieux rookie is worth submitting and how big the gap is between raw and slabbed copies.
Full Rookie Card Checklist
| Image | Card | Year | # | Details | 90d Avg RAW | 90d Avg PSA 8 | 90d Avg PSA 9 | 90d Avg PSA 10 | eBay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card Mario Lemieux · O-Pee-Chee | 1985 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | eBay | |
Topps Rookie Card Mario Lemieux · Topps | 1985 | 9 | — | — | — | — | — | eBay | |
O-Pee-Chee Rookie Scoring Leaders Mario Lemieux · O-Pee-Chee Rookie Scoring Leaders | 1985 | 262 | — | — | — | — | eBay | ||
O-Pee-Chee Box Bottoms Panel I Mario Lemieux · O-Pee-Chee Box Bottoms Panel | 1985 | I | — | — | — | — | eBay | ||
Topps Box Bottoms Panel I Mario Lemieux · Topps Box Bottoms Panel | 1985 | I | — | — | — | — | eBay | ||
O-Pee-Chee Stickers Rookie Mario Lemieux · O-Pee-Chee Stickers Sticker | 1985 | 97 | — | — | — | — | eBay |
True RC, Subsets & XRC Context
For Mario Lemieux, the hobby centers his true rookies on the 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 and 1985-86 Topps #9 cards. The 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Scoring Leaders #262, O-Pee-Chee and Topps box-bottoms, and the O-Pee-Chee sticker #97 are collected as important rookie-year companions rather than separate flagship RCs. Earlier junior or national-team issues are fun history pieces but usually sit outside the core rookie card group.
Best Boxes & Sets to Pull Mario Lemieux Rookie Cards
- 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Hockey (Sealed Box)NHLContains Mario Lemieux O-Pee-Chee #9 rookie and Rookie Scoring Leaders subset
- 1985-86 Topps Hockey (Sealed Box)NHLContains Mario Lemieux Topps #9 rookie and box-bottom panels
- 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Stickers (Sealed)NHLIncludes Mario Lemieux O-Pee-Chee sticker #97
Grading & Population
Grading has a big impact on Lemieux rookie values, especially for 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9, where centering and print quality make gem copies rare. Population reports show a wide spread of grades, with a small share of PSA 10s relative to total submissions, which helps explain the premium for top-end slabs.
- Compare graders: PSA vs CGC vs BGS vs SGC to understand how each handles 1980s hockey stock and rough-cut edges.
- Review population data and recent sales snapshots before submitting or buying at the top of the market, especially for PSA 9 and PSA 10 copies of O-Pee-Chee #9.
- Stay alert for authenticity issues on key cards; when prices climb, many collectors prefer graded copies or trusted sellers for flagship Lemieux rookies.
About Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, known as "Super Mario" and "Le Magnifique," debuted for the Pittsburgh Penguins in October 1984 and quickly became one of the greatest players in NHL history. He hit 100 points in his 1984-85 rookie season, won the Calder Trophy, and went on to capture multiple scoring titles and MVP awards while helping turn the Penguins into a championship franchise. That mix of dominance, highlight-reel skill, and franchise-changing impact keeps strong demand for his 1985-86 rookie cards across O-Pee-Chee, Topps, and key rookie-year inserts.
FAQ
What is Mario Lemieux's true rookie card?
Most collectors treat 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 as Mario Lemieux's flagship rookie card, with 1985-86 Topps #9 as the key U.S. counterpart. Rookie Scoring Leaders, box-bottom panels, and the O-Pee-Chee sticker are collected as important rookie-year companions.
Which Mario Lemieux rookie card is best?
If you want a single centerpiece, focus on 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 in the best grade your budget allows. Many collectors then add 1985-86 Topps #9 plus one or two rookie-year inserts such as Rookie Scoring Leaders #262 or the O-Pee-Chee sticker #97.
Which Mario Lemieux rookie card is worth the most?
High-grade copies of 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9, especially PSA 9 and PSA 10 slabs, usually lead recent sales snapshots. Top-end examples of the same card can reach five-figure prices in strong markets.
How much is a Mario Lemieux rookie card worth?
Values depend on the specific card, grade, and eye appeal. Raw copies of his flagship rookies can be accessible, while graded PSA 8, PSA 9, and PSA 10 examples of 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9 carry much higher prices. Always compare recent sales for the exact card and grade you're considering.
Where can I buy Mario Lemieux rookie cards?
Most buyers use large marketplaces such as eBay to find Mario Lemieux rookie cards. Use the live listings link above, filter by grade, and review seller feedback, photos, and return policies before you commit.
Should I grade a Mario Lemieux rookie card?
Grading makes the most sense for authentic copies with strong centering, clean yellow borders, and minimal print defects, especially 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee #9. Well-loved or heavily flawed copies can be better left raw unless they have special personal value.
