Perfection Elevated! CGC x JSA Certifies Gretzky Rookie Card with ‘The Great Grade’ — 10/10
Posted on 7/1/2026
The Great One. An all-time talent that is widely considered the greatest hockey player ever who also has arguably the most sought-after rookie card in the sport. Wayne Gretzky's 1979-80 Topps #18 rookie card is one of the most coveted and valuable cards in the hobby, especially in high grades. With only two examples earning Gem Mint 10 grades across all third-party certification services, is it even possible to improve on the perfection of these cards?
The short answer: absolutely! Recently, CGC x JSA was honored to authenticate, grade, and encapsulate the ONLY signed version of this famous card that has earned a grade of Gem Mint 10. Now housed in CGC's crystal-clear holder, with the attractive CGC x JSA Authentic Autograph label, this particular 1979-80 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky includes his autograph and "99" jersey number inscription, with ideal placement on the card. Not only is this card graded CGC Gem Mint 10, but it also earned an Auto 10 grade, making it a true one-of-one gem in the hobby.
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Equally impressive is the risk the collector took by re-slabbing one of only two 1979-80 Topps #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie cards that have ever earned a Gem Mint 10. In a controlled environment, and with professional oversight, the example garnered the coveted grade of CGC Gem Mint 10, also with an autograph grade of 10, making it the Top Pop in the CGC Cards Population Report. Indeed, Gretzky's autograph and where he added his jersey number "99" represent arguably one of the hobby's finest autographs ever graded — an indication that Gretzky wanted to set this card apart, as what will be known as the greatest hockey card ever sold of "The Great One."
In addition to the Topps rookie card, the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee #18 Wayne Gretzky rookie card is its Canadian counterpart. Both rookie cards feature the same image of a young Gretzky and the same light blue and white design that catches the eye. Little is known about the mystery behind the photo, or why both Topps and O-Pee-Chee decided to feature it. The photo was taken in Wayne’s rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky was not a high-ranking draft pick and as such, not many of his rookie cards were produced. Therefore, making it one of the most recognizable cards to collectors and investors.
Alongside two other CGC-graded grails of sports card collecting, the autographed CGC Gem Mint 10 Gretzky rookie card will be hitting the road this summer! Sports fans and collectors alike will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view this Gretzky rookie card, a 1909-11 T2026 Honus Wagner, and a 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle - Type 1 graded CGC 8. The trio of ultra-rarities will all be on display at Fanatics Fest in New York City (July 16-19). If you're attending the show, make sure to visit the CGC booth to get up close and personal with these three titans of the hobby!
“The Great One” for Many Reasons
In 1979, a teenaged Wayne Gretzky took the ice for the first time, as he made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut with the Edmonton Oilers. In just his first season, Gretzky earned the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL's Most Valuable Player. It would be the first of eight MVPs in a row to start his astounding career.
Needless to say, the league had never seen anything like Gretzky. To this day, No. 99 is still the NHL’s all-time assist leader and point scorer (a combination of goals and assists). In fact, he has more career assists than any other player has ever had total points. Gretzky is the only player in NHL history to earn more than 200 points in a single season. He accomplished that record-setting feat four times in his iconic career.
Additionally, Gretzky also crossed the 100-point mark in 15 of his 20 NHL seasons, including 13 consecutively. The Great One won four Stanley Cups before hanging up his skates in 1999. At the time of his retirement, he held 61 NHL records and entered the NHL Hall of Fame that same year. "The Great One" is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time.
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