Mario Lemieux (10/05/65) is a legendary center who spent 17 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1984 to 2006. He is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
BUY MARIO LEMIEUX ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
Le Magnifique purchased the Penguins in 1999 and brought the franchise out of bankruptcy, while he still holds or shares numerous NHL records.
Lemieux ranks second in points per game average and assists per game average, trailing Wayne Gretzky. He is one of the most collectible players in hockey, and his cards are continually becoming tougher to find.
Here’s a list containing three of the best Mario Lemieux rookie cards and investment advice if you’re tempted to add a copy to your portfolio (undervalued? Nathan Mackinnon Rookie Cards).
Trending:
20 Tips to Maximizing Rookie Card Profits
Best Derek Jeter Rookie Card Investments
Here are ten of the best Mario Lemieux hockey card investments. Please note RC denotes rookie card.
#1. 1985 Mario Lemieux O-Pee-Chee Hockey RC #9
O-Pee-Chee is Topps’ Canadian counterpart and is often preferred when looking at older hockey cards. Many OPC cards (including this one) are bilingual, sharing French and English texts.
As there are no manufacturer logos on the front of the card, you’ll have to check out the back to be sure of which version you’re looking at.
OPC copies tend to be more expensive due to lower print runs, which leads to fewer gem mint copies in the present.
For example, according to their registry, there are 47 PSA 10 copies of the OPC card, which rises to 75 when looking at the Topps version.
#2. 1985 Mario Lemieux Topps RC #9
The 1985 Topps RC is a simple card with an action shot of the player enclosed upon a white border.
There’s a Penguins logo in the top left corner, while Lemieux’s name and position are found on a yellow tab at the bottom. As his only US rookie card, you’d expect it to be expensive when looking at mint copies.
Trending: Martin Brodeur Rookie Cards
However, it’s outshone by the card listed below for reasons that become apparent almost instantly.
#3. 1985 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux Sticker #97
Continuing with the OPC theme, there was a sticker set released in 1985, containing a Lemieux collectible wrapped in a gold border.
The player is featured in his black and yellow Penguins jersey, with a number visible on his shoulder.
It doesn’t match up to the others in terms of pure value, but it’s the most affordable option when looking at higher PSA grades.
#4. 2010/11 The Cup Signature Patches AUTO PATCH Wayne Gretzky/Mario Lemieux /35
Mario Lemieux featured a rare dual-auto with Wayne Gretzky in 2010/11. The card had both players signed on-card featuring a patch jersey as well.
This is a tough card to find but a must-have for any Mario Lemieux collector. This card is most likely one of the few dual-signed autographs featuring both Lemieux and Gretzky on the same card.
#5. 2012 The Cup Jaromir Jagr Mario Lemieux Dual Patch AUTO /35
This card is another rare dual-patch auto featuring Lemieux and Jagr. In fact, this card is so tough to find; none have been listed for sale within the last couple of months.
Trending:
Best Jaromir Jagr Rookie Cards
Top-Rated Patrick Roy Hockey Cards
Jagr was teammates with Lemieux for several years so this is another must-have for any Penguins fan. Will one of these cards pop up for sale within the near future?
#6. 1988 Topps Mario Lemieux #1
Mario Lemieux was featured in the 1988 Topps set as card number one. This card is an early example in his career.
This is an excellent alternative card to invest in if you cannot afford his rookie. Investing in a high-grade example even PSA 8 or higher, is still very obtainable for most buyers or collectors.
This card is very underrated in a high-grade example especially PSA 9’s or higher because not many of these received a high grade. Only 235 PSA 9’s and 68 PSA 10’s.
#7. 1989 Topps Mario Lemieux #1
This card is easily obtainable in a high-grade PSA 8 example. Investing even in a PSA 9 could pay off in both the short term and long term.
Only 100 of these cards are graded in a PSA 9 example and just 24 graded PSA 10’s.
This is a great addition for anyone collecting Lemieux, PSA 9’s may become more difficult to find especially with there only being a limited amount of them available.
#8. 2001 Topps Mario Returns auto #MR3 /66
Mario Lemieux was retired for four seasons and then came out of retirement during the 2000-01 season.
This card is a rare on-card autograph of Lemieux and serial numbered out of 66. There are only very few of these available for purchase because this card is so limited.
Lemieux did not have too many on-card autographs after he came out of retirement so investing in this card could pay off in the long term.
#9. 1996 Select Certified Mario Lemieux Mirror Gold /30 #10
A rare 1990s insert featuring a low serial numbered print run makes this Lemieux card valuable. 1990’s inserts are continually becoming tougher to find; this one is a lovely gold version.
This set was way ahead of its time when it was released. Serial-numbered insert cards featuring gold are still considered some of the most sought-after today.
This will be a harsh card to find, especially since there are only 30 that exist.
#10. 1983 Canadian National Juniors Mario Lemieux Postcard
This card is considered Lemieux’s XRC, meaning it was the first he ever produced.
A card like this is an excellent investment because many collectors or buyers are still unaware of this card.
Investing in a PSA 8 or higher could pay off in both the short-term and long-term. This card has a lot of room for growth because it’s considered his first card ever produced.
Value
The most expensive Mario Lemeiux rookie card is the 1985 Mario Lemieux O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card, which will beat out the Topps version by 20 to 30% on average.
Please email us at value@goldcardauctions.com if you want buyers’ advice regarding picking up Mario cards.
If you would like an estimated value of your Mario Lemieux hockey cards.
Checklist
- 1985 Topps Mario Lemieux RC #9
- 1985 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux RC #9
- 1985 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux Sticker RC #97
Investment Outlook
Lemieux is a true GOAT, and it’s clearly shown by the value of his rarest rookie cards.
More than a typical Penguins legend, he battled back from Hodgkin’s disease and various injuries and ailments over the years, which held him back from achieving even greater numbers in the long run.
A six-time Art Ross Trophy winner (1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997), he also has five Stanley Cup wins as a player/owner.
Rating 5/5 – Mario Lemieux is arguably regarded as a top 10 hockey player of all-time. Lemieux is a player who had an iconic career and a very popular player. His cards should continue to climb in value each year. You can’t go wrong with investing in any Lemieux cards listed above.
My personal favorite Lemieux card on the list is his O-Pee-Chee rookie card. Vintage rookie cards are becoming more difficult to find especially PSA-graded examples. My advice would be to invest in the highest grade rookie of Lemieux that you can afford. His rookie card is still relatively cheap compared to Gretzky’s in a similar card.
One thing to keep an eye on when investing in vintage rookies like Lemieux’s is to “buy the card” and not the grade. You could find a well-centered PSA 5 or 6 example instead of buying an off-centered PSA 7. The card with the better centering and eye appeal is a much better investment.