{"title":"1988 Topps Hockey Cards","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Origin \u0026amp; Lore:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1988 Topps Hockey Cards collection marks a significant chapter in the history of hockey collectibles. Released by Topps, a brand with a rich heritage in trading cards since 1938, this collection continues the legacy of hockey card production. 1988 was a noteworthy year in the NHL as it featured the likes of Wayne Gretzky, one of the most legendary figures in the sport. This set not only captures the essence of the gameplay but also reflects the growing popularity of hockey in North America during the 1980s. With its comprehensive lineup, including prominent players and emerging rookies, collectors appreciate this set for its blend of nostalgia and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisuals \u0026amp; Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The design of the 1988 Topps Hockey Cards is emblematic of the era, showcasing a vibrant and bold aesthetic. The cards feature a classic design with a glossy finish, framed in striking border colors that enhance the visual appeal. Each card presents a photograph of the player in action, set against a coordinated color scheme that complements team uniforms. The typography is straightforward, allowing for easy readability, while the player stats on the back include essential information, making it a practical yet attractive choice for collectors. The overall look and feel of the cards evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of a simpler time in sports collectibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Mechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the defining features of the 1988 Topps Hockey Cards is the impressive lineup of rookie cards, prominently showcasing future stars alongside hockey legends. The set includes popular players such as Eric Lindros, who would go on to become a Hall of Famer. The mechanics of this set are straightforward, focusing on traditional card collecting, as opposed to complex gameplay dynamics found in trading card games. Each card is a snapshot of the era, carrying with it the history and lore of the players it depicts. Collectors value these cards not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical importance within the world of hockey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Chase Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rarity in the 1988 Topps Hockey Cards stems from key highlights such as notable rookie cards, which are highly sought after by collectors. Several cards, including those of Gretzky and other superstars, are known for their condition sensitivity, making well-preserved examples valuable. While there are no extensive numbered variants or exclusive parallels in this set, the rarity and desirability of certain players drive the market value. Collectors often search for cards in mint condition, with professional grading adding an additional level of prestige and worth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wayne Gretzky, featured prominently in the set, remains a cornerstone for collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eric Lindros's rookie card is a standout among the set, appealing to both contemporary and vintage collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nostalgic design appeals to fans of traditional card aesthetics, making it a favorite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey Highlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cards in near-mint condition can command $30 or more in auction settings, reflecting the set’s enduring value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollector's Legacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1988 Topps Hockey Cards collection stands the test of time not just as a nostalgic reminder of an iconic era in hockey but also as a staple in sports card collecting. Its combination of historical significance, notable figures, and visually appealing design secures its position in the hearts of collectors. Whether as an investment or a trip down memory lane, these cards encapsulate the essence of what makes sports collectibles a cherished hobby. As the popularity of vintage cards continues to rise, the legacy of the 1988 Topps Hockey Cards collection is poised to endure, appealing to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"1988-topps-113-al-smith-nm-near-mint-rc-rookie-oilers","title":"1988 Topps #113 Al Smith NM Near Mint RC Rookie Oilers","description":" \u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e1988 Topps #113 Al Smith NM Near Mint RC Rookie \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"1988 Topps #113 Al Smith NM Near Mint RC Rookie\" src=\"https:\/\/sandoval.ultimatecardstore.com\/online_store\/store\/images\/0000386489.png\" width=\"400\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"line-height: normal; text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align:center\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*****Updated 05\/17\/22*****\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne to five trading cards (depending on thickness) will be shipped in each Card Saver (semi-ridgid - NOT A TOPLOAD) inside a standard letter envelope (PWE - Plain White Envelope)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eNo USPS Tracking available with a FREE or $.99 shipping charge. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eGet tracking with either First Class (shipped in a bubble mailer) or Priority Shipping (shipped in a flat rate envelope).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003eSimply Sandoval usually ships within 2 business days Monday thru Friday.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12.0pt\"\u003ePlease contact Simply Sandoval\/simply-cards on eBay if you have any questions regarding this listing. Please have the item number available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eSimply Sandoval has been family owned and operated since 1993. We take pride in accurate grading, fair pricing, and excellent customer service. We have been online since 1993 selling sports cards and handmade items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrading Sports Cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eThese are the grading standards that we use and follow!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul class=\"stars\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eMint (MT) -- A card with four sharp corners, 50\/50 centering, no imperfections or signs of wear. Even cards straight out of the pack do not always grade mint. Pre-1970 MT cards typically sell at 150 percent or more of the NM price. *We don't list cards in this grade* \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eNear Mint - Mint - (NrMt-Mt) - A card with one minor flaw. Any one of the following would lower a Mint card to Near Mint-Mint: one corner with a slight touch of wear, barely noticeable print spots, color or focus imperfections. The card must have 60\/40 or better centering in both directions, original gloss, smooth edges and original color borders.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eNear Mint (NM) -- A near-perfect card with perhaps one minor imperfection, such as one blunt corner. Centering is no worse than 60\/40 and the card must have its original gloss. NM cards are the standard by which other grades are usually gauged. Example: MT cards bring 150 percent of book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eExcellent-Mint (EX-MT) -- A card with only two or three minor imperfections. Must have original gloss and centering no worse than 70\/30. EX-MT cards typically sell for 75 to 90 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eExcellent (EX) -- A card with a few minor imperfections. Some original gloss is lost and the edges show moderate wear. All four corners typically show some wear. Centering is no worse than 75\/25. EX cards usually sell for 50 percent to 75 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eVery Good (VG) -- A card that shows obvious handling but is still attractive despite wear and imperfections. A VG card may have a crease, but one that's not severe enough to make the card unattractive. Most of the original gloss is lost. VG cards usually sell for 25 percent to 35 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eGood (G), Fair (F), Poor (P) -- A very worn card with many major imperfections. Collectors use cards of these grades as fillers until better ones can be found. With very little market for such cards, they are valued at 5 percent to 10 percent of the NM price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:16px\"\u003eCreases and major defects if present are mentioned in the description or title of the item for sale or bid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height:normal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:20px\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cfont rwr=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003e***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#c0392b\"\u003ePLEASE NOTE: All shipping with USPS is taking longer than normal. Please be advised it may take 21+ days for delivery US only and 60 days International.***\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ccenter\u003e\u003ctable border=\"1\" bgcolor=\"#A9141A\" width=\"70%\"\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd valign=\"middle\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003ch5\u003e\u003cfont color=\"white\"\u003eThis listing created with GLETech Multiple Selling Channel tools.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e ","brand":"Sandoval’s Cards","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52561827758355,"sku":"45057","price":1.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/8592\/6675\/files\/12_ab5c165f-ebe1-4559-afb6-aa09db6f0e18.png?v=1784673543"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0798\/8592\/6675\/collections\/1988-topps-hockey-cards.webp?v=1778522779","url":"https:\/\/www.tradingcardsmarketplace.com\/collections\/1988-topps-hockey-cards.oembed","provider":"TradingCardsMarketplace.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}