Card #99 in the 1963-64 Parkhurst Hockey set is special for a few reasons. It is the only horizontal card in an otherwise vertical set. It is action-oriented and the only one in the set to feature a goal net.
It is also the last card in the set. Usually, the first and last cards in vintage sets carry a premium because they were susceptible to rubber band marks or wear from being the “end cards” when stored. It is a rookie card and a card of a goalie–two other reasons that make it desirable. After Gordie Howe, this Cesar Maniago card is the second-most expensive card in the set.
I had only seen this card once before, about 3 years back, and it was priced at “full book value” of $175. I passed on buying it, partially because I could not afford it (always a good reason), and partially because I have this foolish notion that if I wait long enough and keep my eyes open, I can find any card I want at a price I want to pay. Within reason, of course. But I always wondered if I made a mistake by not buying it; by not trying to work out something with the card dealer.
I did not make a mistake.
This past weekend, I found this beautiful card at a show near Chicago. A dealer who specializes in vintage hockey cards had it in a box of “lesser grade” cards. It was tagged at half of “high book” value because of some corner wear, but it looked pretty darn good to me. I bought another old Parkie, too, and he knocked off an additional 10%. All said and done, I got this card for $80–which sounds steep until you consider that $80 is far less than $175.
No creases. No stains. Just a little corner wear that I can live with. My patience has paid off, and this puts me one large step closer to finishing the set I started 4 years ago. I am 2/3 of the way there.
Parkhurst Percent Counter: 66%
Nicely done! That’s a difficult one to get and it’s nice to have it in the collection.
Beautiful!