Best 1937 Hockey Cards: Top Collectibles and Value Guide

Estimated reading time: 8 min

Key Takeaways

• The best 1937 hockey cards come primarily from O-Pee-Chee and World Wide Gum sets.
• Key stars include Howie Morenz and Art Ross, whose rookie cards are highly sought after.
• PSA 10 grades can significantly increase card worth, but high-grade 1937 hockey cards are rare.
• Centering and condition are critical due to the fragile nature of pre-war cards.
• Using tools like Midpoint can help estimate grading before costly submissions.

1937 was a pivotal year in hockey card collecting, introducing some of the most desirable vintage cards today. From the O-Pee-Chee V304E set to the World Wide Gum V356 series, collectors seek the best 1937 hockey cards not only for their nostalgic value but also for their potential investment returns. This guide breaks down which cards are worth money, highlights the most valuable rookies and stars, explains grading importance, and offers practical tips on what to grade and how to maximize your collection's value.

Before diving into grading, it’s wise to measure card centering and condition accurately. Midpoint’s AI-powered grading app offers instant PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG grade estimates based on detailed centering, corners, edges, and surface analysis, helping collectors decide which 1937 hockey cards are worth grading. This smart pre-grade step can save significant submission fees and improve your investment strategy. Check out Midpoint for the best digital grading and portfolio tools.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-03. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Happy Emms #59 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$31.17	$11,502	369×
	Herbie Cain #46 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$15.94	$5,672	355.8×
	Syd Howe #75 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$197.50	—	—
	Happy Day #52 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$52.93	—	—
	Hooley Smith #20 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$61.65	—	—
	Johnny Gagnon [Series E] #154 1937 O-Pee-Chee	$44.65	—	—
	Pep Kelly #86 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$24.82	—	—
	Dave Kerr #53 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$19.15	—	—
	Tiny Thompson #12 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$259.84	—	—
	Babe Siebert #3 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$77.50	—	—
	Paul Thompson #6 1937 V356 World Wide Gum	$153.51	—	—
	Buzz Boll [Series E] #140 1937 O-Pee-Chee	$83.68	—	—

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

1. 1937 O-Pee-Chee V304E Set Overview

The 1937 O-Pee-Chee V304E hockey card set, consisting of 48 cards, is the flagship set for many vintage collectors. It features key Hall of Famers like Howie Morenz (#1) and Art Ross (#3), whose cards are among the most sought after. The set is known for its classic portrait style and early O-Pee-Chee branding.

Cards from this set vary in condition due to age, with centering often being off-center by several millimeters—a crucial factor in grading. The scarcity of high-grade examples makes PSA 10 specimens particularly valuable.

• Set size: 48 cards
• Known for key rookie cards like Howie Morenz
• Condition challenges: centering, surface wear, and edges

2. 1937-38 World Wide Gum V356 Set Overview

Another essential set from the era is the 1937-38 World Wide Gum V356 series, comprising 50 cards. This set features a slightly different design aesthetic, with the World Wide Gum logo instead of O-Pee-Chee. It includes many of the same star players but also some unique inserts and variations.

Collectors often compare World Wide Gum cards to their O-Pee-Chee counterparts, noting differences in print quality and card stock. Scarcity and grading populations are similar, though World Wide Gum cards sometimes sell for slightly lower prices.

• Set size: 50 cards
• Logo and stock differ from O-Pee-Chee
• Valuable star cards overlap with O-Pee-Chee

3. Key Hall of Fame Stars and Rookies

The best 1937 hockey cards spotlight legendary players whose historical impact and scarcity drive value. Howie Morenz, often called the "Babe Ruth of hockey," is a top rookie card target. His 1937 O-Pee-Chee card (#1) is a cornerstone for collectors.

Other star cards include Art Ross (#3), whose name graces the NHL's scoring trophy, and Eddie Shore, whose cards also command respect. These stars’ rookie and early cards typically see the highest prices, especially in PSA 10 condition due to rarity.

• Howie Morenz (#1 O-Pee-Chee, PSA 10 prices have been reported in the tens of thousands of dollars)
• Art Ross (#3 O-Pee-Chee, PSA 10 prices have also been reported in the tens of thousands)
• Eddie Shore and other Hall of Famers featured

4. Card Condition, Centering, and Scarcity Issues

Pre-war hockey cards from 1937 are notoriously difficult to find in high grade. The paper stock was thin and prone to wear, with common condition issues including corner fraying, edge chipping, and surface fading. Centering often suffers, which heavily impacts grading and value.

Centering is especially critical: even a 1-2 millimeter off-center card can drop from a PSA 9 to a PSA 7 or lower. This gap heavily influences price, as seen in the gem premium for top cards.

• Condition challenges: fragile paper, wear, and print defects
• Centering down to the millimeter affects value
• Scarcity of PSA 9 and 10 cards increases price significantly

5. PSA/BGS Grading, Population Data, and Value by Grade

PSA and BGS are the primary grading companies for 1937 hockey cards. Population reports indicate that PSA 10 grades for key cards like Howie Morenz #1 are very rare, often with fewer than 10 known examples. This rarity drives prices higher.

For example, a raw Howie Morenz card might sell for several thousand dollars, but a PSA 10 can command a much higher premium. Midpoint’s AI grading tool can help estimate these grades before submitting, reducing risk.

• PSA 10 rarity increases value significantly
• Population data guides collector expectations
• Use AI tools for pre-grading accuracy

6. Price Guide Breakdown for Commons and Star Cards

While star cards command large sums, many commons from 1937 still hold respectable value. For instance, commons in raw but decent condition often range from around $50 to a few hundred dollars, while star commons can exceed several hundred dollars. Grading can multiply prices depending on condition.

Key star cards like Morenz and Ross lead the price charts, but mid-tier players like Lionel Conacher or Toe Blake also see collector interest. Tracking price trends over time helps with buying and selling decisions.

• Commons: approximately $50-$200 raw; higher when graded
• Star rookies: prices can reach into the tens of thousands in high grade
• Emerging players can grow in value as sets gain popularity

7. Set Size, Variations, and Naming Differences

The naming conventions between O-Pee-Chee and World Wide Gum cards can confuse collectors. The same player may appear in both sets with slight design and stock differences. Set sizes differ slightly: 48 cards for O-Pee-Chee vs. 50 for World Wide Gum.

Variations include minor border color changes and logos. Understanding these nuances helps collectors correctly identify and value their cards.

• O-Pee-Chee (V304E) = 48 cards
• World Wide Gum (V356) = 50 cards
• Minor variations affect value and rarity

8. Most Valuable 1937 Cards and Comparison to Other Pre-War Cards

The 1937 Howie Morenz rookie card is considered one of the most valuable pre-war hockey cards. Compared to other pre-war cards, 1937 sets generally command higher premiums due to star power and relative scarcity of high-grade copies.

While earlier sets like 1933-34 can be rarer, the 1937 cards benefit from better design and the presence of marquee players. Collectors often prioritize these cards for both their historical significance and investment potential.

• Howie Morenz #1 O-Pee-Chee leads values
• 1937 sets often outperform many earlier pre-war cards
• High-grade examples continue to appreciate

Conclusion

The best 1937 hockey cards represent a fascinating blend of history, rarity, and value. Understanding the key sets, star players, grading nuances, and market prices will help collectors make informed decisions. Leveraging digital grading tools like Midpoint to measure centering and estimate grades before submission can save time and money, ensuring you focus on cards with the best potential returns.

FAQ

Q: What are the most valuable 1937 hockey cards?

A: The most valuable 1937 hockey cards include the Howie Morenz #1 O-Pee-Chee rookie card and Art Ross #3, especially in PSA 10 condition, where prices have been reported in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Q: How many cards are in the 1937 O-Pee-Chee hockey set?

A: The 1937 O-Pee-Chee V304E hockey card set contains 48 cards.

Q: What is the difference between 1937 O-Pee-Chee and 1937-38 World Wide Gum hockey cards?

A: The main differences are the card stock, logos, and set sizes—O-Pee-Chee has 48 cards (V304E) while World Wide Gum has 50 (V356). Designs and print quality also vary slightly.

Q: Which 1937 hockey cards are hardest to find in high grade?

A: Key cards like Howie Morenz #1 and Art Ross #3 in PSA 10 condition are very rare, often with fewer than 10 known examples.

Q: How much is a 1937 O-Pee-Chee hockey card worth?

A: Values vary widely; commons in raw condition can be around $50-$200, while key rookies in PSA 10 condition have been reported to reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Q: Who are the key players featured in 1937 hockey cards?

A: Key players include Howie Morenz, Art Ross, Eddie Shore, Lionel Conacher, and Toe Blake among others.