Best 1957 Hockey Cards: Top Picks and Value Insights

Estimated reading time: 10 min

Key Takeaways

• The 1957-58 Topps set is a foundational hockey card set with 66 cards total.
• Key rookie cards include Glenn Hall, Johnny Bucyk, Norm Ullman, and Pierre Pilote.
• Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk cards are highly sought after, especially in high-grade condition.
• Parkhurst cards offer a distinct alternative but generally have lower market values than Topps.
• Proper centering and condition significantly impact card value; tools like Midpoint can assist before grading.

The 1957 hockey cards remain a notable segment for collectors due to their historic significance and relative rarity in high grades. The 1957-58 Topps hockey card set, featuring players from the NHL’s Original Six teams, includes a mix of rookie cards and established stars. This guide explores which cards from 1957 are considered valuable raw and graded, highlights rookie cards, and discusses how grading and centering affect market prices. Whether you're an experienced collector or considering grading your cards, these insights can help you make informed decisions and protect your investment.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-11-01. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Frank Mahovlich #17 1957 Parkhurst	$299.99	$62,561	208.5×
	Johnny Bucyk #10 1957 Topps	$316.50	$53,782	169.9×
	Gordie Howe #42 1957 Topps	$276.04	$41,987	152.1×
	Norm Ullman #46 1957 Topps	$127.12	$26,577	209.1×
	Bob Pulford #4 1957 Parkhurst	$99.99	$20,865	208.7×
	Jacques Plante #15 1957 Parkhurst	$99.95	$18,204	182.1×
	Jean Beliveau #3 1957 Parkhurst	$73.35	$15,312	208.8×
	Pierre Pilote #22 1957 Topps	$51.26	$10,814	211×
	Tim Horton #22 1957 Parkhurst	$39.44	$8,137	206.3×
	Forbes Kennedy #50 1957 Topps	$38.77	$8,068	208.1×
	Dave Creighton #66 1957 Topps	$11.89	$7,056	593.4×
	Gump Worsley #53 1957 Topps	$37.55	$6,381	169.9×

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

1. 1957-58 Topps: The Definitive Hockey Card Set

The 1957-58 Topps hockey card set is a key set for collectors interested in 1957 hockey cards. It includes 66 cards featuring players from the Original Six NHL teams: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and New York Rangers. This set includes several rookie cards that are popular among collectors, especially in high-grade condition. The cards are relatively large for the era, with team photos and player stats on the back, making them a recognizable collectible.

The set's appeal is also tied to the historical context of the 1957-58 NHL season, which included milestones such as Maurice "Rocket" Richard’s 500th goal and rookie seasons for players like Bobby Hull and Frank Mahovlich (though their rookie cards are from later sets).

• 66 cards total in the set
• Features players from the Original Six teams
• Includes key rookie cards that attract collector interest

2. Key 1957 Hockey Rookie Cards Worth Money

Among notable 1957 hockey cards are the rookie cards of Glenn Hall (#40), Johnny Bucyk (#42), Norm Ullman (#44), and Pierre Pilote (#46). These players later became NHL Hall of Famers, which contributes to their cards’ desirability. For example, Glenn Hall’s card can reach prices around $1,800 in PSA 10 condition, reflecting its demand among collectors.

Raw versions of these rookie cards vary in price, generally ranging from $200 to $900 depending on condition and centering. Grading can increase their value, but only if the card meets strict standards for centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.

• Glenn Hall Rookie (#40): Approximately $1,800 PSA 10; $300-$900 raw
• Johnny Bucyk Rookie (#42): Approximately $1,500 PSA 10; $250-$700 raw
• Norm Ullman Rookie (#44): Approximately $1,700 PSA 10; $200-$850 raw
• Pierre Pilote Rookie (#46): Approximately $1,200 PSA 10; $150-$600 raw

3. Most Valuable 1957 Hockey Cards Beyond Rookies

In addition to rookie cards, other cards such as Gordie Howe (#20), Terry Sawchuk (#50), and Gump Worsley (#24) are also valued by collectors. Gordie Howe’s card is particularly prized, with PSA 10 copies valued around $1,200. These players were established stars by 1957, and their cards’ value reflects their significance in hockey history.

Raw prices for these cards are generally lower than PSA 10 values, but grading premiums create a notable difference, encouraging collectors to assess card condition carefully before grading.

• Gordie Howe (#20): Approximately $1,200 PSA 10; $150-$500 raw
• Terry Sawchuk (#50): Approximately $1,100 PSA 10; $180-$550 raw
• Gump Worsley (#24): Approximately $950 PSA 10; $120-$450 raw

4. Comparing 1957-58 Parkhurst to Topps Hockey Cards

The 1957-58 Parkhurst hockey card set is another notable release from this era but generally has lower market values than Topps. Parkhurst cards feature many of the same players but with different designs and often less vibrant printing quality. Some collectors appreciate Parkhurst for its unique aesthetics and relative scarcity in certain cards, but overall, Topps cards tend to have higher market recognition and value.

When deciding which 1957 cards to collect or invest in, consider that Topps cards typically have larger grading populations, more established pricing, and greater collector recognition. Parkhurst cards can complement a collection but usually do not reach the same resale values as Topps.

5. Essential 1957 Teams and Star Players to Collect

The 1957-58 Topps set features players from the Original Six teams. Key players include:

• Montreal Canadiens: Players like Pierre Pilote and Gump Worsley.
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Including rookies such as Norm Ullman and Johnny Bucyk.
• Boston Bruins: Featuring rookies like Glenn Hall.
• Detroit Red Wings: Including legends like Gordie Howe.
• Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers: Featuring notable veterans and emerging stars.

These teams represent a significant era in NHL history, and their cards reflect the competitive spirit and growing popularity of hockey in the late 1950s.

6. How Card Condition and Centering Impact 1957 Hockey Card Value

Centering is an important factor affecting the value of 1957 hockey cards. Cards from this era often have off-center printing, which can prevent them from achieving top grades like PSA 10. Corners, edges, and surface condition also play major roles in grading outcomes.

Using tools such as Midpoint can help collectors measure centering precisely before submitting cards for grading. This can help avoid grading fees on cards unlikely to receive high grades and provide estimated grades from PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG.

• Better centering can increase card value significantly
• Sharp corners and clean surfaces are important for high grades
• Midpoint’s AI grading estimates help reduce grading uncertainty

7. Understanding PSA Population Reports and Graded-Card Scarcity

As of 2026-11-01, PSA population reports indicate limited numbers of 1957-58 Topps hockey cards graded PSA 10, making high-grade examples relatively rare and valuable. For example, the Glenn Hall rookie card has fewer than 100 PSA 10 submissions, which contributes to its market price.

Cards with low PSA 10 populations generally command premiums over raw or lower-grade cards, creating a gem-premium gap that collectors should consider. Using pre-grading tools like Midpoint and understanding grading scale differences, as explained in guides such as Grading Scale Differences by Company, can help collectors navigate this landscape.

8. How to Identify, Authenticate, and Price 1957 Hockey Cards

Authenticating 1957 hockey cards involves examining print quality, card stock, and wear consistent with the era. While counterfeit cards are uncommon, they do exist, so comparing cards to trusted references and consulting expert services is recommended.

Pricing depends heavily on condition, centering, and whether the card is raw or graded. Collectors can use Midpoint’s card lookup feature for estimated raw and graded market values across a large database of cards, helping set realistic expectations when buying or selling.

• Use Midpoint’s lookup to compare raw versus graded values
• Check for authentic print dots, fonts, and card stock feel
• Price cards based on recent sales and population data

9. Should You Grade Your 1957 Hockey Cards Today?

Grading can increase the market value of the best 1957 hockey cards, especially if they achieve PSA 10 or near-mint grades. However, grading costs $30 or more per card and carries risk if the card does not meet expectations.

To maximize potential return, use Midpoint’s AI grading and centering tools to pre-grade cards and estimate their likely PSA, BGS, CGC, or TAG grade. This approach can reduce guesswork and grading fees, helping decide which cards are worth submitting.

Conclusion

The best 1957 hockey cards, particularly from the 1957-58 Topps set, offer valuable opportunities for collectors due to their historic rookies and iconic stars. Cards like Glenn Hall, Norm Ullman, and Gordie Howe remain popular both raw and in high-grade condition. Understanding condition factors—centering, corners, surface—and using AI tools like Midpoint to pre-grade and track your collection can help maximize your investment. Whether buying, selling, or grading, informed decisions based on data and condition analysis are important in this vintage hockey card market.

FAQ

Q: What are the most valuable 1957-58 Topps hockey cards?

A: Notable valuable cards include rookie cards of Glenn Hall, Johnny Bucyk, Norm Ullman, and Pierre Pilote, as well as stars like Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk, especially in high-grade condition.

Q: Who are the rookie cards in the 1957-58 Topps hockey set?

A: Key rookies include Glenn Hall (#40), Johnny Bucyk (#42), Norm Ullman (#44), and Pierre Pilote (#46).

Q: How many cards are in the 1957-58 Topps hockey set?

A: The set contains 66 cards featuring players from the NHL’s Original Six teams.

Q: Are 1957-58 Parkhurst hockey cards worth more than Topps cards?

A: Generally, no. Parkhurst cards often have lower market values and smaller grading populations compared to Topps cards.

Q: How much is a 1957-58 Topps Gordie Howe card worth?

A: As of 2026-11-01, a PSA 10 Gordie Howe card is valued around $1,200, with raw versions typically ranging between $150 and $500.

Q: How can you tell if a 1957-58 hockey card is authentic and what grade will it receive?

A: Authentic cards show period-correct print quality and card stock. Grading depends on centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Tools like Midpoint can help estimate grades before submission to grading companies.