Best 1964 Hockey Cards: Top Picks Worth Grading and Collecting

Estimated reading time: 9 min

Key Takeaways

• The 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy hockey set is notable for its unique format and key rookie cards.
• Key cards include Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe, with high-grade PSA 10 examples often commanding premiums.
• Centering, edges, corners, and surface condition significantly impact card grading and value.
• High-grade scarcity makes grading 1964 hockey cards potentially worthwhile, especially with AI tools like Midpoint.
• Comparisons with other 1960s sets highlight the 1964-65 Topps set’s design and historical context.

The best 1964 hockey cards come from a pivotal era for collectors, especially those from the 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy set. This listicle explores which cards are worth grading, their rookie status, and how PSA 10 examples can affect value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding these cards' nuances can help you maximize your collection’s potential. Using Midpoint’s AI digital grading can provide useful insights before paying for official grading services.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-04. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Gary Dornhoefer #72 1964 Topps	$228.38	$37,208	162.9×
	Tom Williams #58 1964 Topps	$206.25	$33,611	163×
	Chico Maki #73 1964 Topps	$157.61	$25,676	162.9×
	Gilles Villemure #74 1964 Topps	$150.28	$24,134	160.6×
	Gordie Howe #89 1964 Topps	$131.86	$21,503	163.1×
	Bobby Rousseau #80 1964 Topps	$131.54	$21,441	163×
	Tim Horton #102 1964 Topps	$89.82	$14,709	163.8×
	Eric Nesterenko #91 1964 Topps	$77.00	$12,567	163.2×
	Jean Beliveau #33 1964 Topps	$70.96	$11,580	163.2×
	Bobby Hull #20 1964 Topps	$70.79	$11,538	163×
	Pierre Pilote #59 1964 Topps	$105.48	$10,492	99.5×
	Henri Richard #48 1964 Topps	$65.11	$9,606	147.5×

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

1. 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy Format and Why It Matters

Unlike previous hockey card releases, the 1964-65 Topps set is known for its "Tall Boy" card format, measuring approximately 2-5/8" x 4-3/4". This larger size makes the cards visually distinctive and allows for bigger player photos and typography. The tall format also means centering and surface flaws are more visible, making condition grading especially important for value.

This set consists of 132 cards, covering many of the NHL's key players of the era, including notable veterans and rookie stars. The tallboy design contributes to the set's historical significance and collectible appeal.

• Card size impacts rarity in high grades due to centering challenges.
• Tall Boy design marks a distinctive era in hockey card history.
• Understanding the format aids in evaluating card condition and value.

2. Checklist and Set Size for the 1964-65 Topps Hockey Set

The full checklist includes 132 cards featuring players from the NHL's Original Six teams. The checklist includes stars, rookies, and popular veterans. Notably, the checklist features top talents such as Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, and rookies who would become important figures in hockey history.

Collectors should be aware that the larger card dimensions and print run mean that high-grade copies tend to be scarce, especially PSA 10s. This scarcity can increase prices for the best 1964 hockey cards.

• Total cards: 132 (Tall Boy format)
• Includes key rookies and star veterans
• High-grade cards are limited and often valuable

3. Key Rookie Cards: Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe

The best 1964 hockey rookie cards include Bobby Hull, considered one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card from this set is highly sought after, with PSA 10 examples often reaching high values. Gordie Howe, while not a rookie, also features prominently and commands significant collector interest.

Other notable rookie cards from this set include players who had impactful NHL careers, making the rookie subset a popular target for grading and collecting.

• Bobby Hull rookie card: premium prices in PSA 10 condition
• Gordie Howe: star card with enduring popularity
• Rookie cards from the set represent key hockey history moments

4. Most Valuable 1964 Hockey Cards by Price and Grade

As of 2026-09-04, some of the most valuable 1964 hockey cards in PSA 10 condition include:

• Bobby Hull #71 – PSA 10 values can exceed several thousand dollars
• Gordie Howe #54 – high-grade examples often fetch strong premiums
• Ken Dryden rookie #118 – increasingly popular with collectors

Raw cards in excellent condition also have value, but the premium between raw and PSA 10 graded cards can be substantial. This makes pre-grading with AI tools like Midpoint helpful to assess centering and surface before submitting.

5. Grading and Condition Factors for 1964 Tallboy Cards

Grading for the 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy cards focuses heavily on four key areas: centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Due to the larger size, centering misalignments are easier to spot and can lower grading scores significantly. Corners tend to wear with age, so sharpness is prized.

Surface wear, including print defects and scratches, also affects the card’s grade. PSA 10 examples are rare and represent cards with nearly perfect centering and flawless surfaces.

• Centering down to the millimeter matters greatly
• Corners must be sharp, with minimal wear
• Edges and surfaces should be clean and damage-free

6. High-Grade Scarcity and PSA Registry Interest

PSA 10 grades for 1964 hockey cards are rare due to the card size and age. This rarity creates strong demand in the PSA Registry sets, where collectors compete for the highest-grade versions. Registry listings for stars like Bobby Hull #71 and Gordie Howe #54 show limited PSA 10 populations, which can push values higher.

Collectors aiming for top registry rankings may benefit from using digital grading tools such as Midpoint to gauge their card’s potential grade beforehand, potentially saving time and grading fees.

7. How 1964-65 Topps Compares With Other 1960s Hockey Sets

Compared to other 1960s hockey card sets, the 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy set stands out due to its size and design. Earlier sets tend to have smaller cards with simpler layouts. The Tall Boy set features larger portraits, vibrant colors, and a clean design aesthetic that many collectors appreciate.

In terms of value, the 1964-65 set often commands higher prices for key cards due to rookie stars and relatively low PSA 10 populations. This makes it a notable set for vintage hockey collectors.

8. Card Design, Photo Style, and Historical Significance

The 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy cards feature black-and-white action photos or portrait shots with bold player names and team logos. This style captures the era’s hockey atmosphere and player personalities. The tall format allowed for more detailed photography and a fresh look compared to previous releases.

Historically, this set reflects an important NHL era dominated by the Original Six, making it a nostalgic favorite. Its design and player selection contribute to its lasting appeal.

Conclusion

The best 1964 hockey cards come primarily from the 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy set, featuring iconic rookies like Bobby Hull and legendary stars such as Gordie Howe. High-grade PSA 10 cards are scarce and often command strong market premiums, making grading a consideration for collectors. Using Midpoint’s AI-driven grading and centering tools can help you identify cards worth submitting and optimize your investment. Whether you’re focusing on rookie cards, star veterans, or completing the set, understanding condition factors and market trends is important to maximize value.

For more on grading insights, check out how to pre-grade your card and explore Midpoint’s free centering calculator at Midpoint.

FAQ

Q: What are the most valuable 1964 hockey cards?

A: The most valuable include the Bobby Hull #71 rookie card and Gordie Howe #54, especially in PSA 10 condition. These cards can fetch prices in the high thousands as of 2026-09-04.

Q: Which 1964-65 Topps hockey cards are rookie cards?

A: Key rookie cards from the 1964-65 Topps set include Bobby Hull #71 and Ken Dryden #118, among others. These rookies are prized by collectors.

Q: Why are 1964-65 Topps hockey cards called Tall Boys?

A: They are called Tall Boys due to their larger-than-normal card size, measuring about 2-5/8" x 4-3/4", making them taller than typical cards of the era.

Q: How many cards are in the 1964 Topps hockey set?

A: The 1964-65 Topps Tall Boy hockey set contains 132 cards.

Q: What is the most iconic card in the 1964-65 Topps hockey set?

A: The Bobby Hull #71 rookie card is widely considered the most iconic and valuable card in the set.

Q: Are 1964-65 Topps hockey cards a good investment?

A: High-grade PSA 10 cards are scarce and often in demand. Using tools like Midpoint to pre-grade can help collectors make informed decisions, but as with all collectibles, values can fluctuate.