Topps vs OPC, why such a price difference?

[ThoseBackPages]

I've been wondering about this a lot lately. and yes, i know theres no "wrong" way to collect.

Did they just run the presses overtime on the Topps runs of Hockey? im talking pre-90's here for both issues.

i know the history of both and the size difference in both Sets Total

i guess im just having a hard time wrapping my mind around it

id love to hear what you guys have to say on this topic,
Eric

 

[lumm0x]

Topps = USA
OPC = Canada

USA = 310000000 people
Canada = 34000000 people

10 times the population and probably 10 times the print run.

That would be my guess.

 

[orfew]

Yes the print run difference is one reason. Another reason is that the OPC cards, especially those from the 60's and 70's, are more condition sensitive than the Topps. For example, 71-72 topps are usually found in much better condition that the OPC from the same year. They were cut better, the card stock is different, and there seems to be a greater number of OPC cards with a centering problem as compared to the Topps version. Therefore due to scarcity and quality control issues OPC cards will always demand a premium over their topps counterparts.

 

[gigs6027]

Topps = USA
OPC = Canada

I never knew that. Thanks for sharing.

 

[jmatchett]

On a similar note: Why did OPC always put out twice the amount of Topps (say, 71/72 for an example?)
On another similar note: did Leaf put out a Canadian hockey card set ever like the did for baseball?