1951 Parkhurst Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard #4: A Must-Have for Vintage Hockey Card Collectors

The 1951 Parkhurst Maurice “Rocket” Richard #4 is one of the most iconic and sought-after hockey cards in the history of the sport. Representing the legendary Maurice “Rocket” Richard, a Hall of Famer and one of the most influential players in hockey history, this card is a cornerstone for vintage hockey card collectors and a premier investment in the world of sports cards.

This site contains affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on purchases made through them. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure for more details.

In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 card, the player’s legendary career, the current market value of this coveted piece, and why it remains a top target for both hockey enthusiasts and serious sports card investors.

Maurice “Rocket” Richard: A Legend in Hockey History

Maurice Richard was a transcendent figure in the NHL, playing for the Montreal Canadiens from 1942 to 1960. Known for his ferocity, speed, and goal-scoring prowess, Richard became the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in 50 games and was the first to reach 500 career goals. His aggressive style and tenacity earned him the nickname “Rocket”, and he was beloved by Canadiens fans for his relentless play and ability to rise to the occasion in clutch moments.

Richard was instrumental in leading the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cup championships, making him one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961, shortly after his retirement. For generations of hockey fans, particularly in Canada, Richard is a cultural icon, and his rookie card from the 1951 Parkhurst set serves as a powerful piece of hockey history.

The 1951 Parkhurst Hockey Set

The 1951 Parkhurst hockey set holds special significance because it was the first major hockey card set issued after World War II. The Parkhurst company, based in Toronto, produced the set, which included 105 cards, featuring star players from the six teams that comprised the NHL at the time, including the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins.

This set is historically important not only because it reintroduced hockey cards to the market but also because it includes rookie cards of several Hall of Fame players, including Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk. However, the most prized card from this set is the Maurice “Rocket” Richard #4, given his legendary status and connection to the Canadiens dynasty of the 1940s and 1950s.

The Design of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard #4

The design of the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 card is simple but powerful, featuring a portrait of Richard in his classic Montreal Canadiens jersey. The card includes an in-game action shot of Richard, showcasing his determined expression, fitting for a player of his nickname and stature. The card’s black-and-white photo with a subtle sepia tone gives it a vintage feel, while the back includes biographical information in both English and French, reflecting Canada’s bilingual culture.

The card is slightly smaller than today’s standard card size, measuring 1-3/4” by 2-1/2”. Over time, many of these cards have suffered from common wear issues such as corner rounding, creases, and off-centering, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.

Market Value of the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4

The value of the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 has steadily increased over the years, driven by Richard’s enduring legacy, the historical significance of the Parkhurst set, and the card’s scarcity in high-grade conditions. Let’s take a look at the current market trends and notable sales for this card:

High-Grade Examples: A PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint) version of this card, which is extremely rare due to the card’s age and condition sensitivity, can fetch between $60,000 and $80,000 at auction. For example, in 2021, a PSA 8 Richard card sold for approximately $78,000, setting a new benchmark for this card in high-grade condition.

Mid-Grade Examples: Cards graded PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint) or PSA 7 (Near Mint) typically sell for between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on centering, print quality, and other condition factors. In October 2022, a PSA 7 Maurice Richard #4 sold for $26,400, reflecting the continued demand for well-preserved examples of this vintage card.

Lower-Grade Examples: Even cards in lower grades (such as PSA 3 or PSA 4) hold significant value, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on overall condition. These cards are more accessible to collectors on a budget while still offering a piece of hockey history.

Why the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 is a Premier Investment

Several factors contribute to the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 being a blue-chip investment in the sports card market. From Richard’s cultural impact to the rarity of the card, these elements make it a valuable asset that continues to appreciate over time.

Cultural and Historical Significance
Maurice Richard was not just a hockey player—he was a symbol of pride and resilience, particularly for French Canadians. His career spanned some of the most formative years in NHL history, and he helped build the Montreal Canadiens’ legacy of success. Richard’s leadership and dominance on the ice made him a household name, and his influence continues to resonate with hockey fans today.

For collectors, owning a Maurice Richard rookie card is like owning a piece of Canadian and hockey heritage. The card’s importance extends beyond just its investment value—it represents a cultural icon and a golden era of hockey.

Scarcity and Condition Sensitivity
Like many vintage cards, the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 is difficult to find in high-grade condition. Given the card’s age and the fact that it was printed on relatively thin stock, many cards from this set were subject to significant wear over the decades. Corner rounding, creases, off-centering, and fading are common issues, which means high-grade examples (particularly PSA 8 or higher) are incredibly rare.

According to PSA’s population report, there are fewer than 500 graded copies of the Maurice Richard rookie card in total, with only 5 PSA 8s and no PSA 9s or 10s in existence as of 2024. The scarcity of high-grade examples continues to drive up the card’s value, especially as more collectors and investors seek rare, vintage hockey cards.

Long-Term Investment Potential

The value of the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 has shown steady appreciation over the years, making it one of the most stable investments in the vintage sports card market. As the supply of these cards is fixed, and with Richard’s legacy firmly entrenched in the history of hockey, demand for the card remains strong. Additionally, with more collectors focusing on vintage hockey cards as alternative investments, the Maurice Richard rookie card is likely to continue appreciating in the years to come.

Part of a Key Set in Hockey History
The 1951 Parkhurst set is pivotal in hockey card history, as it was the first full production set released after World War II. It reintroduced hockey card collecting to the North American market and includes several key rookie cards beyond Richard’s, such as Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk. For many vintage hockey card collectors, completing the 1951 Parkhurst set, with Maurice Richard at the forefront, is a prized achievement.

Risks and Considerations
While the 1951 Parkhurst Maurice Richard #4 is a strong investment, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Market Volatility
Like all sports cards, the market for vintage hockey cards can experience fluctuations. While the long-term outlook for the Richard rookie card is positive, collectors should be aware of short-term dips or market corrections that can occur based on broader economic conditions.

Condition Sensitivity
As with any vintage card, the condition of the Maurice Richard rookie card significantly impacts its value. Cards with sharp corners, good centering, and minimal wear are much more valuable. Potential buyers should always carefully evaluate the card’s condition and ensure that it is graded by a reputable service such as PSA or SGC.

Authenticity and Counterfeiting
Given the card’s value, buyers should be cautious of counterfeit or reprinted versions of the 1951 Parkhurst set. Only purchase cards that have been authenticated by reputable grading companies to ensure they are genuine.

Conclusion

The 1951 Parkhurst Maurice “Rocket” Richard #4 is much more than a hockey card—it’s a piece of Canadian sports history and a symbol of Maurice Richard’s enduring legacy. Whether you are a passionate hockey fan, a serious collector, or an investor looking to diversify your portfolio, the Richard rookie card is a top-tier asset in the sports card world.

As vintage hockey cards continue to gain traction in the broader collectible market, and with Maurice Richard’s status as a cultural icon, this card remains one of the most sought-after and valuable hockey cards in existence. Its combination of rarity, historical significance, and connection to one of the NHL’s greatest players ensures that it will remain a centerpiece in the hobby for years to come.