2015 Upper Deck The Cup Connor McDavid ROOKIE PATCH AUTO /99 #197 BGS 9.5 GEM

About a decade before McDavid’s NHL debut, Upper Deck made a landmark decision that heavily impacted many of his most popular rookie cards. Though not a carbon copy of the Exquisite Collection brand popularized by other sports, Upper Deck The Cup brought hockey collectors the highest-end product they had ever seen in 2005. With six-card tins priced at $350, collectors chased a double rookie class led by Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin – establishing a high-end pedestal for future stars like McDavid to stand on. Collectors knew what to expect from The Cup by McDavid’s 2015 debut, and Upper Deck did not disappoint in its 11th year, creating more than 50 versions of McDavid cards throughout the product (excluding printing plates). But even with so many choices, few of those offerings delight collectors more than his flagship RPA. This outstanding BGS 9.5 example stamped 22/99 presents everything that makes this card such a sought-after grail amongst hockey collectors. It displays a 10-grade autograph, including McDavid’s now-famous jersey No. 97, and a bold three-color patch. McDavid’s debut in the NHL – and his ensuing rookies – saw interest in hockey cards surge to heights not seen since that ‘05 double rookie class featuring Sid the Kid and Ovi. And the attractiveness of this issue to hockey collectors has only increased in the years since. Only three examples of this grade or higher have hit public auction since July 2022. No BGS-assessed example has earned a higher grade, and only three have achieved a PSA 10 condition grade. Learn more about the Oilers captain’s early appearances in our Guide to Connor McDavid’s Rookie Cards: https://www.fanaticscollect.com/definitive-guides/a-guide-to-connor-mcdavid-rookie-cards The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 02/06/25.