Wayne Gretzky
NHL Hall of Famer and All-Time Scoring Leader · Hockey - NHL
Edmonton Oilers / Los Angeles Kings / New York Rangers
Era
Circa 1999-2002
Item Type
Upper Deck WebPass Info Card
Condition
Excellent; the signature is bold and vibrant against the light background. The card shows minor corner wear but no significant creasing or surface damage.
Rarity
Moderate. Gretzky is a prolific signer, but signatures on non-traditional promotional inserts like a WebPass card are less common than those on standard trading cards or photos.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, bold signature of the greatest hockey player of all time on a unique era-specific promotional item. Highly desirable for a specialized Gretzky or hockey card collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - High confidence. This signature displays the characteristic flow, speed, and specific loops for both the 'W' and 'G' typical of Gretzky's late-career signing style.
Signature Style
Stylized full name signature. It features his iconic upright 'W' with a looped center and a large, rounded 'G' that loops back underneath the signature. The signature is rushed but maintains his standard form.
Signature Characteristics
Consistent upward pressure on the initial 'W' stroke. The middle peaks of the 'W' are rounded, and the 'G' is a singular fluid motion concluding in a sweeping horizontal flourish to the right.
Ink & Medium
Green felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on a semi-glossy laminated cardboard card. The ink shows good saturation with minimal fading.
Item Description
A promotional 'WebPass' insert card produced by Upper Deck, circa 2000. These were often included in packs of hockey cards to promote their online platforms. The card features green graphics and Upper Deck branding.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-volume authentic examples from his final season with the Rangers and early retirement years. The 'y' at the end of Wayne is shortened to a simple stroke, which is standard for his in-person or high-volume signatures.
Authentication Tips
Look for the sharp, fluid motion of the 'W'. The 'G' should always contain a circular loop that crosses back through the vertical stroke or sits just below it. Forgeries often lack the speed and 'nervous' energy of his real hand.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication). Both are highly regarded for NHL legends and Upper Deck related items.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink flow suggests a natural signing speed with no 'stop-and-start' hesitation marks commonly found in forgeries.
Provenance Notes
Upper Deck had an exclusive contract with Gretzky for years; finding his signature on an Upper Deck promo card suggests it may have been signed at a venue where he was promoting the brand.
Historical Context
Signed during the transition from his playing career to his role as an executive/ambassador, during the height of the early-2000s trading card boom.
Market Trends
Gretzky's market remains the gold standard for hockey. Values have slightly appreciated as high-grade items become harder to find, though stickers and promo cards are stable.
Investment Potential
Moderate/Stable. As 'The Great One,' his items never lose value, but smaller non-base cards have a ceiling compared to his rookie cards or game-used equipment.
Similar Autographs
Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Connor McDavid (Upper Deck exclusive signers).
Display & Preservation
Store in a PVC-free top-loader or semi-rigid holder. Keep away from direct sunlight, as green ink is particularly susceptible to UV fading.
Interesting Facts
Gretzky is known for being extremely gracious with fans, however, he has one of the most frequently forged signatures in sports history due to his high value.