The 1985 Donruss baseball card set saw the emergence of young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. While not the flashiest design compared to later years, these humble cardboard collectibles featuring rising talents have proven to hold significant value decades later. Here are the 10 most valuable 1985 Donruss baseball cards based on the condition and demand in the current collecting market:
Kirby Puckett #184
Kirby Puckett was still early in his career in 1985, but flashed the potential of the future star and six-time All-Star he would become. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of Puckett’s rookie card have sold for around $200 in recent years. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5, this card still brings $50-100. Puckett went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 after a stellar Twins career.
Roger Clemens #329
The 1985 Donruss set was among the first to feature Roger Clemens, who was starting to emerge as a young ace for the Red Sox. PSA 10 copies of Clemens’ card from this set have sold for around $250. Mint condition examples in PSA 9 still fetch $100-150. Clemens went on to win seven Cy Young Awards and amass over 4,000 strikeouts in a legendary 24-year MLB career.
Ozzie Smith #204
Known as the Wizard for his slick defensive skills, Ozzie Smith was a premier shortstop by 1985 in his prime Cardinals years. High grade PSA 10 copies of his ’85 Donruss card sell for around $300. Even well-worn raw copies still attract buyers due to Smith’s iconic status as a 13-time Gold Glove winner.
Wade Boggs #65
By 1985, Wade Boggs was already a mainstay at third base for the Red Sox and beginning to produce as a batting champion. PSA 10 examples of his ’85 Donruss have sold for around $350. This card has attained value from Boggs’ excellence as a .328 career hitter over 16 seasons.
Nolan Ryan #163
Even as his playing days wound down, Nolan Ryan remained one of baseball’s biggest draws thanks to his blazing fastball. Beckett 8.5 or PSA 9 versions of his ’85 Donruss have commanded $400-500. “The Ryan Express” is remembered as perhaps the greatest power pitcher ever with a record 5,714 career strikeouts.
Ricky Henderson #227
1985 was an early highlight season for Rickey Henderson as he stole over 100 bases playing for Oakland. PSA 10s of his popular rookie card sell for $500-600. His prolific base stealing and leadoff abilities made Henderson a fan favorite as one of baseball’s most exciting players.
Cal Ripken Jr. #420
Cal Ripken Jr. was still an emerging star for the Orioles in 1985, but his superstar potential was evident. PSA 10 copies of his rookie card have sold for as much as $700-800. Ripken went on to smash the MLB record for consecutive games played and is regarded as one of the game’s all-time great shortstops.
Dwight Gooden #402
At just 20 years old in 1985, Dwight Gooden was already dazzling for the Mets with his electric pitching skills. PSA 10 versions of his popular rookie card often top $1,000. “Dr. K” captivated fans that season by winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award.
Kirby Puckett #484
A higher number and more scarce chase card than Puckett’s base issue, his ‘#484’ card from the 1985 Donruss set commands far greater value. PSA 10 specimens have reached as high as $2,000 in recent sales. This parallel issue remains highly sought after by Puckett aficionados and high-end collectors.
Ken Griffey Jr. #420
While still a emerging talent in 1985, Ken Griffey Jr.’s potential and Bloodlines as the son of MLB star Ken Griffey Sr. made him a hot rookie commodity. PSA 10 examples of his coveted first Donruss issue have break the $3,000 mark. Junior lived up to the hype by becoming a 13-time All-Star and one of the most beloved players in history during his 22-year career.
The 1985 Donruss baseball card set provided a first glimpse at future Hall of Famers and some of the most beloved players to ever play the game. High quality specimens from this vintage series of the sport’s brightest young stars continue to hold considerable nostalgic and collector value decades later. While the designs may not seem flashy by today’s standards, these iconic cardboard pieces of baseball history remain highly prized investments for serious vintage card investors and enthusiasts.
