The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. Major stars like Rickey Henderson, Dwight Gooden, and Don Mattingly were entering their primes and featured on highly coveted rookie and star cards. While most cards from the set hold relatively modest value today, some have appreciating significantly over the decades. Here are the ten most valuable 1985 Topps baseball cards based on the card’s most recently sold price or current average asking price on the secondary market:
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (581) – Widely considered one of the greatest rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s 1985 Topps debut card is the clear king of the ’85 set. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Most gradeable copies trade hands for $5,000-$10,000 today depending on condition. Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card remains one of the icons of the hobby.
Don Mattingly (540) – As one of the game’s biggest stars in the mid-1980s, Mattingly’s basic card holds substantial value, especially in high grades. Mint 9 copies routinely sell for $2,000-$3,000, with a PSA 10 bringing over $5,000. Even well-centered Near Mint examples can fetch $500-800. Mattingly was a 6-time All-Star and 1985 AL MVP during this stage of his excellent career.
Roger Clemens rookie card (181) – Like Griffey, Clemens’ rookie issue from his breakout 1985 season is highly coveted. Pristine PSA 10 examples have sold for up to $4,000. Most Near Mint to Mint graded cards will command $800-1500. Clemens went on to become a 7-time Cy Young winner, cementing this as one of the all-time great pitching rookie cards.
Donruss Dwight Gooden rookie card (148) – While not part of the flagship Topps set, Gooden’s iconic rookie from Donruss parallels his hugely popular Topps issue. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached $3,000, with most Mint 9s selling in the $1,000-1500 range. As the 1985 NL Cy Young winner, Gooden burst onto the scene and his star rookie cards remain hot commodities.
Cal Ripken Jr. (557) – Ripken was already a 2-time All-Star by 1985 but hadn’t yet broken through as a superstar. His basic card is highly sought-after, with PSA 10s recently selling around $900-1000. Even well-centered Near Mint copies trade in the $300-500 range. Ripken would go on to break Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record and cement this card’s place as a solid investment piece.
Rickey Henderson (192) – Already a perennial All-Star and base stealing machine by 1985, Henderson’s star was only beginning to rise. PSA 10 examples have reached $800, with most Mint 9s bringing $400-600. Even raw Near Mint copies can attract $150-200 based on sharpness and eye appeal. Henderson would go on to smash numerous offensive records and remains one of the greatest leadoff hitters ever.
Jack Morris (362) – Morris was already a workhorse by 1985 but entered superstar status during his 1984 World Series heroics. Pristine PSA 10s have climbed above $700, with most Mint 9s valued $300-500. Especially sharp Near Mint copies may sell for $150-250. Morris was the cornerstone of great Tiger staffs and won the 1991 World Series MVP.
Ozzie Smith (444) – The Wizard was already an excellent defensive shortstop by 1985, earning his first Gold Glove. Pristine PSA 10s have sold for up to $550, with most Mint 9s valued around $250-400. Even raw Near Mint examples can attract $100-150 based. Smith would cement his Hall of Fame legacy with 13 consecutive Gold Gloves between 1979-1991.
Dwight Gooden (226) – While not quite the rookie card buzz of the iconic 1984 Topps issue, Gooden’s main ’85 card remains highly sought after. PSA 10s have reached $450, with most Mint 9s valued around $200-300. Raw Near Mint copies occasionally sell for $100-150. Gooden’s dominance as the NL’s 1985 Cy Young winner keeps this one popular.
Gary Carter (221) – Already a fixture behind the plate for Montreal, Carter was a 6-time All-Star by 1985. High-grade examples have cracked $400 for a PSA 10, with most Mint 9s valued around $150-250. Even well-centered Near Mint copies can attract $75-100 based on demand. Carter was at the peak of his powers and on his way to Cooperstown.
While most 1985 Topps cards hold relatively modest value, the stars and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Clemens, Ripken, Henderson and others make this one of the set’s most collectible and valuable releases from the 1980s. Grading has helped unlock premium prices for pristine specimens, but there is also strong demand for well-centered raw examples of the set’s biggest names. The rookie cards of Griffey and Clemens are truly icons of the hobby but gems like Mattingly, Ripken, Gooden and more ensure this set remains a rewarding one for long-term investors.
