The 1985 Fleer baseball card update set is considered one of the more iconic and valuable update issues in the hobby.Released in the late summer/fall of 1985, the set features players performances and stats from after the initial Fleer and Topps regular season issues were printed earlier that year. While not quite as coveted or expensive as the flagship Fleer and Topps sets from ’85, the update does contain several key rookie cards and stars of the day that have increased steadily in value over the decades.
One of the true “gems” of the ’85 Fleer Update set is #208 Don Mattingly. Already an established star by 1985 with his 1984 American League MVP award, Mattingly’s dominant performance kept collectors hungry for his latest card. The Update issue captured Mattingly in his Yankees road gray uniform, his signature batting stance on full display. In pristine mint condition, Mattingly’s key rookie card can fetch over $1000 today. Another young Yankee star featured prominently is #205 Dwight Gooden on the heels of his spectacular rookie season in 1984. Gooden’s dominant pitching made him a fan favorite and his card from the update set averages $500-$600 in top grades.
Rookies who broke out during the 1985 season and received their true rookie card in the update include such names as #189 Bret Saberhagen of the Royals, and #180 Ozzie Guillen of the White Sox, both considered key rookie issues that can reach $300 or more in top condition. Fellow ’85 rookie standouts Lou Whitaker #176 of the Tigers and #160 Tim Raines of the Expos, also gained recognition after strong performances and see values around $150-$250 graded intensely. Raines in particular put up monster stats after getting regular playing time in 1985 and is a fan favorite from that era.
Superstar veterans who sustained excellence in 1985 continue to be strong vintage favorites as well. #177 Kirby Puckett riding momentum from his breakout 1984 season for the Twins. #195 Roger Clemens of the Red Sox showedACE-like form. #191 Nolan Ryan delivered yet more strikeouts past age 38 as a Met. All three command $150-$300 in pristine shapes. Perennial All-Star catcher #202 Gary Carter of the Mets also remains a fan favorite card to acquire grading $125-$200.
Rookies who didn’t fully blossom until later but hold nice intrinsic value include names like #162 Walt Weiss of the Athletics, #174 Wally Backman of the Mets, and #178 Dwayne Murphy of the A’s. Each can fetch $75-$150 in top condition today. Murphy in particular went on to have a long, consistent career. Solid veterans like #193 Eddie Murray of the Orioles and #179 Dale Murphy of the Braves maintains interest at $100-$200 each. Arguably the set’s biggest “sleepers” are #168 Lenny Dykstra and #173 Kal Daniels, both had brief flashes but hold cult status among Phillies collectors.
In terms of rare or elusive variations that make certain cards much more valuable, there are several to be aware of in the ’85 Fleer Update set. The main “short prints” that are five times rarer include #164 Juan Beniquez, #172 Ed Romero, and #201 Fred Lynn. All three can reach $500 with strong eye appeal. A true anomaly is the #166 Bill Madlock error card, where his Pirates cap logo is omitted. Less than 10 are known to exist with estimates over $10,000 in pristine condition. Key rookies like Gooden, Saberhagen and Raines are also known for “no-name” back variations that spike value dramatically as well.
For patient collectors willing to cherrypick and assemble complete rainbow sets spanning all major grading company brands, the entire 1985 Fleer Update set presents an epic and iconic challenge. Populations remain relatively tight across the entire set even 35+ years later. A fully PSA/BGS/SGC graded set could conceivable cross $50,000 currently. For speculators, now may be an optimal time as millennials begin entering their peak spending primes on vintage investments. Values seem poised to climb further for ultra-high graded examples of stars like Mattingly, Gooden, Puckett and rookies as demand outpaces existing supplies.
The 1985 Fleer Update Baseball card set deserves recognition among the most iconic and valuable vintage issues for dedicated collectors. Featuring elite talent from that baseball season like Mattingly, Gooden, Saberhagen, Ryan and others, the sheer star power and pull for key rookie cards like Raines and Guillen maintains passion. With rarer variations adding spice and population scarcity persisting, assembling high-grade sets remains a prime vintage investment thesis. The 1985 Fleer Update continues its legacy over 35 years later as one of the true iconic treasures from the junk wax era.
