The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1980s. With 792 total cards released that year, there are several key rookies and short printed cards that can fetch big money for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1986 Topps baseball cards collectors should be on the hunt for.
Perhaps the most notable rookie card from the 1986 set is that of Hall of Famer Barry Bonds. As the prized rookie card of one of the game’s all-time greatest power hitters, the Barry Bonds rookie is highly sought after. In top gem mint condition, the Bonds rookie has sold for over $25,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for $1,000 or more.
Another highly valuable rookie is that of future 500 home run club member Fred McGriff. McGriff went on to have a very productive career, but his rookie card saw low production numbers that kept it scarce for collectors. PSA 10 graded examples have sold for as much as $4,000, with more commonly graded copies still fetching $100-300 even in worn condition.
Roberto Alomar’s rookie also holds significant value due to his Hall of Fame career. Like McGriff, Alomar’s 1986 card was not widely distributed, making high grade copies harder to come by. Mint condition Alomar rookies in the $800-1,000 range are very attainable, with true gem mint PSA 10’s selling above $2,000. Alomar would go on to be considered one of the greatest second basemen of all-time.
Other notable rookies include future 20-game winners Andy Benes, Mark Langston, and Bill Krueger. These players did not quite achieve the stardom of Bonds, McGriff, or Alomar long term but their 1986 rookie cards still hold appeal as the first issues featuring up and coming young talent. Even well-worn near complete copies can sell in the $50-100 range.
In addition to star rookies, the 1986 Topps set features several short printed veteran cards that are highly conditioned sensitive. Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt’s base card is one example – true mint PSA 10 graded Schmidt’s can sell for over $500 due to their scarcity. Fellow Phillies star and HoF pitcher Steve Carlton also has a valuable short print base card reaching the $200-300 sales range in top grades.
Other position players like Gary Carter, Dave Parker, Eddie Murray, and Andre Dawson all featured short printed base cards in 1986 Topps as well that command $100-250 in pristine condition. The risk with these cards is one small flaw can drastically cut their value. Collectors must be very careful to only purchase visually flawless examples to maximize returns.
Beyond base cards, the 1986 Topps Traded and Update issues also featured additional cards that boosted certain players’ values. The Update set highlighted the rookie debut of slugger Mark McGwire, which remains his rarest rookie card issue. Other 1986 rookies like Wally Joyner and Mike Harkey also got Update cards uncommon to their base sets.
Traded cards awarded stars like slugger Darryl Strawberry, pitcher Dwight Gooden, slugger Tony Perez and catcher Lance Parrish with rarer parallel issues. These parallel cards also saw low print runs and have gained collector interest competitive with the base set short prints over the years. High grade Traded and Update key rookie and veteran cards routinely sell for $50-150 based on condition.
The 1986 Topps baseball card set maintains a strong collector appeal nearly 40 years later thanks to the elite rookie class headlined by Bonds, McGriff and Alomar. While their cards escalate in value every year, relatively affordable copies of even B-list players from this classic 1980s issue can still be found with diligent collecting and shopping. For vintage collectors, 1986 Topps represents a special time in the hobby, and a great set to target affordable yet valuable cards still within reach.
