The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. It contains cards of baseball legends like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith, who were starring for their respective teams at that time. With its classic design and starring players, the 1986 Topps set remains a favorite for collectors.
To determine the value of 1986 Topps baseball cards, especially for high-grade specimens, collectors turn to the PSA Collectibles Price Guide. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the leading third-party authentication and grading company for trading cards. Getting a card professionally graded provides an objective assessment of its condition and increases its value for serious collectors.
The PSA Collectibles Price Guide breaks down average sales prices for 1986 Topps cards in five different grade levels – PSA 1 to PSA 10. A PSA 1 would be in poor condition with damage and wear, while a PSA 10 is pristine, almost straight out of the original factory packaging. Obviously, a card in top PSA 10 gem mint condition will be valued much higher than a lower graded copy.
Some of the most valuable 1986 Topps cards at a PSA 10 grade according to the latest pricing data include:
Roger Clemens: A PSA 10 Clemens rookie card sold for $13,500 in an auction. Even a PSA 9 copy can fetch over $1,000. Clemens was just starting to emerge as one of the game’s top pitchers in 1986.
Kirby Puckett: Considered the best conditioned rookie card from the set, a PSA 10 Puckett recently sold for $8,700. He went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins. PSA 9 copies trade around $2,000-3,000.
Barry Bonds: Prior to his steroid suspicions, Bonds was already well on his way to being a superstar in 1986 as a Pittsburgh Pirate. His PSA 10 rookie card sold for $6,600. Most PSA 9s end up between $1,500-2,500.
Wade Boggs: As one of baseball’s most consistent hitters, Boggs’ PSA 10 1986 rookie card reached $6,000 recently. PSA 9 copies hold value of $1,200-2,000.
Ozzie Smith: Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his dazzling defense at shortstop, Smith’s PSA 10 rookie card brought in $5,400. Near mint PSA 9 cards trade hands for $1,000-2,000.
Other star rookies from the set like Mark McGwire, Bert Blyleven, and Lenny Dykstra can earn $1,000-3,000 apiece in PSA 10 condition. McGwire’s monster home run hitting feats in the late 1990s have kept interest high in his 1986 rookie issues.
But there are also plenty of deals to be found if you hunt for 1986 Topps rookie cards in lower grades. Even circulated PSA 5 copies of Clemens, Puckett or Boggs might sell in the $100-300 range. And average players’ cards can commonly sell from $10-50 depending on the grade.
Another factor that can significantly impact a 1986 Topps card’s value is any photo or statistical updates made for that player. For example, a PSA 10 Mike Schmidt card with his picture and stats revised from .253 to his actual .290 batting average would easily double or triple the normal PSA 10 value. These updated “photo variations” are viewed as more desirable by collectors.
Of course, the true blue chip cards in the 1986 Topps set beyond the traditional rookie cards are the gem mint PSA 10 copies of superstar veterans like Nolan Ryan ($4,500), George Brett ($4,000), and Rickey Henderson ($3,300). Securing these elite star cards in pristine condition is the holy grail for vintage set builders.
The 1986 Topps baseball card set holds up very well value-wise more than 35 years later thanks to legendary rookie players and iconic veterans featured on the cardboard. And by using the trusted PSA price guide, collectors have an accurate reference point for determining contemporary market value across the entire spectrum of card conditions. Whether seeking affordable lower grade deals or high-end PSA 10 trophies, there are opportunities to invest in or enjoy this classic 1980s issue.
