The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the “junk wax” era of the 1980s and early 1990s. While packs were once cheap and the cards plentiful, time has shown that certain rookie cards and stars from the ’86 Topps set maintain strong collector demand and solid valuations when professionally graded.

One of the top authorities for authenticating and grading trading cards is Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). PSA uses a 1-10 point numerical scale to score factors like centering, corners, edges and surface for each individual card. High grades of 8 and above often command a substantial premium in sales pricing over lower graded copies of the same card.

With that context in mind, here is an overview of some of the key 1986 Topps cards and what PSA-graded samples have sold for according to eBay and industry price guides:

Roberto Clemente Tribute Card #1 – This unique tribute card to the late Hall of Famer consistently sells for $500-$1,000 in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. In PSA 9 it goes for $200-400.

Roger Clemens RC #138 – One of the more iconic rookie cards from the ’80s, a PSA 10 Clemens RC has sold for as much as $4,000. Most 9’s go for $1,000-2,500 depending on bidding activity.

Dwight Gooden RC #150 – Like Clemens, Gooden’s RC is a highly sought after card from the ’86 set. PSA 10’s command $2,000-3,500, with 9’s bringing $800-1,500.

Kirby Puckett RC #661 – A key rookie from the ’86 set as well. PSA 10 Puckett RC’s have sold for up to $1,200 recently, with 9’s in the $500 range.

Ozzie Smith #190 – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, higher graded versions of Ozzie’s ’86 regular Topps card outperform most. A PSA 10 has sold for over $1,000.

Donruss Roger Clemens Error RC – The rare error version of the Clemens RC where his last name is spelled “Clemen” is one of the true holy grails from 1986. Just a few are known to exist and a PSA-graded example would be valued well into the five figures or higher depending on the grade.

Dale Murphy #540 – Murphy was a two-time NL MVP in the early 80s and his ’86 card carries solid demand among collectors today. PSA 10’s have sold from $600-800, with 9’s at $250-400.

Cal Ripken Jr. #592 – Though not technically a rookie card, Ripken’s steady performance and ironman streak increased collector interest in his early cards like the ’86 Topps issue. Higher graded copies in PSA 9-10 condition will sell in the $150-300 range.

Tom Seaver #634 – Another Hall of Fame pitcher, Seaver’s ’86 regular card earns about $30-80 graded by PSA depending on the assigned numerical grade.

Ryne Sandberg #674 – A consistent star for the Cubs throughout the 1980s, higher graded versions of Sandberg’s ’86 Topps card have sold from $150-250 based on the assigned PSA grade.

Wally Joyner RC #712 – Not one of the biggest star RCs from ’86 but Joyner had a productive career. PSA 10 examples have still brought $200-400, likely due to its rookie label.

Gary Carter #695 – “The Kid” was a fixture for the Expos and Mets in the 1980s. PSA 9-10 graded versions of his ’86 Topps regular card will sell for around $50-150 depending on condition.

George Bell #46 – Bell won the AL MVP with the Blue Jays in 1987. Nicer PSA 9-10 graded copies of his ’86 Topps regular issue card will command $50-100.

Brett Butler RC #237 – Butler made his name with the Dodgers in the late 1980s as a speedy table-setter. Higher graded examples of his distinctive rookie card in PSA 9-10 grade have sold for $150-400.

Jose Canseco RC #330 – Canseco helped usher in the “steroid era” and remains one of the biggest stars from the ’80s rookie crop. PSA 10 copies exceed $1,000, with 9’s around $500-800 depending on demand.

Don Mattingly #478 – Even before his peak years, Mattingly was already a fan favorite as the slugging Yankee first baseman. PSA 9-10 graded versions usually sell in the $50-150 range.

Roger Clemens SP #149 – The star rookie short print variation follows a similar PSA-graded value track as the standard RC, but with added scarcity demand. PSA 10’s exceed $4,000 regularly.

While values have fluctuated over the decades, top rookies and Hall of Famers from the 1986 Topps baseball set maintain strong collector demand and solid financial valuations today – especially when certified and graded in high grades by the leading authority PSA. For serious vintage traders and investors, the 1986 Topps issue remains an iconic and rewarding part of the modern card collecting landscape.