The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all time. While it may not contain any true mega-grail rookie cards, there are still several cards from the 1986 Topps set that can be worth significant money, especially in top grades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key 1986 Topps cards that frequent auction sites and command premium prices from collectors.

We’ll start with one of the biggest stars of the 1980s – Roger Clemens. Clemens’ rookie card from the 1986 Topps set is often rated as a top non-rookie card from the entire decade. In pristine mint condition, graded Gem Mint 10 by services like PSA or BGS, Clemens’ card can bring $1,000 or more. Even in lower, but still impressive, grades of near mint-mint 7-8, Clemens cards sell regularly for $150-$300. This is a testament to how beloved and dominant of a pitcher Clemens was during his era.

Another Boston Red Sox superstar with a coveted 1986 Topps card is Wade Boggs. Like Clemens, Boggs’ ’86 issue gains value exponentially in the highest grades. A PSA 10 Boggs can sell for $500-800, while NM-MT 7-8 examples trade hands for $100-250. Boggs was a career .328 hitter who won five batting titles in the 1980s, making his flagship rookie card a desired piece for both Red Sox and baseball card investors alike.

Rickey Henderson, arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all time, also has a prized ’86 Topps card. Graded PSA 10 Rickey Henderson rookies now sell for $800-1,200 at auction. Even PSA 8s in solid condition attract bids above $200. Henderson stole over 1,400 bases in his career and his electric playing style remains captivating for collectors to this day.

While they may lack the true “rookie” label, the 1986 flagship sets of Don Mattingly and Kirby Puckett are two cards that often generate six-figure prices in pristine condition. A PSA 10 Mattingly or Puckett would likely sell for $5,000-$10,000 or more. In lower, but still high grades of PSA 8-9, expect to pay $500-$2,000 depending on recent sales comps. Both Mattingly and Puckett had Hall of Fame careers and their ’86 Topps are as iconic as any cards from the decade.

The 1986 Topps set also contains several major rookie cards that hold significantcollector value. Perhaps the most well-known is the card of Mark McGwire. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, McGwire’s true rookie card can sell for over $10,000. Even in a PSA 8 near mint state, this iconic issue still fetches $1,000+. McGwire went on to hit 583 career home runs, including his record-setting 70 longballs in 1998. His Topps rookie remains one of the most popular modern cards on the market.

Another huge draw from the 1986 Topps rookie class is Roger Clemens’ less heralded brother, Scott Clemens. While Scott never achieved superstar status like his brother, his ultra-rare PSA 10 rookie does eclipse $2,000 in price. Lower grades still sell consistently above $100. With a last name of Clemens and the thrill of an extremely low-pop true rookie card, Scott’s ’86 Topps satisfies niche collectors.

Greg Maddux, one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, debuted in 1986 Topps as well. A PSA 10 Maddux rookie would command $3,000+, with lower PSA 8s still getting $500+. Like McGwire and the Clemenses before him, Maddux’s rookie remains a blue chip modern card decades after the set’s initial release date. His phenomenal pitching career and status as a true Hall of Famer give his Topps issue enduring appeal.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s iconic upper-deck rookie is more well-known, but his 1986 Topps rookie holds substantial value too for baseball card aficionados. A PSA 10 Junior sells for around $1,000, with a PSA 8 bringing $200-400 still. Griffey was already on scouting radars in 1986 and his early Topps issue remains a priority for any collection honoring his legendary career.

There are also some key 1986 Topps cards of other stars that have earned respect and scarcity over the years. The rookie cards of Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, and Gary Sheffield maintain strong collector followings. Upper echelon examples can exceed $100-200 each. 1980s superstars like Ozzie Smith, Eddie Murray, and Rickey Henderson outside of their main rookies also hold multi-hundred dollar values in pristine condition from the 1986 set.

Aside from its true mega-hits, the breadth of stars and future Hall of Famers within the 1986 Topps baseball card set provide myriad investment and collecting opportunities even today. Savvy collectors recognize the lasting appeal and significance of cards showcasing talents like McGwire, Clemens, Maddux, Griffey Jr., and others who captivated the sports world in the 1980s and beyond. With rarer, higher graded pieces potentially worth thousands, the 1986 Topps issue remains a benchmark release that no serious vintage card investor can afford to overlook.