The 1986 Topps chewing gum baseball cards are a highly collected set from one of the most iconic years in the sport’s history. Issued by Topps, the predominant baseball card manufacturer, the 1986 set is memorable for capturing stars and milestone moments from that season. It also marks the return of the classic vertical card design after a brief period of odd-shaped cards in the mid-1980s.

The 1986 season itself featured several compelling storylines. The Boston Red Sox broke their long championship drought, winning the World Series behind slugger Jim Rice and ace reliever Bob Stanley. The New York Mets clinched their unexpected NL East title with an iconic home run by young slugger Darryl Strawberry. And the Montreal Expos, powered by future Hall of Famer Tim Raines, rode an exciting blend of speed and power to a franchise-best 95 wins before falling just short in the postseason.

Topps produced 660 total cards for the 1986 set, covering all 26 MLB teams at the time. Roster turnover was high coming off the players’ strike that cancelled the 1985 World Series. Notable rookie cards include Roger Clemens, Wally Joyner, Randy Myers, and Mark McGwire. Veterans like Rice, Strawberry, Raines, Fernando Valenzuela, and Ozzie Smith anchored their respective clubs.

While production numbers for the 1986 Topps set were high, demand and appreciation for the cards have steadily increased in the decades since. Several high-profile stars and moments from that season continue to drive collector interest in the cards today. Some key individual cards to look for include:

Roger Clemens (#188): The young Boston flamethrower’s first card has increased greatly in value due to his pitching success and accolades. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for over $1,000.

Mark McGwire (#247): Big Mac’s rookie card captures him in an Athletics uniform before his record-setting home run feats. High-grade copies can reach $500-800.

Darryl Strawberry (#642): His spirited postseason performance added to the mystique of this popular early Mets star. PSA 10s sell for $400-600 depending on market conditions.

Tim Raines (#192): The base Raines rookie remains one of the most affordable for Expos fans on a budget, though prized PSA 10s have broken $1,000.

Ozzie Smith (#490): Collectors love chasing the defensively gifted Wizard’s various Cardinals issue years, with 1986 being very strong condition-wise.

Fernando Valenzuela (#400): High-grade versions of the Fernandomania rookie card, especially for the Dodgers phenom’s rookie season, can top $300.

While stars drive the 1986 Topps set’s popularity, there are also hidden gems to be found. Jim Rice’s last Red Sox card (#180) as the team’s hero is a sentimental favorite in New England. Bob Horner’s rookie card (#433) for the underrated 80s Braves slugger sees renewed interest. And Ricky Henderson’s second year A’s issue (#268) captures the early speed of the all-time stolen base king.

For the set as a whole in higher grades, prices tend to range from $5-15 per common card in NM-MT condition up to $25-50 for stars and key rookies. But demand is strong, so exceptional PSA/BGS 9s or coveted Gem Mint 10s can eclipse $100 with ease. Long-term, as the elite young stars from 1986 continue accumulating Hall of Fame numbers and accolades, their rookie cards stand to climb significantly higher. Especially if carefully preserved high grades remain scarce compared to modern parallels.

The 1986 Topps set endures because it distills the essence of that unforgettable baseball season into cardboard. For collectors, it offers affordable access to a memorable snapshot of sports history while playing the long game with HOF talents like Clemens and McGwire. Over 35 years later, those dual collectibles and memory aspects ensure the 1986 issue remains a flagship release in the Topps baseball series and among the most recognized sports cards from the 1980s.