The 1986 Topps Chewy Baseball card series was released during a time when chewing gum baseball cards were still a novelty. While 1986 was not the inaugural year for Topps Chewy cards, it marked a major turning point as values started appreciating significantly from prior year issues. The 1986 design featured a colorful border framing each player photo with their name and team printed along the bottom. On the back was a fun cartoon illustration relating to the player along with their personal stats.
As with most vintage sets, the rookie and star cards hold the most value. Some key premium cards from the ’86 Topps Chewy set include:
Roger Clemens RC (card #177) – With Clemens establishing himself as one of the game’s elite power pitchers by 1986, his rookie card is a must-have for Red Sox and baseball card collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in pristine condition have sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still command $100-300.
Dwight Gooden RC (card #130) – As the defending NL Cy Young winner in 1985, Gooden’s rookie card is iconic from this era. In a PSA 10 case, it can fetch $800-1,200. More common PSA 8-9 grades sell in the $200-500 range.
Ozzie Smith (card #499) – The Wizard was a fan favorite for his highlight reel defense at shortstop. His ’86 Chewy card maintains strong demand, with PSA 10s bringing $400-600 and lower graded copies priced around $100-250.
Rickey Henderson RC (card #516) – One of the most exciting players of the 1980s, Henderson made his Topps debut in this set. Pristine PSA 10 Rickey rookie Chewys sell for $600-800, with most others in the $200-400 range depending on condition.
Cal Ripken Jr. (card #494) – As Ripken’s Iron Man streak kicked off in 1982, collectors took notice of the young shortstop’s potential. High grade ’86 Ripken Chewys have reached $400-600 at auction.
Don Mattingly (card #488) – The smooth swinging 1984 AL MVP continued to captivate fans. PSA 10 Mattingly Chewys demand $300-500, with lower grades priced around $100-250.
Moving beyond the elite rookie and star cards, there are also several other notable middle to high-end performers from the ’86 Topps Chewy set:
Kirby Puckett (card #480) – An underrated performer at the time, Puckett had begun turning heads in Minnesota. His Chewy in Gem Mint condition demands $150-300.
Tim Raines (card #492) – One of the premier leadoff hitters and base stealers of the era. PSA 10 Raines Chewys have sold for $200-400.
Wade Boggs (card #479) – The 1985 batting champ was becoming a household name. Pristine Boggs cards in a PSA 10 gem case bring $150-300.
Dave Winfield (card #506) – The Hall of Famer was in his prime with the Yankees. High grade Winfield Chewys reach $100-200.
Bert Blyleven (card #465) – Underappreciated during his career, the wily righty’s cards have gained traction in retirement. PSA 10 Blylevens sell around $150-250.
Fernando Valenzuela (card #498) – “Fernandomania” had taken sports by storm the previous season. Valenzuela’s Chewy maintains demand at $75-150 for top condition copies.
Of course, there are also plenty of mid-range and lower dollar performers throughout the set that can still be found quite affordably for most collectors’ budgets. Some other value names throughout include Keith Hernandez, Jack Morris, Tony Gwynn rookie, Dennis Eckersley, Darryl Strawberry rookie, Bruce Sutter, and Dennis Martinez among many others.
In terms of the general population of 1986 Topps Chewy cards, here is a breakdown of typical values based on the all-important PSA/BGS grading scale:
PSA 10 (Gem Mint): $50-150
PSA 9 (Mint): $25-75
PSA 8 (Very Good-Mint): $15-50
PSA 7 (Very Good): $5-25
PSA 6 (Good-Very Good): $3-12
PSA 5 (Good): $1-5
Of course, there will always be outliers that exceed or fall below these general guidelines based on certain players, variations, and market conditions. But overall, the 1986 Topps Chewys remain a fun and affordable set for collectors, especially compared to some of the hyper-inflated modern issues. With its blend of stars, prospects and fun retro design, it’s no wonder the ’86 Chewies have sustained popularity among vintage baseball card collectors.
