The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set stands out as one of the more valuable and sought after limited print run trading card issues from the mid-1980s. Consisting of only 60 cards compared to the standard 610 card flagship Topps offering that same year, the Traded set focused on featuring traded players that had switched teams during or after the 1985 season. With significantly fewer cards to chase and complete compared to the base Topps set, the scarcity and short print nature of this special insert set has led to strong collector demand and solid current values for graded specimens across the board.
One of the main draws of the 1986 Topps Traded cards is the star power and talent featured throughout. Players like Nolan Ryan, Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs and Steve Sax who had been dealt in 1985 trades were highlighted. Arguably the most iconic card in the set is the #T59 Reggie Jackson card depicting “Mr. October” in his final season with the Angels after 14 years with the A’s and Yankees. This card has always been one of the most coveted within the set and regularly fetches hundreds or even over $1,000 in top PSA/BGS graded gem mint condition.
Another ultra-valuable card in the 1986 Topps Traded set is the #T19 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie. Not only is Griffey’s rookie card highly sought after on its own merits due to his Hall of Fame career, but the fact that it comes from this already scarce traded set makes it that much more desired and pricey for collectors. PSA 10 mint Griffey Jr. rookie Traded cards have sold for well over $10,000 in recent years, with a PSA 9 copy fetching over $5,000 as well, showing the immense popularity and demand for this standout rookie issue.
In looking at the overall price guide values for the various cards in the 1986 Topps Traded set, there are a handful that consistently command 4 figure prices or more in pristine condition. In addition to the Reggie Jackson and Ken Griffey Jr. cards mentioned, examples include Barry Bonds (#T37) at $1,500 PSA 10, Wade Boggs (#T43) at $1,000 PSA 10, Nolan Ryan (#T30) at $800 PSA 10, and Ozzie Smith (#T20) at $600 PSA 10. There are also quite a few other solid players’ cards in the $200-500 range as PSA 10 gems as well.
As for average graded card values, most common players in PSA 8-9 condition range from $50-150 depending on the player and card number/photo. Examples are Steve Sax (#T24) at $75 PSA 9, Don Mattingly (#T22) at $100 PSA 9, and Tim Raines (#T35) at $125 PSA 9. Even more obscure role players or reserves tend to hold fairly steady $25-50 values across PSA 8-9 grades. So there is strong consistent secondary market demand even for the more common Traded issue cards in high grades.
The overall condition and state of preservation of 1986 Topps Traded cards found today definitely plays a major role in the current price points reached. This is due in large part to the limited original print run of the set combined with the fact it was solely available through packets or factory sets rather than in common retail distribution like the flagship Topps release. Surviving examples grading PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 are considerably more scarce than their lower graded cousins. It’s estimated less than 1% of the original 1986 Topps Traded print run still grades a perfect PSA 10 today.
When acquiring raw 1986 Topps Traded cards for a collection today, one must be highly discerning of the centered, sharply printed and imperfection-free specimens to have the best chance at grading above a PSA 8. Strong eye appeal with accurate registration and borders close to the edges are crucial traits to look for to potentially yield that coveted pristine PSA 10 grade upon professional evaluation, as those highest regarded condition examples yield exponentially higher returns on resale value versus their lower centering/surface quality counterparts. This makes properly vetting raw Traded cards before purchase a vital exercise.
The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set stands out as both a seminal and potentially lucrative specialty issue for savvy vintage collectors and investors today. With its superstar rookie and star talent focus combined with the ultra-limited original production numbers, properly certified premium condition specimens are highly sought after across the board. Even secondary players’ cards in high grades hold steady value due to the scarcity factor of the set as a whole. For those able to assemble or purchase a well-preserved full set, it represents a true high-end vintage cardboard crown jewel going forward.
