The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable traded sets produced by Topps. While not as large in size compared to the flagship Topps offering that year which had 792 total cards, the 1984 traded set still contained 84 total cards which captured some of the biggest trades and player movements that occurred during the 1985 season. Several key factors have led to the 1986 Topps Traded set achieving such legendary status among collectors over the decades.
One of the main reasons for the lasting popularity and demand for the 1986 Topps Traded cards is that it features some true icon players and future hall of famers who were traded in 1985, including the likes of Rickey Henderson, Jack Morris, Eddie Murray, and Bob Gibson. Having star talent like this that changed teams draw collectors interest both at the time of release and to this day. Another notable aspect of the 1986 Topps Traded set is that it marked Rickey Henderson’s first card as a member of the New York Mets after being traded from the Oakland A’s in the biggest deal of 1985. His traded card in this set remains one of the most desirable in the entire collection.
In terms of grading and condition of the cards, mint and near mint graded copies in the PSA 8 to PSA 10 range have seen tremendous appreciation over the decades. Many key cards from the 1986 Topps Traded set in top condition now fetch five figure prices and higher when they come up for auction. Of course, the true crown jewel cards that can shatter records include the Rickey Henderson PSA 10 and Jack Morris PSA 10. In recent auctions, the Henderson traded has sold for upwards of $30,000+ when graded a perfect 10. This speaks volumes of not just the condition, but iconic status of these particular cards in the set. For collectors seeking graded high-end examples of 1986 Topps Traded, the prices continue their steady rise year after year.
Some other major highlights and price guide valuations of 1986 Topps Traded include the Eddie Murray traded PSA 10 selling for $4,000+ recently. His rookie season was spent with the Baltimore Orioles before being dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Another extremely significant card at the time was Bob Gibson’s traded issue since he went to the Detroit Tigers after so many years with the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. Near-mint copies sell for $500-800 typically, while a PSA 9 holds a $1500-2000 value. Moving down the scale of condition to merely excellent or very good copies, expect to pay $150-300 for key Hall of Fame players in this set depending on the specific name. Condition is king when it comes to valuing 1986 Topps Traded inventory.
Beyond the true elite players, there are several other notable trades featured in the 1986 Topps Traded set that attract collectors beyond just the Hall of Famers. Future Cy Young winner Bret Saberhagen is part of the Donn Clendenon trade from the New York Mets to the Kansas City Royals. His card remains quite collectible as well, with PSA 9’s selling in the $200 range. Another underrated gem is Bob Horner’s card showing his swap from the Atlanta Braves to the St. Louis Cardinals. He battled injuries but was still a highly regarded former number one overall pick at the time. Ungraded Horner’s can be found for under $50.
The 1984 Topps Traded checklist also included some additional legendary names towards the back end like Jim Rice and Dennis Eckersley who were both traded late in their careers. While not their more famous teams or years, those cards still resonate with collectors. Overall set building has remained a popular pursuit with this release. In complete raw condition without grading, a full 1984 Topps Traded set can be found in the $800-1200 range on the current market. For collectors seeking to add one of the most epic traded sets ever created to their collections, 1989 Topps Traded checks nearly every box in terms of star power, condition, and lasting appreciation. It’s clear to see why this product remains such a cornerstone for sports card investors and enthusiasts decades later.
The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set holds a very special place in the hearts and collections of both vintage and modern day collectors. Featuring so many all-time great Hall of Famers captured in new uniforms generated excitement upon release and has lasting nostalgia even 35+ years later. With mint and graded examples of the true elite cards like Rickey Henderson now worth five figures, it’s evident this set displays signs of appreciating much higher over the long run for savvy investors. At the same time, ungraded or lower priced options exist to allow most collectors the chance to own a piece of cards that documented one of the most active trading periods in baseball history.
