The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued during a time of resurgence for the hobby after several down years, the ’85 Topps set captured the careers of many all-time great players and future Hall of Famers. While it may lack the star power and rookie cards of some other years, the 1985 Topps set remains a highly collectible part of baseball card history. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the top cards and their potential values from the 1985 Topps baseball set.
The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1985 Topps set is #1, Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros. Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Ryan’s express train fastball made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His ’85 Topps card, issued during his final season with Houston before being traded to the Mets, can fetch prices upwards of $1000 in mint condition. Another very valuable Ryan card is his #637 Astros ‘fielders choice’ photo variation, which is rarer and can sell for over $2000 in top shape.
Speaking of Hall of Fame pitchers with multiple valuable cards, #84 Dwight Gooden’s rookie is one of the true gems of the ’85 set. As one of the most dominant young hurlers ever, Gooden’s explosive rookie year with the Mets made his Topps RC extremely sought after. High grade ’84 Goodens can sell for $500-1000 depending on centering and corners. His #637 ‘fielders choice’ variation is also quite scarce and valuable, reaching $800-1500. Another Mets pitcher with a prized rookie is #217 Ron Darling. Not as expensive as Gooden typically in the $150-300 range but still a key card for any ’85 Topps collector.
Staying on the mound, #93 Nolan Ryan (Astros pinstripes uniform variation) is a sharp looking photo change that often sells for $150-300 due to its rarity. #254 Bruce Sutter’s final season with the White Sox is priced fairly high as well at $100-200 given his Hall of Fame career as a lights-out reliever. And #425 Tom Seaver, one of the all-time great righties in his final Mets season, can reach $75-150 depending on condition. Seaver’s #637 ‘fielders choice’ variation is also very scarce and expensive, up to $400-600.
Moving to position players, the biggest star and most sought-after non-rookie is #420 Mike Schmidt of the Phillies. The 1980’s version of “The Hitman” in his prime, Schmidt’s card remains a crown jewel for many collectors. High grade ’85 Schmidts can sell for $400-800. #181 George Brett’s final Royals season before moving to Oakland is another highly valuable veteran at $150-300. And #1 Cal Ripken Jr’s second Topps card as an Oriole shortstop often sells for $100-200 given his eventual Hall of Fame career and ironman status.
Some other top position player cards include #637 Cal Ripken Jr. ‘fielders choice’ variation ($300-500), #637 George Brett variation ($250-400), #637 Mike Schmidt variation ($300-600), #5 Ryne Sandberg ($75-150), #637 Ryne Sandberg variation ($150-250), #637 Don Mattingly variation ($150-250), #637 Wade Boggs variation ($150-250), #637 Kirby Puckett rookie ($100-200), and #637 Darryl Strawberry rookie ($75-150).
When it comes to rookie cards, the ’85 Topps set is a bit light compared to previous years. But it does feature some future Hall of Famers just starting out. In addition to the previously mentioned Gooden, Darling, Puckett and Strawberry rookies, #637 Robin Yount rookie sells for $75-150. #637 Roger Clemens’ first Topps card as a Red Sox is also quite valuable at $150-300 given his legendary career. And #637 Barry Larkin’s rookie as a Reds shortstop can reach $100-200 prices.
For high-number cards, the #637 photo variations are always prized finds for collectors. But there are also some standard late-series cards that hold value. #636 Don Mattingly ($50-100), #635 Wade Boggs ($50-75), #634 Kirby Puckett ($40-75), #633 Darryl Strawberry ($30-50), and #632 Roger Clemens ($50-100) are all quite collectible and sell fairly well on the secondary market.
While it may not have the same star power as some other 1980s sets, the 1985 Topps baseball card release remains hugely popular with collectors and maintains strong secondary market prices. Anchored by the cards of superstars like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, Dwight Gooden and George Brett, along with valuable rookies of future Hall of Famers, the ’85 Topps set holds an important place in card history. With just under 700 total cards to collect, it also presents an achievable goal for most set builders. So whether you’re looking for affordable vintage cards or high-end investments, the 1985 Topps baseball release definitely deserves a close look.
