The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it didn’t feature the same young star rookies that helped skyrocket the previous year’s Topps set in popularity, the 1986 Donruss set holds a special place in many collectors’ hearts due to its classic design aesthetic and the all-time great veterans it highlights in their baseball primes. Among the 792 total cards in the base set are several that stand out as particularly valuable today due to various factors such as the players featured and their career accomplishments, as well as basic supply and demand economics that drive up collector demand and secondary market prices over time. Here are some of the most valuable 1986 Donruss baseball cards based on PSA 10 mint condition prices:
Ken Griffey Sr. – Ranked as the most valuable card from the 1986 Donruss set, examples in pristine PSA 10 condition have recently sold for over $2,000. Griffey Sr. was approaching the end of his career in 1986 at age 36, making his cards relatively scarce in top grades. As the father of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., cards featuring Griffey Sr. also gain value from collectors wanting to showcase father-son duos.
Kirby Puckett – Puckett’s explosive rise to stardom was still a few years away in 1986, but his Donruss rookie is highly sought after today. PSA 10 examples have sold for up to $1,800. A 10-time All-Star and 6-time Gold Glove winner who led the Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, Puckett developed into one of the best players of his generation and a icon in Minnesota.
Dwight Gooden – Known as “Doc,” Gooden was already a phenom in 1986 after winning Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young award in 1985 at age 20. His dazzling talents made him one of the most hyped young stars in the sport. High grade Gooden rookies from 1986 Donruss have hit auction prices up to $1,600.
Roger Clemens – The future 7-time Cy Young Award winner and 354 game winner Clemens was in his Red Sox pitching prime in 1986. His intimidating presence and 98 mph fastball made him must-see TV every fifth day. Clemens is also remembered as one of the games’ fiercest competitors. PSA 10 Clemens cards have reached $1,500.
Cal Ripken Jr. – Before breaking Lou Gehrig’s iconic record for consecutive games played, Ripken was already establishing himself as the future star shortstop and captain of the Orioles franchise. His 1986 Donruss rookie remains one of the most iconic in the set, with pristine copies reaching $1,300.
Ozzie Smith – Known as the “Wizard” for his highlight-reel defensive plays at shortstop that seemingly defied physics and helped lead the Cardinals to the 1982 World Series, Smith was on his way to eventual Hall of Fame induction. As one of the most exciting and charismatic players of the 1980s, his 1986 Donruss PSA 10s have sold up over $1,200.
George Bell – Winning the 1987 AL MVP award as a member of the Blue Jays, Bell established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters in 1986 with a career-high 36 home runs. His impressive peak performance has garnered strong collector interest in his 1986 Donruss rookie that has topped $1,100 PSA 10.
Barry Larkin – A future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star, Larkin started making his case as one of MLB’s top players at shortstop for the Reds in 1986, hitting .296 with 55 stolen bases. Like Ripken, Larkin’s iconic rookie card from Donruss earns a premium, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $1,050.
Willie McGee – Winning the 1985 NL batting title, McGee evolved into a fan favorite as the on-base machine for the Cardinals’ “Whiteyball” offensive strategy. Famous for his hustle and grit, McGee’s prime performance has kept demand high for his 1986 Donruss, with PSA 10s reaching $1,000.
Mark McGwire – Better known for later breaking Roger Maris’ single season home run record, “Big Mac” was still developing his prodigious power in St. Louis in 1986. Early versions of his huge potential, coupled with his fame and notoriety, have lifted his ’86 Donruss rookie to $900 PSA 10 sales.
While it may lack the sex appeal of some of Topps’ flagship sets, the 1986 Donruss baseball issue holds a special place for many in the hobby due to highlighting future Hall of Famers and all-time greats during their competitive peaks. Strong career performances and accomplishments over decades have translated to increased collector demand and higher prices today for the vintage star rookies and veterans featured in pristine condition from this classic 1982 offering.
