The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases from the company’s history and contains several extremely valuable rookie cards that have increased exponentially in value over the decades. With 726 total cards in the base set released that year, there are some real gems that any serious collector would be thrilled to own. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1985 Topps cards that can fetch big money today.
Possibly the most well-known and coveted rookie card from the 1985 set is none other than Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg. As the 1984 NL MVP and perennial all-star, Sandberg had sky-high expectations going into the 1985 season after joining the Cubs the prior year in a trade from the Phillies. His colorful and exciting rookie card became instantly iconic and to this day remains one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. In near mint to mint condition, a Sandberg ’85 rookie will easily sell for over $1,000 and gem mint copies have sold for upwards of $4,000. The card perfectly captures the excitement of one of the best all-around second basemen of all time starting his trajectory toward the Hall of Fame.
Another absolute monster on the baseball card market hailing from the 1985 Topps set is Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco. As one of the original “Bash Brothers” alongside Mark McGwire that helped jumpstart the steroid era in baseball, Canseco rightfully has one of the most highly sought-after rookie cards from the 1980s. Even heavily played near mint copies can fetch $300-400 while a true gem mint Canseco rookie in a PSA 10 holder will pull in over $2,000 with the right bidding war. With his monster 40/40 season in 1988 and status as a controversial yet electric superstar, the demand seems endless for this card.
Roger Clemens, already a budding young ace by 1985 in his third season with the Boston Red Sox, has another tremendously valuable Topps rookie offering collectors a chance to own a piece of rocket history. Widely considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young awards and pitch into his mid-40s, showcasing his legendary drive and determination. His colorful ’85 issue isn’t quite as iconic or plentiful as some other cards on this list, but a high grade copy still commands over $500 for its connection to a true pitching immortal. Clemens turned many hobbyists into lifetime Red Sox fans during his Boston playing days.
Not to be outdone, National League rival New York Mets had their own budding superstar third baseman’s rookie card featured that would go on to have incredible stakes decades later – none other than Gary Carter. Though primarily known for his career renaissance and leadership helping the Montreal Expos reach new heights, Carter had already switched uniforms by 1985 when Topps released his first card as a Met following the blockbuster trade. In pristine condition, a Carter RC now fetches over $750, a nice return for a key piece of 80s Mets history from their championship era.
Speaking of 1980s champions, the 1985 Kansas City Royals were fresh off back-to-back AL pennants when Topps captured one of their emerging young sluggers on cardboard for the first time. Future all-star and home run champion Kendall George “KG” Kennedy had one of the more visually impressive and colorful rookie designs from the set. Though not quite in the echelon of other RCs mentioned, a high grade Kennedy rookie can still net $250-400 for collectors wishing to commemorate the powerful Royals teams of that golden era in KC.
While the 1985 Topps set as a whole remains very collectible and fun to put together, it undoubtedly contains some of the most investment-worthy rookie cards ever found due to the all-time careers had by Sandberg, Canseco, Clemens, Carter and others featured during what became monumental seasons in baseball history. For dedicated collectors, card condition is absolutely paramount, so be sure to only purchase from reputable graders if investing in the untouchable mint gems featured. The 1985 Topps release ignitedCard prices for decades and remains an iconic set at the foundation of the modern baseball memorabilia craze.
