The 1986 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues ever produced. While not the biggest set released that year in terms of card count, the 1986 Fleer set stands out for featuring some truly legendary players and huge rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors to this day. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from the 1986 Fleer set that are among the most valuable and desirable for collectors.
One of the greatest rookie cards of all time is found in the 1986 Fleer set – that being Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell’s rookie card. Bell went on to win the American League MVP award in 1987 and was a key member of the Blue Jays’ World Series championship teams in the early 1990s. His rookie card stands out as one of the scarcest rookie cards from the 1980s. Only about 50 of the Bell rookie are graded a mint Gem Mint 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator, and those examples regularly sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $1,000 or more. The Bell rookie is iconic not just for the player, but also for the flashy design used by Fleer that year.
Another hugely valuable rookie card in the 1986 Fleer set is that of New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Gooden, nicknamed “Doc,” went on to win the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1984 and helped the Mets reach the World Series. His rookie card is a key piece of 1980s card history. Like the Bell rookie, the Gooden rookie has an iconic design with a blue border and player pose. Only a small handful are known to exist in true Gem Mint condition, making each newly discovered copy a major find. Even well-centered near mint Gooden rookies can sell for over $1,000. The card captures one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s at the start of his career.
In terms of star veterans, one of the best cards from the 1986 Fleer set is that of Boston Red Sox legend Jim Rice. A perennial All-Star and the 1978 American League MVP, Rice appeared on many impressive cards over the years. His 1986 Fleer issue stands out with a classic pose and design. The card features a full body shot of Rice at bat with the Fleer logo above. Near mint or better examples often sell for $100 or more. As one of the greatest right fielders in Red Sox history, Rice’s strong performance and iconic status with the franchise make this 1986 Fleer card a standout among collectors.
Another star veteran with an outstanding 1986 Fleer card is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Jack Clark. Known as “Jack The Ripper” for his powerful left-handed swing, Clark was a feared run producer throughout the 1980s while playing for the Cardinals, Yankees, and Padres. His 1986 Fleer issue shows Clark in a classic Cardinals batting stance and uniform. Like the Rice card, examples in near mint or better condition typically sell in the $75-100 range. Clark was a perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, making his iconic 1986 Fleer issue among the most desirable veteran cards from that year’s set.
In terms of sheer rarity and price, one of the true crown jewels from the 1986 Fleer baseball set is the card of New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle. As one of the all-time great switch hitters and World Series heroes, Mantle’s legend and on-field exploits captured the attention of millions of fans during his playing days from 1951-1968. His 1986 Fleer issue shows an airbrushed portrait of Mantle in a Yankees uniform. Due to licensing issues, Mantle’s name is omitted from the front of the card. This makes the card among the rarest from the set, and pristine mint condition examples can sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint Mantle cards often trade hands for $1,000+.
Another highly valuable card for collectors is that of Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame third baseman Ron Santo. One of the best all-around third basemen of his era and a key member of the great Cubs teams of the 1960s, Santo’s career was tragically cut short in 1974 due to diabetes. His iconic smile and mustache made him a fan favorite on the North Side of Chicago. His 1986 Fleer issue shows Santo in a classic batting pose. Like the Mantle card, Santo’s name is omitted from the front for legal reasons. The card captures Santo at the peak of his powers for Cubs fans. Pristine mint examples can sell for over $1,000.
The 1986 Fleer baseball card set stands out for featuring some true icons of the game like George Bell, Dwight Gooden, Jim Rice, and Jack Clark among many others. Key rookie cards and star veterans are prominently displayed in classic poses and designs. While the set totaled only 396 cards, it captured some of the biggest names and most exciting young players of the mid-1980s. Cards like the rookies of Bell and Gooden as well as stars like Rice, Clark, Mantle and Santo make the 1986 Fleer set one of the most iconic and valuable in the entire vintage baseball marketplace. The combination of star power, iconic designs, and scarcity make several issues from this set among the most widely collected cards from the entire 1980s era.
