The 1986 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While sets from this time period are not generally known for their scarcity or demand, there are a few standout cards from the 1986 Fleer set that have maintained or increased in value over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1986 Fleer baseball card release.
One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from any set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. Clemens had just begun to emerge as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers in 1986, his first full season in the majors. The Rocket would go on to win seven Cy Young awards and pitch until he was into his 40s, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In pristine mint condition, the Clemens rookie now fetches prices well over $1,000. Even well-centered, nicely centered examples in EX-MT condition can sell for several hundred dollars. The iconic photo and subject matter make this one of the true blue-chip cards from the 1980s.
Another rookie card that holds tremendous value is that of Barry Bonds. Like Clemens, Bonds was just starting to show signs of his eventual superstardom in 1986 as a talented but still developing young outfielder. Of course, Bonds would explode onto the scene in the late 80s and 90s as perhaps the greatest power hitter in baseball history. High grade Bonds rookies now sell for $500-$1000, a tremendous return on investment for a card issued during the junk wax era. Even more impressive is the fact that Bonds was not yet a household name in 1986.
While rookie cards tend to drive the most interest and demand, there are also some star player cards outside of rookies that maintain solid value from 1986 Fleer. One is the Kirby Puckett card, featuring the iconic photo of the Twins’ star sliding face first into third base. Puckett was already an established star by 1986 after winning the World Series in 1991, and his infectious smile and enthusiasm for the game made him a hugely popular player. Pristine Puckett cards can reach $100-$200 today. Another star card with lasting appeal is that of Don Mattingly. The smooth swinging Yankees’ first baseman was on his way to being a perennial All-Star and fan favorite. High grade Mattinglys sell in the $50-100 range.
In addition to star players and rookies, 1986 Fleer featured a memorable subset focusing on the league leaders from 1985. This 16-card Leaders subset highlights the top players in various offensive and pitching categories from the previous season. Some of the most desirable cards here include the Rickey Henderson stolen base leader card, the Don Baylor RBI leader card, and the Dwight Gooden strikeout leader card. These specialized statistical leader cards tend to carry premiums over typical base cards from the same players. Complete, high grade sets of the Leaders subset can reach $200-300.
While the 1986 Fleer set overall was produced in enormous numbers that still weigh down values for most base cards, there are certainly some standouts that have maintained collector interest and demand. The star rookies of Clemens and Bonds anchor the set as true blue-chip cards. But stars like Puckett and Mattingly as well as the fun Leaders subset also provide collectors with solid vintage cardboard that holds value. For those who enjoy vintage baseball and were able to acquire some of these key cards years ago, the 1986 Fleer set remains one with lasting potential to appreciate over the long run.
