Introduction
The 1966 Donruss baseball card set was the company’s first major issue and helped launch them as a leader in the baseball card industry. While it lacked the star power and rookie cards of some other 1960s sets, the 1966 Donruss cards offer collectors a unique glimpse at the players and styles of that era. Understanding the rarity and demand for different players can help collectors value their cards properly. This guide will provide details on pricing trends for the full 196 card set from common to rare cards to help collectors determine which 1966 Donruss cards hold significant value.

Common Cards (Under $5)
The bulk of the 1966 Donruss set can be acquired for $1-5 per card depending on condition. This includes most veteran players as well as stars who were in the later stages of their careers. Examples include pitchers like Juan Marichal, Jim Bunning, and Bob Gibson who were all good but not in the prime of their careers in 1966. Position players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Frank Robinson also fall into the common category since they had achieved so much already. Condition is still important, but near mint copies of these types of stars can be found for $3-5.

Mid-Range Cards ($5-20)
This tier includes all-star level players in the mid-stages of their careers including pitchers like Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, and Jim Palmer as well as position players like Orlando Cepeda, Ron Santo, and Tony Oliva. It also contains some of the more valuable rookie cards including Tommie Agee, Reggie Smith, and Don Wert. Near mint copies of these types of players typically sell in the $5-10 range with higher grades bringing $10-20.

Expensive Cards ($20-100)
This is where many of the key cards from the 1966 Donruss set reside. Rookie cards and future Hall of Famers start to carry significant premiums. Top rookie cards include Reggie Jackson, Joe Torre, and Tom Seaver. Near mint copies of their rookies can bring $30-60 depending on the player and exact condition assessed. Established stars in the primes of their careers command the higher end of this range. Examples are Roberto Clemente, Willie McCovey, and Brooks Robinson. High grade copies of these players consistently sell for $50-100.

Rare and Valuable Cards (Over $100)
Only a select few 1966 Donruss cards have reached the $100 price point based on rarity, condition, and historical significance. The headliners are rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Steve Carlton and Fergie Jenkins. Mint condition copies can sell for $150-300 depending on demand. Another rare category are the managers/coaches cards, with Walter Alston and Al Lopez among the most valuable in the set at $125-250 in top grades. The true blue chip card though remains the N.L. Record Holders card featuring Hank Aaron, which is one of the rarest in the set. Near mint examples have sold for over $1,000.

Condition and Grading
As with any vintage set, condition is paramount to determining value when pricing 1966 Donruss cards. Even small differences in centering, corners, edges or surface can separate a $5 common from a $50 star. Having cards graded by a reputable service like PSA or SGC brings consistency and removes subjective guesswork. It also allows for apples-to-apples price comparisons. A PSA 8 Reggie Jackson rookie for example is consistently worth 5-10 times more than a raw near mint copy. So professional grading is highly recommended for valuable 1966 Donruss cards to maximize their price potential.

Market Performance and Outlook
While not in the same league as flagship 1950s and 1960s sets, interest and prices for 1966 Donruss cards have risen steadily over the past decade. The affordability of common cards makes it an attractive set for collectors, while key rookies and stars provide upside. With the hobby at an all-time high, valuable 1966 Donruss cards show no signs of slowing down. In fact, as more collectors seek out vintage options beyond the iconic 1952 Topps and 1957 Topps sets, demand for 1960s issues like 1966 Donruss is likely to increase. For patient holders, many of these cards still have appreciation potential left to gain in the coming years.

The 1966 Donruss set offers collectors a wide range of pricing options from a few dollars for common veterans, up to hundreds or potentially thousands for true blue chip rookie cards in pristine condition. Understanding the supply and demand dynamics for each player is key to accurately valuing collections and making wise buying decisions. With the continued strength of the hobby, now is an excellent time for collectors to reap the rewards of cards purchased years ago or start building a 1966 Donruss collection of their own.