The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases of the 1980s. While it may not be the most valuable set of all time, there are certainly some standout ’86 Topps cards that can fetch a pretty penny from avid collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top money cards from the 1986 Topps baseball card set.
One of the most valuable and sought after ’86 Topps cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card from the 1986 set is one of the most iconic in the hobby. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card can sell for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies are worth $1,000 or more. This card is always in high demand due to Griffey’s popularity and status as one of the greats.
Another huge star from the 1986 rookie class was Roger Clemens. Like Griffey, Clemens went on to have an incredible career that landed him in the Hall of Fame. His ’86 Topps rookie card is highly sought after and can sell for $1,500+ in gem mint condition. Well-centered near mint copies still bring $500-800 depending on demand. Clemens’ dominance as a pitcher makes this an important rookie card for collectors.
While he may not have had the career longevity of Griffey or Clemens, Barry Bonds’ rookie season was incredibly impressive. His 1986 Topps rookie card showing him as a Pittsburgh Pirate is valued around $500-800 in top grades. Even heavily played copies can sell for $100 due to his iconic status and record-breaking home run totals later in his career. Bonds is one of the most famous names in the game and his rookie card remains popular.
Staying in the rookie category, one of the most undervalued gems from 1986 Topps is Tom Glavine’s rookie card. Glavine went on to have a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Atlanta Braves and is one of the best pitchers of the 1990s. His rookie card often sells for just $150-300 in top condition compared to bigger stars. For Glavine collectors, this is an affordable way to own a true piece of baseball history from one of the game’s great hurlers.
Moving beyond rookies, one of the most iconic ’86 Topps cards is Ozzie Smith’s with the crazy leg kick on the front. Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, Ozzie’s card is a true icon of the era. High grade copies can sell for $500-800 but it’s a card that any ’80s collector wants in their collection. Even played copies are valued around $100 due to its recognizable and fun design showing Ozzie’s unorthodox style.
Another defensive wizard, this time behind the plate, is the Gary Carter ’86 Topps card. Carter was a perennial All-Star and World Series champion as the leader of the New York Mets. His card often sells in the $200-400 range when fresh and centered. He remains one of the most popular catchers in the hobby and his fun smiling photo makes this a desirable card for collectors.
Staying in the Mets organization, the Dwight Gooden rookie card is a true gem from the 1986 set. As one of the most dominant young pitchers ever, Doc Gooden’s rookie was a huge card in the 1980s. In pristine mint condition, it can sell for over $1,000. Well-centered near mint copies are valued around $500 still today. Gooden was a true superstar and this card captured his early promise and hype before injuries derailed his career.
The 1986 Topps set is loaded with other huge stars and fan favorites worth mentioning too. The Don Mattingly ’84 style card often sells for $150-300 due to his Yankee popularity. The Kirby Puckett rookie card, showing him with the Twins, can reach $200-400 in top grades. The Nolan Ryan card, where he’s pitching for the Astros, has found renewed interest and sells for $100-200. And the Wade Boggs card, with his crazy high batting stance, is a true ’80s relic worth $75-150 to collectors.
While it may not have the same star power as some other vintage sets, the 1986 Topps baseball card release truly captured a special time in the sport. Rookies like Griffey, Bonds, Clemens, and Gooden went on to have all-time careers. Set favorites like Ozzie, Carter, Puckett, and Boggs remind us of the era’s top players. For savvy investors, there are significant profits to be made by acquiring and holding onto well-preserved copies of the top ’86 rookies and stars. The set remains an affordable way to invest in the hobby for both casual collectors and serious investors alike.
