The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. While most common cards from the set hold nominal value, there are several standout rookie and star player cards that can be quite valuable depending on the grade and condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the ’86 Topps set that collectors closely watch and that often fetch substantial prices at auction.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards from any year is the Roger Clemens card. Clemens burst onto the scene in 1986 and went on to become one of the greatest pitchers of all time, winning 7 Cy Young awards. His rookie card, especially in high grades, is incredibly valuable. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, it has sold for over $20,000 before. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, it still commonly sells for thousands. Given his pitching dominance and longevity of career, the Clemens rookie is always in high demand.

Another hugely valuable rookie is Greg Maddux. Like Clemens, Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame Career pitching for over two decades. His ’86 Topps rookie in a PSA 10 has also cracked the $20K mark before. Lower graded versions still attract bids in the multiple thousands. Both Clemens and Maddux established themselves as ace pitchers right away, making their rookie cards especially sought after.

In addition to star rookie cards, the ’86 set features the iconic returning cards of all-time legends already in their primes. The Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly cards regularly sell for thousands when high graded. Schmidt’s career was winding down in 1986 but he was still arguably the best third baseman ever. A PSA 10 Schmidt could pull in over $5,000. Ozzie Smith’s 1985 and 1986 Topps cards are two of the most coveted Wizard cards for collectors. His ’86 in a PSA 10 has reached $4,000 before. Mattingly’s 1985 and 1986 Topps cards defined his early career playing for the Yankees and are icons of the era.

The set also features one of the most legendary baseball cards ever printed – the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was among the most anticipated prospects ever and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. High graded examples of his rookie in a Griffey Jr. jersey have sold for astronomical sums. One PSA 10 example was part of a sale that reached $3.12 million back in 2016, making it the most valuable baseball card ever sold at that point. Even in lower grades, it still fetches thousands due to Griffey’s all-time status.

While the star cards demand premium prices, there are also numerous high quality common players in the set that dedicated collectors seek out to complete their sets. Having even an entire common set in high grades makes it quite valuable. Examples of popular commons include Don Baylor, Wade Boggs, Tim Raines, Fernando Valenzuela, and others from that era. Even those cards have attracted hundreds when presenting immaculately in higher PSA grades.

Of course, the true value of any individual 1986 Topps card depends on several factors – the particular player, the player’s career accomplishments relative to expectations at that time, the card’s state of preservation as measured by professional grading companies, and market demand influenced by the collecting population’s tastes. But in summary – whether its a Clemens, Maddux, or Griffey Jr. rookie, or iconic returning stars like Schmidt, Smith, and Mattingly, or even pristine common players – savvy collectors know that the 1986 Topps baseball set features many cards that can gain significant worth, especially in top grades. It remains one of the cornerstone collections for enthusiasts of the hobby.

While the average 1986 Topps baseball card may hold limited financial value today, the set contains several true gems that are coveted by serious collectors and have proven to attract substantial prices at auction based on the accomplishments and enduring popularity of players like Clemens, Maddux, Griffey Jr., Schmidt, and others featured prominently in the set. For knowledgeable investors and those pursuing certain key pieces to highlight their collections, yes – many 1986 Topps cards truly are worth something.