The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the 1980s. With 792 total cards, the ’86 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and some extremely valuable rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards and players from the 1986 Topps set.
One of the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1986 Topps set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. Clemens would go on to win a record seven Cy Young Awards and establish himself as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. His rookie card from the ’86 Topps set, with his first appearance in a major league uniform, is one of the true Holy Grails for collectors. In top gem mint condition, a 1986 Topps Roger Clemens rookie card can sell for well over $10,000. Another highly valuable rookie card is that of slugger Barry Bonds. Bonds’ rookie card from the 1986 Topps set showcases him in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform in his first big league season. Like Clemens, this is Bonds’ first appearance in a baseball card and his rookie card often fetches thousands of dollars, even in lower grades.
Aside from rookie cards, the 1986 Topps set also featured many established superstars who were entering the prime of their careers. One of the most iconic cards is that of New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Known as “Doc,” Gooden had just come off back-to-back Cy Young Award winning seasons in ’85 and ’86. His card shows him windmilling a pitch with his signature high leg kick. This is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing cards from the entire set and regularly sells for well over $100 even in lower grades. Another hugely popular card is that of Boston Red Sox legend Wade Boggs. Known for his meticulous routine and hitting prowess, Boggs’ card depicts him in his classic crouched batting stance. His card remains a fan favorite to this day.
Moving beyond individual stars, the 1986 Topps set also featured several highly sought after team cards. Chief among these is the Boston Red Sox team card, which pictures the entire Red Sox roster from 1986. That Red Sox squad would go on to win the World Series that year, making their team card extremely desirable. High grade examples can sell for $300 or more. Other valuable team cards include those of the New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros. Regional team allegiances also factor into the popularity of certain team cards. The 1986 Topps set also included several popular traded and update cards showing players who were dealt to new teams after the initial photo shoot.
In addition to star players and team cards, the 1986 Topps set is also known for its memorable action shots and unique photographic techniques used on some cards. For example, the Boston Red Sox Checklist card uses a creative collage of players’ faces to form the checklist. The Chicago White Sox Checklist card is also distinctive for having each player’s picture taken from above at an unusual downward angle. Cards showing dramatic in-game action like collisions at home plate or spectacular diving catches are also some of the most visually appealing from the ’86 issue.
When it comes to condition, mint examples of 1986 Topps rookie cards and other key cards are extremely scarce and valuable. Even obtaining a card in near mint to excellent condition takes perseverance, as over 35 years of circulation have taken their toll. The use of thicker stock cardboard also means cards are less likely to have survived completely unwrinkled or without issues. Still, with its iconic rookie cards, memorable photography, and timeless stars, the 1986 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible issue for fans and investors alike over three decades later. With prices still rising for elite examples, there’s never been a better time to appreciate the fantastic cards and players featured in the 1986 Topps set.
The 1986 Topps baseball card issue is undoubtedly one of the most desirable releases from the 1980s due to legendary rookie cards of Clemens and Bonds that showcase their early careers. Stars entering their primes like Gooden and Boggs are also highly sought after for their memorable photography and significance in the game at that time. Added to memorable team cards and unique design elements, the 1986 Topps set continues to enthrall collectors with its timeless content from a golden era of baseball over 35 years later.
