The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. It features several rookie cards and key players from that era that continue to attract collectors and card investors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the 1986 Topps set that are highly coveted by collectors.
Perhaps the most famous and valuable card from the 1986 Topps set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Barry Bonds. As the son of former MLB player Bobby Bonds, Barry was already generating plenty of hype leading up to his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986. His rookie card shows him in a Pirates uniform from his 1985 season and carries the standard Topps design from that year. In near mint condition, Barry Bonds’ 1986 Topps rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars due to his all-time great career and status as one of the home run kings in MLB history. Any collector would be thrilled to own this iconic piece of baseball memorabilia.
Another highly sought after rookie card is that of future 500 home run club member Mark McGwire from his 1986 season with the Oakland A’s. Known by the nickname “Big Mac,” McGwire went on to set the single season home run record in 1998. His rookie card shows him in the classic green and gold A’s uniform and is considered one of the best-looking designs from the 1986 set. Pristine copies can sell for well over $1,000 given McGwire’s legendary career and status in the game. For A’s fans and collectors of power hitters, this is a truly special card to own.
Staying in Oakland, the 1986 Topps card of slugger Jose Canseco is also a highly valuable rookie card. Canseco made his major league debut in 1985 but is considered a rookie in the 1986 set since he had fewer than the minimum at-bats to avoid rookie status that season. Known for his musclebound physique and prodigious power, Canseco helped lead the A’s “Bash Brothers” attack alongside McGwire. High grade versions of his rookie card frequently sell for four figures.
Continuing with the theme of future Hall of Famers and their rookie cards, the 1986 Topps issue of Tom Glavine is also highly sought after. Glavine made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1987 but is found in the ’86 set as a rookie. He would go on to win 305 games and two Cy Young Awards over a storied career. Near mint copies can sell for $500 or more. For Braves fans and collectors of elite pitchers, Glavine’s rookie card holds significant appeal.
In addition to star rookie cards, the 1986 Topps set features several iconic veterans and active players that remain popular with collectors today. For example, the card of Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg shows him in the midst of one of his finest seasons en route to being named the 1984 National League MVP. High grade versions regularly sell for well over $100. Another Cubs star, Andre Dawson, also has a very desirable card from his 1986 season when he was named NL MVP. Both of these cards attract Cubs fans and collectors looking for pieces from some of the franchise’s all-time great players.
For collectors focused on power hitters, the 1986 Topps card of slugger Mike Schmidt is a true gem. As a three-time NL MVP and one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history, Schmidt’s playing career was nearing its end in 1986. But his card remains popular for collectors appreciating his Hall of Fame caliber stats. Near mint copies can sell for $75 or more. Fellow power brokers like Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets and slugging outfielder Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds also have iconic ’86 Topps cards that hold value.
Of course, no discussion of the 1986 Topps set would be complete without mentioning the card of “The Hammer” Hank Aaron in his post-playing career as manager of the Atlanta Braves. As baseball’s all-time home run king at the time of his retirement, Aaron’s presence and leadership for the Braves makes his ’86 manager card an extremely desirable piece of memorabilia. High grades can easily fetch $100+ on the secondary market. Whether for his playing career accomplishments or status with the Braves franchise, Aaron’s ’86 Topps card is a highly coveted piece.
While the 1986 Topps set features over 700 total cards as is standard for most annual issues, there are numerous standouts that have stood the test of time and remain favorites with collectors today. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Bonds, McGwire, Glavine and more anchor the set as truly valuable historic issues. Meanwhile, icons like Schmidt, Sandberg, Dawson and Aaron continue attracting collectors appreciating their careers and status within the game. For these reasons, the 1986 Topps set endures as one of the most iconic releases that intertwines stars of the past and present in the hobby.
