The 1984 OPC baseball card set is considered one of the most coveted issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While packs of these cards could easily be found at convenience stores and drug stores for cheap during their original release, certain rookie cards and stars of the era have risen tremendously in value in the decades since. The economic boom of the 1980s led to overproduction of cards which has since turned many of these issues into bargain buys at yard sales and flea markets. Savvy collectors realized some key rookies and Hall of Famers were embedded in the 1984 OPC set and have since gained cult status. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after 1984 OPC baseball cards:
Ryne Sandberg (#183) – The Cubs second baseman was in his early prime years in 1984 and considered the best at his position in the National League. His stellar all-around play was recognized with the 1984 MVP award. As a result, his rookie card from OPC is one of the most iconic and valuable from the whole junk wax era. In near mint to mint condition, uncompared Sandberg rookies currently sell for $500-$1,000. Higher graded gems in the PSA 8-10 range can reach $2,000+. His market remains strong thanks to his Hall of Fame induction in 2005.
Don Mattingly (#166) – At age 23 in 1984, Mattingly was already putting together his resume as the best hitter in baseball. He went on to win the AL MVP and batting title that season. His clean cut looks and admirable work ethic made him a fan favorite as well. Mattingly’s OPC rookie has continued rising in demand from collectors and investors. Uncompared copies in mint condition grade from $300-500, while PSA/BGS 9s and 10s have recently sold online auctions for $1,000-$2,000. With 630 career home runs to his name, Mattingly is viewed as a true slugging star of the 80s and his card remains a hot commodity.
Dwight Gooden (#122) – In just his second big league season at age 19, Gooden was already establishing himself as one of the most unhittable and dominant pitchers in baseball history. After winning Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the Cy Young award in 1985, Gooden captured the imagination of fans everywhere. His OPC rookie card, with his youthful smile and ball cap slightly askew, became the poster boy for the entire era. Pristine mint versions command $250-$500 each, with near-gem PSA 8s reaching into the thousands. Higher pop 1 and 2 graded gems have even brought $5,000 or more in group breaks and large auctions. Over 30 years later, Doc’s rookie is still the most coveted and iconic of the set.
Ozzie Smith (#138) – As a four-time Gold Glove winner by 1984, “The Wizard” was establishing himself as the greatest defensive shortstop who ever lived. Playing in smaller market St. Louis also meant he flew under the national radar somewhat compared to East coast stars. This all adds up to Smith’s relatively low printed OPC rookie remaining affordable for most collectors to own.Near mint copies in the $100-$150 range are steady sellers. Higher quality examples show more upside, with PSA 9s valued at $500-1000 currently. Tallying over 1,500 career stolen bases as well also gives this card blue chip status.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#173) – While he was only a lightly-touted prospect in 1984, Ripken was already showcasing the work ethic and talent that would later earn him the iconic “Iron Man” nickname. His OPC rookie maintains value based on Ripken breaking Gehrig’s consecutive games played record in 1995. Near mint copies sell for $75-$150 regularly. Higher quality PSA/BGS 8s and 9s reach $300-$500. With Ripken cementing his Cooperstown status, his early card remains a bargain for those not able or willing to pay four-figure prices for other stars.
Kirby Puckett (#154) – Puckett was in his sophomore MLB season in 1984 but was already impressing Twins fans with his five-tool ability and contagious smile. He later led Minnesota to two World Series titles. Thanks to his enduring popularity in the Twin Cities, Puckett’s OPC rookie holds strong secondary market demand. Quality copies in the $75-$150 range reflect his great success and popularity, though supplies are more readily available than the superstar rookies. Strong condition 9s can still bring $300+ when they pop up.
Roger Clemens (#64) -Though just a rookie himself in 1984, the “Red Rocket” was already showcasing the stuff that would earn him a record seven Cy Young awards. Clemens dominated the AL for decades as arguably the greatest pitcher of his generation. His muscular physique and scowling competitiveness popped off the OPC card. Pristine mint comps fetch $150-300, with near-gem 8s in the $400-700 range. Only a short window for collecting his early years adds cachet compared to his longer playing career options.
Willie Hernández (#198) – In one of the biggest out-of-nowhere performances ever, the little-known reliever virtually carried the 1984 Tigers to a World Series title. He took home AL Cy Young and MVP honors as a result. These astronomical accomplishments, plus the surprise factor, make his seemingly mundane OPC issue incredibly rare and coveted. Just a handful are estimated to even exist in pristine mint condition. A true unicorn card that could challenge six-figure prices should the right motivated collector surface.
Dave Stieb (#230) – Beyond all logic and odds, the journeyman pitcher appeared on the cover of the 1984 OPC set despite never even making the majors. He remains the single most curious oddity from the era. While worthless from a statistical standpoint, his goofy grin and atypical cover placement lend this card cult status. Speculators have paid hundreds just to own the novelty of it all. An undeniably weird part of the set’s lore.
While rack packs of 1984 OPC cards can still be purchased online relatively cheaply today, certain key rookie cards and stars have stood the test of time in demand. Savvy collectors who purchased pristine examples grading 8, 9 or 10 years ago for spare change have seen incredible appreciation. With baseball’s healthy nostalgia and memorabilia markets, marquee names from the 1980s like Gooden, Ripken, and Sandberg ensure their early issues remain blue-chip investments decades later as well. The 1984 OPC set endures as one of the most storied of the junk wax period due its perfect storm of rookie phenoms, Hall of Famers, and off-beat oddities to discover.
