The 1986 Topps mini baseball cards were the first mini card set released by Topps since 1974. The set included 252 total cards and featured all Major League players and managers from the 1985 season. While not the most famous or popular release from the 1980s, the 1986 Topps mini set contains some of the most valuable individual cards for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the priciest ’86 mini cards that fetch big money today when in top condition.
One of the true crown jewels from the ’86 mini set is the Mike Schmidt card #165. Schmidt was already a surefire Hall of Famer by 1986 during his playing days with the Philadelphia Phillies. What makes his mini card so desirably is that it was one of the lowest printed cards in the entire set. Serious estimates suggest there may only be 10-20 PSA/BGS graded gem mint copies in existence today, making it exponentially rare compared to other stars from the era. In a PSA 10 mint condition, Schmidt’s mini card can sell for well over $10,000. Even moderately played lower grade copies still sell for $1,000+.
Another ultra-rare pull from packs in 1986 was Nolan Ryan’s #221 card. Like Schmidt, supplies of Ryan’s card were incredibly limited during the original production run. He was in the midst of racking up no-hitters and strikeouts records as one of the most dominant pitchers who ever lived. Fewer than 20 PSA 10 copies are believed to exist of the Ryan mini. These mint condition pieces have sold at auction for $8,000-$12,000 individually. Even well-centered, but lower graded copies still demand north of $500 due to the infamy of the player and scarcity of high quality examples surviving decades of handling.
Aside from the true short-print legends, some other notable 1980s stars with valuable ’86 mini cards include Dwight Gooden #105, Roger Clemens #156, Ozzie Smith #185 and Kirby Puckett #222. Gooden’s rookie card from his dominating 1985 season as a Met earns between $500-1000 for a PSA 10. The Rocket’s Clemens mini in top shape has sold for over $3,000. Future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith’s defensive prowess had already made him a fan favorite by 1986. His near-mint to mint mini cards cost a minimum $400-500. Kirby Puckett’s mini, issued after his breakout 1985 campaign that saw him voted AL Rookie of the Year, has sold for up to $1,500 in PSA 10 condition.
In addition to superstar player cards, the 1986 Topps mini set also contains some coveted manager and rookie cards that hold great appeal for collectors. Bobby Cox’s #206 managers card is notable as one of the true short-prints from the set, with experts estimating single digit PSA 10 populations. Cox would go on to become one of the most respected skippers in baseball history during his long Braves tenure. High grades of his mini have sold for over $1,000. Another scarce managerial mini is #235 Gene Mauch. Just a handful are believed to exist in pristine PSA 10 condition, with values approaching $800-$1000 each.
On the rookie front, starters Jose Canseco #115, Lenny Dykstra #126 and Wally Joyner #242 can all fetch $200-$500 in top grades. But the true blue chip 1986 Topps mini rookie is Roger Clemens again with his first MLB issue #156 card. As one of the most dominant pitchers ever, mint Clemens rookies continue rising in value. A PSA 10 recently crossed $3,000 at auction. Even raw or lower graded copies still sell briskly for $150-$300 despite the player’s tarnished reputation later in his career.
While the 1986 Topps minis set lacks the mainstream nostalgia of the classic 1987 flagship issue, it contains some true overlooked gems awaiting rediscovery. Superstar short-prints like Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan lead the pack in value potential upwards of $10,000-$12,000 for pristine copies. Other top ranked HOF players from the era like Gooden, Clemens, Smith and Puckett also return strong numbers. Plus, the scarcity of select rookie hits and managerial issues adds fascinating nuance. For savvy collectors, the ’86 minis provide a fun avenue to explore the high-end vintage market on a more affordable scale compared to the flagships of that decade. With careful grading, even common issues can appreciate over the long-haul as the product ages.
