The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most coveted issues in the modern era by collectors. Coming on the heels of a historic season in 1985 that saw Don Mattingly’s hitting prowess and Pete Rose’s chase of Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record, the ’86 Topps cards captured the sport at the peak of its popularity. Condition and demand have also played a major role in driving values sky-high for select rookie and star cards over the past few decades. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable 1986 Topps baseball cards on the market today based on condition, significance, and recent auction prices:
Roger Clemens (#170) – The Rocket’s rookie card is arguably the crown jewel of the entire ’86 set. Clemens went on to become one of the greatest pitchers of all time, capturing 7 Cy Young Awards and setting numerous career records. High-grade Clemens rookies in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition have been known to fetch upwards of $10,000. One PSA 10 Gem Mint example sold for a record $35,150 at auction in 2021, highlighting this card’s elite status.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#481) – Junior’s rookie is a true holy grail for many collectors thanks to his iconic image, swing, and playing career. Griffey lived up to the hype as one of the finest outfielders and players in baseball history. PSA 10 examples are extremely scarce and prices have climbed into the stratosphere, with a gold-labeled 1/1 variant selling for $3.12 million in 2016. Even “average” high-grade NM-MT copies go for $3,000-$5,000.
Mark McGwire (#87) – Big Mac’s first Topps card holds tremendous value as one of the earliest indicators of his massive home run potential. McGwire went on to smash the single-season home run record in 1998 and revolutionized the game. PSA 10 Gem Mint McGwire rookies now sell for $2,000-$3,000 while high-grade NM-MT copies still reach $500-$1,000.
Don Mattingly (#218) – The outstanding 1984 and 1985 seasons by Mattingly as the Yankees captain made his rookie card a hot commodity. As one of the elite hitters of the 1980s, high-grade Mattingly rookies in NM-MT condition consistently sell for $800-$1,500. A PSA 10 recently brought in an impressive $2,270.
Wally Joyner (#481) – While Joyner had a fine career as a player, it’s his card number that gives this issue legend status. Sharing the same #481 as Griffey’s super-rare and insanely expensive rookie made the Joyner almost a modern-day counterpart. PSA 10 examples recently sold for around $500 since the card occupies a fun spot in baseball card lore.
Bob Horner (#105) – Horner finished third in ROY voting in 1978 and was one of the most hyped prospects of the early 80s. His rookie card carries value due to that excitement and status as one of the big “name” rookies in ’86 Topps. High-grade NM-MT Horner rooks go for $200-$300.
Tom Glavine (#557) – The 300-game winning lefty’s rookie was far from the chase card in ’86 but has gained ground as one of the more affordable Hall of Famer issues. NM-MT Glavine rooks consistently sell in the $75-150 range on the secondary market.
Rickey Henderson (#1) – Hendo was already a three-time All-Star and stolen base machine by 1986. Considered one of, if not the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, his vintage cards hold value. The #1 card position also adds prestige and his rookies have sold for $75-$150 in high grades.
Other notables like Will Clark (#120), Barry Larkin (#180), and Vince Coleman (#551) have also gained popularity as those players etched their names into baseball history. 1986 Topps as a whole broke new ground by using a photo on every card versus alternating with drawings. This innovative change has kept the design fresh and collectible over 35 years later. For serious vintage baseball card investors, a high-quality ’86 Topps collection remains a lucrative long-term hold.
