Tag Archives: 1980s

BEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. Wax packs were everywhere and the hobby exploded in popularity. While stars like Rickey Henderson and Wade Boggs were well established by the end of the decade, the ’80s gave collectors some of the most iconic rookie cards in the history of the sport. With skyrocketing prices and Hall of Fame talents, these rookie cards from the 1980s stand out as particularly valuable.

Perhaps the most coveted rookie card of the entire decade is the 1984 Topps Traded Fernando Valenzuela. El Toro debuted in spectacular fashion for the Dodgers in 1981, winning Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young award while leading LA to a World Series title. His true rookie card wasn’t released until 1984 due to a players’ strike. Only appearing in packs late in the season, the card’s rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors. In near-mint condition, examples regularly sell for over $10,000 today.

Another Dodgers phenom, Orel Hershiser, also debuted in the 1980s. Like Valenzuela, Hershiser won both the Cy Young and World Series MVP in 1988. But collectors look to his much more available 1985 Fleer rookie card. While not as scarce, it remains iconic for capturing Hershiser early in his career. Graded gems can reach $500-1000. Hershiser went on to dominate for over a decade, making his rookie one of the more valuable from the decade.

The rookie card class of 1987 may be the strongest and most top-heavy of any year. Two of the most prolific hitters of all-time debuted. Ken Griffey Jr’s upper deck rookie is one of the most iconic cards ever printed. High-grade versions rarely sell for under $1000. Meanwhile, Barry Bonds’ rookie card from the same set also fetches big money today. The duo defined the late 80s and 90s, making their rookies some of the best long term investments from the decade.

Staying in 1987, another Hall of Famer debuted – Tim Raines of the Montreal Expos. Like Bonds and Griffey, Raines’ star shone bright for over two decades in the majors. His rookie card from Fleer is highly regarded by collectors. In gem mint condition, it can sell for over $500. Raines was a dynamic player whose skills have become more appreciated in recent years, adding to the cachet of his rookie card.

While Toronto’s Joe Carter burst onto the scene a bit later, his 1983 Topps Traded rookie card stands out. Carter’s three decade career culminated in one of the most famous World Series walk-off home runs ever. That legacy makes his early card desirable. High grades have sold for upwards of $400. The Traded set itself is also highly coveted by collectors seeking early 80s rookies.

Rounding out the decade, San Diego’s Benito Santiago established himself as one of the game’s premier catchers. His 1987 Topps rookie is iconic for its vibrant photo and Santiago going on to five All-Star appearances. Near-mint examples regularly sell between $150-250. The card serves as a reminder of the Padres’ excitement before Tony Gwynn’s later success.

The 1980s launched the careers of many future Hall of Famers and MVPs whose rookie cards remain some of the most valuable in the hobby. From rare beauties like Valenzuela to ubiquitous classics like Griffey Jr., these rookies encapsulate why the decade marked the golden age of baseball cards. Today, they’re prized investments being driven ever higher by nostalgia and the legends they portray in their early days. For collectors, none represent the 1980s baseball card boom better than these seminal rookies.

1980S ERROR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980s were a golden era for error baseball cards. As the hobby began to boom in popularity thanks to advanced printing techniques and the introduction of highly collectible sets like Topps, production mistakes led to some of the rarest and most valuable cardboard in the sport’s history finding their way into circulation.

One of the most iconic error cards from the decade came in 1983 Topps. In one of the set’s sheets, the photo of Carlton Fisk was accidentally placed in the slot for Joe Morgan’s card. Only a handful are known to exist today in collectors’ hands, with one PSA-graded example recently selling at auction for over $100,000.card for the Cincinnati Reds legend instead briefly featured “Jolting” Joe posing behind the plate in Fisk’s catcher’s gear.

Another widely talked about mistake occurred in 1985 Topps. Due to an error made during the printing process, Dave Parker’s card was accidentally given the statistics and back information pertaining to Keith Hernandez. While Parker and Hernandez were established veteran players at the time, the rarity of this error has made one of the few known swaps one of the most valuable cards from the ’85 set on the resale market.

Perhaps the most abundant mistake came in 1987 Topps. Due to mistakes in the computerized statistics database at the time, around a dozen players had some of their stats incorrectly listed on their cards. Notable examples included Don Baylor having his 1986 stats shown instead of ‘87, and Bob Horner having multiple statistics transposed. Though more prevalent than other errors, high-grade examples with correct stats remain quite valuable to dedicated collectors.

Beyond statistical and photographic mix-ups, shortprinted cards were another source of accidents. In 1986 Topps, former American League MVP Dale Murphy’s card was dramatically under-printed, with specialists estimating less than 10% of series 2 boxes contained his card. The resulting scarcity has made even low-grade examples highly coveted items. A similar case occurred with Oakland Athletics ace Dave Stewart in the 1987 set, with only a small fraction of products containing his paper.

Among the rarest mistakes were cases where cards were just simply missing or replaced entirely. In 1982 Topps, Boston Red Sox star Jim Rice was inadvertently left out of his team’s set checklist, with his intended slot seemingly replaced by an extra card of Detroit Tigers pitcher Dan Schatzeder. Similarly, Cal Ripken Jr. was left out of the Baltimore Orioles’ 1984 Topps team issued set, though Topps corrected the mistake and issued make-up cards. Perhaps most attention-grabbing of all, an uncorrected printing plate from 1978 caused Tommy John not to appear at all despite being featured prominently on the set’s design artwork.

While less common than in later generations of releases, the manufacturing errors that did arise in the boom years of the 1980s created some of the most novel and remarkable aberrations the hobby has seen. Advanced printing added complexity and opportunities for mistakes, and those slips remain prized trophies almost 40 years later for dedicated collectors seeking the rarest cardboard from baseball’s past. As production scales increased, so too did chances for one-of-a-kind anomalies – ensuring the decade left an indelible mark on the appeal and allure of faulty yet fascinating error cards.

HIGHEST VALUE BASEBALL CARDS 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative era for collectible baseball cards. During this decade, the proliferation of new products and increased interest in card collecting led to skyrocketing values for the most coveted cards from the time period. While thousands of different 1980s baseball cards exist, some clearly stand out as the most iconic and valuable from the decade. Let’s take an in-depth look at the highest value baseball cards from the 1980s.

1981 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card: Cal Ripken Jr.’s rookie card is considered one of the true “holy grails” of baseball cards. Only about 100 copies of the 1981 Fleer Ripken Rookie exist in gem mint condition. Given Ripken’s Hall of Fame career and the extreme rarity of high-grade copies, PSA 10 and BGS 9.5 gem mint Ripken rookies currently sell for anywhere between $50,000-$150,000 depending on conditions and recent auction results. Even well-worn low-grade copies still sell for thousands due to the card’s immense nostalgia and importance in the hobby. Ripken’s iconic rookie instantly became one of the most valuable cards ever produced upon his breakout season in 1982.

1985 Fleer Kirby Puckett Rookie Card: Kirby Puckett enjoyed a stellar career as a slugging center fielder for the Minnesota Twins, earning 6 All-Star selections and winning two World Series championships. His rookie card from Fleer’s 1985 set became one of the most coveted cards for Twins fans and collectors. In high grades of PSA 8 or above, Puckett’s rookie has sold at auction for $15,000-$30,000 due to its rarity and Puckett’s enduring popularity. Even low-grade copies still sell for $500-$1,000 based purely on nostalgia. The 1985 Fleer Puckett Rookie remains symbolic of 80s Twins fandom to this day.

1986 Fleer Barry Bonds Rookie Card: Widely considered one of the top three rookies cards of all-time along with the Griffey Jr. and Mickey Mantle rookies, Barry Bonds’ 1986 Fleer card captured the start of what became one of the greatest careers in baseball history. Bonds shattered virtually every relevant home run record and won a record seven MVP awards. His rookie card skyrocketed in value accordingly. High-grade PSA 10 examples have sold for upwards of $100,000, with BGS 9.5 copies also reaching five figures. Even well-worn PSA 5 copies sell for $1,000 due to the rarity of any Bonds rookie on the market. With its unprecedented player, the 1986 Fleer Bonds rookie is truly one of the crown jewels of the entire baseball card collecting world.

1987 Topps Traded Eric Davis Rookie Card: Eric “Erv” Davis developed a cult following during his peak years with the Cincinnati Reds in the late 1980s due to his spectacular athleticism and five-tool abilities. While he had previous cards in 1984 and 1985 Topps sets, the 1987 Topps Traded issue was truly Davis’ definitive rookie card. Higher graded PSA 10 copies with the classic horizontal “Traded” logo have reached auction prices above $10,000. Even average condition PSA 5 copies still sell for $1,000-$1,500 based on Davis’ popularity and the general scarcity of this specific rookie issue on the market today. For Reds fans and collectors of 80s talent alike, the Eric Davis Traded rookie remains a highly coveted piece.

1988 Fleer Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the most iconic baseball card of all-time, Ken Griffey Jr.’s legendary rookie captured the arrival of “The Kid” on the scene in 1988. With his effortless left-handed swing and trademark hat flap, Griffey was an instant star in Seattle. His rookie card from 1988 Fleer skyrocketed in value as Griffey’s career progressed, reaching previously unfathomable heights. Pristine PSA 10 copies have sold at auction for an astounding $340,000-$500,000. Even well-worn PSA 5 versions still fetch five-figure prices due to the extreme demand for any Griffey rookie on the market. Simply put, no other baseball card is more recognizable or valuable than the 1988 Fleer Griffey rookie, which remains the benchmark for any future generation of collectors.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Card: While Griffey had established star power by 1989, the emergence of the innovative Upper Deck brand brought even more attention to one of its early star subjects. Griffey’s Upper Deck card from the company’s debut set became an instant collector favorite due to the brand’s unparalleled quality, photography, and design sensibilities. High-end PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies in pristine shape have sold at auction for $25,000-$40,000. The Griffey-Upper Deck pairing perfectly captures the dawning of a new era in the card collecting space. The 1989 version remains a supremely valuable and nostalgic piece for hobbyists.

1990 Topps Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Upon arriving in Chicago, Frank Thomas immediately established himself as the premier power hitter of the 1990s. His iconic muscular physique and no-nonsense style of hitting translated perfectly to card collecting popularity. While the market was initially flooded with Thomas rookies from 1990 Topps, low-population high-grade examples have gained immense value over time based on Thomas’ Hall of Fame career and the general spike in interest around rookie cards from the late 80s-early 90s. A BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 Thomas rookie is now worth $6,000-$10,000 to discerning collectors looking for a true piece of baseball history from that era. Even average mid-grade copies sell for $100-$300 regularly due to recognition of Thomas’ impact.

This covers some of the most significant highest value baseball cards produced during the 1980s. While condition and demand have meaningful impacts on current prices, these examples showcase iconic players, brands, and rookie issues that truly define collecting from that transformative decade in the hobby. With their powerful combination of historical nostalgia, on-field greatness, and supply/demand principles, the cards profiled here remain undisputed leaders amongst dedicated vintage collectors. The 1980s bore witness to tremendous growth in popularity for sports cards, and these prized items highlight that era’s enduring impact.

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MOST VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for the hobby of baseball card collecting. Throughout the ’80s, interest in card collecting exploded due to rising player salaries, free agency, and a boom of television coverage of the sport. As collecting grew more popular, certain rookie cards and stars of the era skyrocketed in value. While it may seem like ancient history now, cards from the 1980s remain extremely desirable for collectors and offer a unique window into that memorable time in baseball. Some of the most coveted and valuable cards from the decade include:

1981 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T79): This infamous Nolan Ryan rookie card from his express years with the Angels is one of the true holy grails of the hobby. Only 35 copies are known to exist in pristine gem mint condition. In January 2022, one copy in near-mint condition fetched $480,000 at auction, showing the incredible demand for this legendary piece of cardboard. Due to its rarity and subject being one of the greatest pitchers ever, mint T79 Ryans in a PSA 10 gem could sell for over $1 million.

1985 Fleer Sticker Michael Jordan (#57): While not a baseball card, Jordan’s rookie basketball card remains supremely desirable to collectors due to His Airness’ worldwide fame and cultural impact. Only 116 copies are known to exist in theultra-elite PSA GEM MT 10 grade. In October 2021, one such copy sold for a record $10.1 million at auction, showing that this tiny sticker looms large in the world of collectibles. The 1985 Fleer Jordan is arguably the single most valuable trading card in existence today.

1988 Score Griffey Jr. (#361): The rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr., possibly the most talented player of his generation, has long been a tremendously sought-after issue. Considered one of if not the best overall athletes ever to play baseball, demand for Junior’s iconic smiling rookie remains strong many years after his playing days. High grades have realized six-figure prices in recent memory. A PSA 10 could bring over $100,000 at auction given Griffey’s legendary status and the card’s attractive design showcasing his signature swooping hat.

1986 Fleer Update Kirk Gibson (#US66): Arguably the single most iconic playoff moment in baseball history occurred when injured Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson limped up and crushed a walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Naturally, collector interest in his rookie card skyrocketed afterwards. PSA 10 pristine copies regularly sell for $5,000-10,000 due to their rarity, Gibson’s legend, and association with one of the most famous home runs ever hit. Lower graded versions also still fetch four-figure sums.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. (#1): The debut of Upper Deck revolutionized the baseball card industry by utilizing innovative cutting-edge designs and far higher production quality than the entrenched “Big Three” manufacturers. Naturally, the premier card in their inaugural amazing set was none other than the rookie of Junior. Pristine PSA 10 copies have reached over $50,000 at auction. Even well-centered examples in PSA 9 sell for five figures. No list of desirable 1980s cards is complete without mentioning the card that started the Upper Deck phenomenon.

1983 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. (#83T): Commonly referred to as the “Iron Man” due to his record consecutive games played streak, Cal Ripken Jr. broke into the majors with the same Baltimore franchise he would wow for over two decades. High grades of his sophomore Traded issue, which featured an action pose and correct Orioles uniform, have sold for high four-figure sums. Even raw copies still fetch thousands due to Ripken’s Baltimore icon status and the card’s underprinted rarity compared to his more common rookies.

1984 Fleer Update Don Mattingly (#U19): Before injuries slowed his career, slugging first baseman Donnie Baseball appeared poised to break countless hitting records while patrolling Yankee Stadium. His ‘84 Fleer Update rookie depicts him admiring a long ball and perfectly represents the promise of his early years. PSA 10s have brought over $3,000 in the auction marketplace. Well-centered raw copies can still sell for $150-300. Mattingly’s iconic early stardom keeps interest high in this pretty but fairly common issue.

1986 Topps Traded Barry Bonds (#30T): Many consider Barry Bonds the greatest hitter in baseball history thanks to his prowess at breaking records. This Traded issue from his Pirates days is one of just a few cards before his mammoth San Francisco contracts arrived. Pristine PSA 10s of the action shot have sold for up to $6,000 in recent auctions. Even a well-centered raw card can realize $100-200 despite Bonds’ controversial later career developments. His sheer on-field dominance guarantees collector demand for early cardboard.

1987 Fleer Update Roger Clemens (#U15): Arguably the greatest pitching presence of the late 20th century, “Rocket” Roger Clemens dazzled on the mound for over two decades. This nice close-up rookie from his early Red Sox tenure offers a key early image. PSA 10s tend to sell for $1,000-2000, confirming strong continuing interest in one of baseball’s true power pitcher legends. Even lower grades still find buyers for several hundred dollars or more due to Clemens’ pitching brilliance and the card’s attractive design.

While dated, cards from the transformative 1980s decade remain a vital area of focus for serious collectors and investors. The stars, rookies, and key early issues depicted in attractive designs on these cardboard reliqs offer a transportive link to that memorable era in baseball history before massive media deals and financial contracts redefined the sport. With the continued growth of the collecting population and nostalgia for that period, flagship cards will likely retain and possibly increase their collecting value for many years to come. The most desirable of the lot can realize truly astonishing prices when high-quality examples become available to the public.

1980S TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1980s was a transformative decade for the hobby of baseball card collecting. While the 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of the modern baseball card era, fueled by the affordable wax packs sold in stores, the 1980s is when collecting really took off. This was due to a few key factors – the rise of the secondary market where cards could be bought, sold and traded, increased production quality and rarity of certain cards, and the emergence of superstar players who captured the public’s imagination.

As such, the 1980s produced many of the most valuable and sought-after baseball cards of all time. Here are some of the most notable examples from the 1980s Topps sets that can fetch huge prices today, often well into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for pristine, graded examples.

1981 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. RC (#81T-81T)
Future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. had one of the most storied careers in baseball history as an iron man shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. His rookie card comes from the 1981 Topps Traded set, which had a much lower print run compared to the base set, making it far more scarce. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, this RC has sold for over $30,000, with most graded copies bringing $5,000-$10,000.

1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. (#82T-81T)
Ripken also had an even rarer short print card in the 1982 Topps Traded set. This parallel version of his 1981 RC is incredibly tough to find in high grade, with the population reports showing only a handful in PSA 10. As a true key card for any Ripken collection, examples have sold for $20,000+ in pristine condition.

1984 Topps Traded Wade Boggs RC (#84T-1)
Hall of Famer Wade Boggs made his MLB debut in 1982 but didn’t have a standard rookie card until 1984 Topps. He did have an ultra-short print card in the 1984 Topps Traded set, which is one of the most valuable RCs from the decade. High grade copies regularly sell for $5,000+, with a PSA 10 recently bringing over $15,000 at auction.

1985 Topps Mark McGwire RC (#238)
Before he broke baseball’s single season home run record, Mark McGwire was one of the game’s hottest young slugging prospects in the mid-1980s as a member of the Oakland A’s. His rookie card from the flagship 1985 Topps set is a must-have for any collection, with PSA 10s selling for $3,000+ and raw copies going for $1,000 or more.

1986 Topps Barry Bonds RC (#481)
One of the most dominant players ever, Barry Bonds’ rookie card comes from the 1986 Topps set. Like McGwire, Bonds was just starting to make a name for himself in the mid-80s. Pristine PSA 10 copies of his iconic RC have sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered raw copies can fetch $500+.

1987 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#87T-1)
Legendary flamethrower Nolan Ryan was in his late career during the 1980s but still racking up strikeouts as a member of the Houston Astros. His short print card in the 1987 Topps Traded set, showing his iconic high leg kick windup, is one of the most valuable from the decade. PSA 10s have sold for well over $10,000.

1988 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. RC (#91)
The Kid himself, Ken Griffey Jr., had one of the best pure swings in baseball history. His iconic rookie card from the flagship 1988 Topps set is among the most sought after RCs ever issued. High grade copies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $20,000, with most graded copies bringing $3,000-$5,000. Even well-centered raw copies can go for $1,000+.

1989 Topps Frank Thomas RC (#166)
Big Hurt Frank Thomas was one of the most feared power hitters of the 1990s. His rookie card comes from the 1989 Topps set near the end of the decade. Like many young star RCs of the time, it has increased steadily in value over the years. PSA 10s have sold for over $10,000, with most graded copies in the $2,000-5,000 range.

So in summary – whether it’s rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ripken, Boggs, McGwire, Bonds, Griffey and Thomas, or iconic veterans like Ryan, the 1980s produced many of the most valuable baseball cards ever due to the talent featured and increased collecting popularity. With the vintage appeal and nostalgia they carry, graded gems from the decade regularly sell for thousands or even tens of thousands to dedicated collectors and investors. The 1980s truly marked baseball cards’ ascent into the modern collecting era.

1980S MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1980s was a transformative decade for the baseball card collecting hobby. Interest in collecting cards skyrocketed during this era as the hobby transitioned from the realm of children to an investment vehicle appealing to adults as well. Several cards from the 1980s have emerged as enormously valuable today due to their rarity, attachment to legendary players, or association with iconic moments and teams from that memorable period in baseball history. Below are profiles of some of the most valuable and sought-after baseball cards issued during the 1980s based on their current market valuations.

The highest valued baseball card of the 1980s is undoubtedly the incredibly scarce 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA Gem Mint 10. Though not technically issued in the ‘80s, the iconic Mantle rookie had already achieved legendary status by then. Only about 50 copies are known to exist in pristine PSA 10 condition, driving values over $2 million today. The card’s rarity and subject – “The Mick” is arguably baseball’s most popular star of all-time – propelled it to the apex of the hobby. Other exceedingly rare pre-1980s cards like the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth and T206 Honus Wagner also crack the all-time top 10 most valuable due to their antiquity and low survival numbers.

Within cards actually produced during the 1980s, perhaps the single most coveted by collectors is the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card. Considered the holy grail of basketball cards, an excellent condition Jordan rookie in a PSA 10 grade is worth at least $100,000. Its status stems from capturing “Air Jordan” at the very start of his globally iconic career with the Chicago Bulls that would define the 1990s NBA. Other sought-after 1980s basketball rookies include Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing cards from 1984-85 Fleer and Topps sets worth $3,000-$5,000 each graded PSA 10.

Turning to 1980s baseball cards, one of the rarest and highest valued from the decade is the 1974 “Knuckleball” Wilbur Wood card from the 1973 Topps set. Only 11 perfect PSA 10 examples are known to exist of this iconic variation that depicted Wood throwing his infamous knuckleball pitch. One sold for over $25,000 in a recent PWCC auction. Other exceptionally scarce pre-1980 Topps variations like the 1967 Roberto Clemente car flipper and 1968 Johnny Bench rookie parallel have attained values up to $15,000 in gem condition as well due to their elusiveness.

One of the true superstars to emerge in the 1980s was Toronto Blue Jays slugger Joe Carter. His rookie season was 1983, and his 1983 Topps rookie card has proven quite collectible, breaking the $1,000 threshold for a PSA 10 graded copy. Carter’s card memorializes his early years with theBlue Jays before winning a World Series with the 1992-93 Toronto teams. Other sought-after rookie cards from 1983 Topps include Ryne Sandberg ($800 PSA 10), Wade Boggs ($600 PSA 10), and Darryl Strawberry ($500 PSA 10) capturing those future Hall of Famers in their initial MLB campaigns.

Yet no player had a larger impact on the baseball card market in the 1980s than Fernando Valenzuela. The Mexican-born Dodgers pitching sensation’s 1981 Topps rookie exploded onto the scene, fueling “Fernandomania” throughout Southern California. High-grade copies of Valenzuela’s iconic “Looie” caricatured rookie are valued around $750 today, a true marker of his influence and stardom from that seminal 1981 campaign that helped reinvigorate baseball fan interest. Other exceptional early 1980s Dodger rookie cards worth noting include Steve Garvey and Bill Russell from 1973 Topps at $300-$500 in PSA 10 condition.

As the 1980s progressed, rookies of emerging stars like Donruss Darryl Strawberry ($250 PSA 10), Topps Wade Boggs ($200 PSA 10), and Donruss Cal Ripken Jr. ($150 PSA 10) all began to appreciate in value as those players cemented their Hall of Fame careers. Ripken’s incredible streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive games became the stuff of legend, immortalized on his classic 1981 Donruss cardboard. Meanwhile, Darryl Strawberry shattered slugging records in the mid-1980s as a star for the New York Mets clubs that won the 1986 World Series.

Two additional highly valued1980s rookie cards center around notable 1987 campaigns – Mark McGwire’s from 1986 Topps ($150 PSA 10) and Juan González’s from 1986 Fleer Update ($200 PSA 10). McGwire burst out of the gates that year with a then rookie record 49 home runs, presaging his record-breaking home run chase alongside Sammy Sosa in 1998. Juan González’s card similarly marks the genesis of the slugger’s offensive dominance as an American League MVP for the Texas Rangers later that decade.

Shifting to team sets, the 2006 Topps set featuring the “27 Men Out” Chicago White Sox championship team holds lasting appeal for collectors a decade onward after theirStorybook season. High-grade copies of the Paul Konerko and Mark Buehrle key rookies reach $75-$100 each. Meanwhile, pristine examples of rookie stars like Craig Biggio from 1988 Topps ($150 PSA 10) cement that Houston Astros excellence and Kenny Lofton’s 1992 Topps Cubs card ($125 PSA 10) before his Hall of Fame career took off primarily with Cleveland.

Major league teams, broadcasters, and manufacturers also experimented with various oddball, unique, and inserts sets throughout the 1980s seeking to inject novelty into the booming hobby. Among the rarest and priciest, the 1989 Mother’s Cookies Ivan Calderon rookie sells for upwards of $150 in top condition due to the exceptionally small print run.

The 1980s ushered in baseball’s modern card collecting era as interest reached new peaks. Cards from this transformative decade attached to all-time great players, historic moments, and rare production variations are hugely coveted today by investors and enthusiasts alike. Prices remain robust for 1980s cardboard in top grades bearing signatures of the stars and stories that still enthral fans decades later.

SELLING 1980S BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling 1980s Baseball Cards: Tips for Maximizing Your Profit

The 1980s was a boom era for baseball cards, with huge rises in production and new sets constantly hitting the market each year. Many of the stars from this decade like Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs and Derek Jeter had their rookie cards released during this time period. As a result, 1980s baseball cards make up a substantial portion of card collections today and represent a prime vintage for potential profits. Successfully selling cards from this era requires strategic thinking and a good grasp of trends and demand in the current market. Here are some tips for maximizing your profits when looking to sell your 1980s baseball card collection.

Grading is Key

One of the most important factors that influences card value is the grade or condition of the card. The two main grading services that provide certified grades for baseball cards are PSA and BGS. Obtaining PSA or BGS slabs greatly enhances the appeal and selling price of high-end cards. For common and lower-valued 1980s cards, at minimum they should be evaluated and slabbed by a reputable third-party grading service like SGC. Take the time to have your key rookie cards and stars professionally graded to give buyers confidence in the condition and extract top dollar. Cards in mint condition from P10 to PSA 9 can be worth 10x or more than the same card in fair or worn condition.

Research Recent Sales Data

Check online auction sites like eBay to research recently sold listings of cards that match yours in terms of player, year, set, and grade. This will give you a realistic benchmark for estimating market value and setting a competitive asking price. Be sure to filter search results to only show items that have actually sold, not just open listings, to obtain relevant sale comps. Also check online price guides from websites like PSA and Beckett to get a ballpark starting value. Adjust higher or lower based on trends seen in recent auction sales. Proper pricing can be the difference between making a quick sale and having cards sit unsold.

Capitalize on Hot Rookies

Certain rookie cards from the 1980s have exploded in value in recent years as those players near or enter the Hall of Fame. Three examples that should command top dollar if graded nicely are the 1985 Topps Ken Griffey Jr., the 1987 Topps Barry Bonds, and the 1986 Fleer Bill Madlock. Always research Hall of Fame tracker sites to stay on top of induction possibilities that could create heightened demand for that player’s rookie card in the year leading up to announcement. Popular young stars today also drive interest in their 1980s rookies cards like the 1987 Topps Ben Sheets, so follow potential future HOFers as careers progress.

Slab Before Shipping

Whenever possible, have valuable cards you plan to sell professionally graded and encapsulated before listing them for sale. Shipping loose raw cards carries too much risk of damage or buyer claims of authenticity issues. Opting for slabs with tamper-evident seals reassures buyers, avoids potential disputes, and ensures cards arrive at their destination in the same certified condition described in the listing. The upfront grading cost is more than made up for by enabling higher sale prices for confident buyers. A damaged or flawed card in transit will severely hurt or eliminate its resale value.

Leverage Social Media and Online Forums

Post photos of your collection highlights on popular sportscard social media sites like Instagram to gain interest and exposure. Make sure to include the proper hashtags to be discoverable. You can also create a want list and search want lists of serious buyers to target direct messages showcasing cards that may fit collections. Be active in community forums and groups on Facebook as well to build familiarity with your username over time that can help close sales. Direct personal engagement allows buyers the peace of mind that comes with dealing with a trusted and experienced seller.

Provide Authenticity Guarantees

Boost confidence by including photographs of cards from multiple angles and under magnification in listings to show quality and convince collectors the item is legitimate. Offer a money back authenticity guarantee for at least 30 days after purchase to assuage fears over counterfeit risks, which are low for well-known 1980s issues but still a concern. You can also digitally live-sign cards permanently upon receipt to lock in provenance for the new owner. Such reassurances help justify premium price points especially for valuable vintage cards priced in four figures or higher.

Package Well For Transport

How cards arrive can make or break the whole experience. Pack protected in rigid toploaders inside a padded bubble mailer, using plenty of bubble wrap material to fill empty space. Secure cards firmly to avoid shifting during transit. Seal the mailer securely and use tracking to allow the buyer peace of mind their purchase journeyed safely. Consider insurance for high-value items. Poorly packaged cards risk damage in transit, returns, negative reviews—all hurting future sales. Take the small extra steps for presentation to keep buyers satisfied.

Leverage Multi-Platform Sales Avenues

List popular 1980s stars and rookie cards not just on eBay but also on peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist as well as specialty sportscard auction sites like Heritage Auctions. Cross-posting expands your potential audience and increases odds of finding the right enthusiastic collector. Consider consigning premium individual cards or full sets to a respected auction house to let firm experts market items on your behalf. They tap networks beyond individual efforts while charging commission only if the item ultimately sells.

With care put into grading, pricing research, promotion through social channels, and secure packaging & shipping, these tips can optimize the return achieved from selling your 1980s baseball card collection. Capitalizing on demand drivers like Hall of Fame candidacies or young stars continuing to generate fan interest keeps value increasing over the long term for investment pieces from this iconic era in the hobby’s history.

BECKETT TOP 100 BASEBALL CARDS OF THE 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. Production skyrocketed with the advent of wax packs and the increase of licensed major and minor league players. Beckett Baseball Card Monthly, the gold standard of the hobby, has meticulously tracked prices and demand for decades. According to their research and market analysis, here are the top 100 baseball cards of the 1980s based on demand, scarcity, and price appreciation:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The iconic Mantle rookie card takes the top spot due to its incredible rarity and significance in baseball history. Only a handful are known to exist in gem mint condition.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Aaron’s rookie card is exceptionally scarce in high grade and captures one of the game’s true home run kings at the start of his storied career.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The hobby’s most valuable card of all time, the elusive Wagner is the standard all other vintage cards are compared to. Only 50-200 are believed to exist.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the first modern baseball issues, Ruth’s iconic image makes this a supremely important piece of card history.

1914 Cracker Jack Honus Wagner – A more readily available Wagner variation than the famed T206 set, but still exceptionally rare in high grade with just a handful in existence.

1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig – Gehrig’s sole vintage issue captures the Iron Horse at the height of his powers. Like the Babe Ruth, it’s a cornerstone of the early modern card era.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s sole true rookie card from his record-setting career. It skyrocketed in value following his final retirement in 1993 and seventh no-hitter at age 46.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – One of the most infamous players due to the Black Sox Scandal finds his card highly desirable for vintage collectors.

1975 Topps Reggie Jackson – “Mr. October’s” sole true rookie card from his legendary career is remarkably scarce in high grade.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench – The future Hall of Famer’s second year card exploded in the 1990s as he neared Cooperstown. It remains a cornerstone of the 1970s set.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – Arguably the greatest all-around player finds his sophomore card highly sought after by collectors.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax – Capturing the legendary lefty at the start of his dominant run with the Dodgers. It skyrocketed in the 90s during Koufax’s Hall of Fame induction period.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle – One of the most iconic non-rookie Mantle images available to collectors. It established itself as a true star card of The Mick’s career.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente – A tragic ending only added to the legend and demand for Clemente’s sole true rookie card from his too-short Hall of Fame career.

1957 Topps Willie Mays – Highly attractive and one of the better Mays cards available from the golden era of the 1950s.

1969 Topps Tom Seaver – Seaver’s first card as a Met captured him at the start of his rookie of the year season and path to the Hall of Fame.

1969 Topps Johnny Bench – Bench’s true rookie card established him as a future star and remained a staple of the great 1960s/70s Cincinnati teams.

1969 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Yaz’s sole true rookie card is a landmark issue from one of the game’s most complete players at the time.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Bench’s spectacular sophomore card built on the popularity of his rookie and captured him winning the first of two MVP awards.

1974 Topps Mike Schmidt – Schmidt’s breakthrough rookie card came on the cusp of his emergence as one of the game’s greatest power hitters.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver – Seaver’s second year card built on the popularity of his rookie and captured him winning the first of three Cy Young awards.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – One of the earliest Koufax cards to capture the lefty dominating MLB batters as a pitching star.

1965 Topps Sandy Koufax – Perhaps Koufax’s most iconic card, it commemorated his first perfect game and dominant peak years.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s first card as an Angel, it perfectly captured the flamethrower at the start of his historic career.

1976 Topps George Brett – Brett’s breakthrough rookie established him as the future star third baseman of the Royals dynasty years.

1974 Topps Mike Schmidt – Schmidt’s true rookie card is remarkably scarce in high grade from a low printed set.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench – Bench’s stellar third year card remained hugely popular as collectors followed his ascension.

1977 Topps Reggie Jackson – One of Jackson’s most iconic Yankee cards from his legendary “Mr. October” World Series performances.

1966 Topps Sandy Koufax – A hugely popular Koufax issue from the height of his dominance in the mid-1960s.

1965 Topps Willie Mays – A fantastic Mays card at the peak of his career coming off a stellar 1964 season.

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s breakthrough Astros card perfectly captured him beginning to unleash his blazing fastball.

1984 Fleer Update Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken’s sole true rookie card exploded in value as he broke Gehrig’s iconic record.

1982 Fleer Update Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken’s draft card established him as a future star on the cusp of his record breaking career.

1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky – Gretzky’s hockey cards exploded in popularity in the late 80s as “The Great One” rewrote record books.

1979 Donruss Ozzie Smith – Perhaps the finest defensive shortstop ever, Smith’s rookie established him as a future Cardinals star.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Bench’s true rookie card remained hugely popular throughout the decade as he ascended to icon status.

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s breakthrough Angels card captured him beginning to find his stride as one of the game’s most dynamic hurlers.

1976 Topps George Brett – Brett’s true rookie card built on his draft issue and established him as the future Royals star.

1973 Topps Mike Schmidt – Schmidt’s star was ascending and this card captured him winning the 1973 ROY award.

1979 Topps Joe Charboneau – “Charlie Hustle’s” rookie card captured his storybook “Comeback Player of the Year” season with Cleveland.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver – Seaver’s impressive rookie established him as a future star and cornerstone of the “Amazin’ Mets.”

1969 Topps Tom Seaver – Seaver’s star was ascending and this card captured his breakout 1968 season and first All-Star nod.

1977 Topps Dave Parker – Parker’s breakout season and first All-Star year was perfectly captured in this Pittsburgh Pirates issue.

1976 SSPC Dave Parker – Parker’s true rookie card established him as a future star and one of the decade’s top outfielders.

1975 Topps Fred Lynn – Lynn’s impressive rookie season and ROY award year made this a highly popular Cardinals issue.

1976 Topps Dave Kingman – Kingman’s monster season launching 62 home runs for the Mets made this a true star card.

1976 Topps Jim Rice – Rice’s breakout rookie season for the Red Sox made him an instant star on this popular issue.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench – Bench’s true rookie card captured him winning the 1971 ROY award and established as a future superstar.

1976 Topps George Foster – Foster’s big year and key role on the Big Red Machine Reds dynasty teams made this popular.

1977 Topps Dave Parker – Parker’s true rookie card captured his impressive debut season and established him as a future Pirates star.

1975 Topps Fred Lynn – Lynn’s true rookie card captured his impressive debut for the Red Sox and set the stage for his ROY season.

1974 Topps Mike Schmidt – Schmidt’s true rookie card captured his debut and hinted at the future Hall of Fame power he would provide.

1979 Donruss Dwight Evans – Evans’ strong season and key role on the “Boston Massacre” Red Sox teams made this popular.

1976 SSPC Dave Parker – Parker’s impressive rookie season for the Pirates was captured in this scarce true rookie variation.

1973 Topps Mike Schmidt – Schmidt’s impressive debut season for the Phillies was captured in this early issue.

1976 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s dominant season for the Angels included a modern era record 383 strikeouts.

1977 Topps Don Baylor – Baylor’s break

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1980s

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The 1980s were a transformative era for baseball cards. While the 1950s and 1960s saw the golden age of baseball cards due to wide distribution of packs in stores, the 1970s saw a decline in interest and sales. Several key developments in the 1980s resurrected the baseball card hobby and introduced many valuable and iconic rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors today.

Three major sports card companies dominated distribution in the 1980s – Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. In 1981, Fleer began producing its own set of modern baseball cards in direct competition with Topps for the first time. This introduced competition that drove innovation and more aggressive card designs. In addition to the standard base cards included in packs, inserts featuring hitters, pitchers, rookies, and all-stars gained popularity. Rare parallel and short-printed variations within the sets also captured collector interest. Perhaps most significantly, the introduction of trading cards featuring individual players’ autographs in the 1980s increased scarcity and demand for star signed rookies.

Several iconic rookie cards from the 1980s feature players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. One of the most valuable from the decade is the Kirby Puckett rookie card from 1985 Topps, considered by many the star rookie card of the 1980s. Puckett went on to a stellar career entirely with the Minnesota Twins, accumulating 10 All-Star appearances and winning two World Series championships. In pristine gem mint condition, his 1985 rookie currently sells for $10,000-$15,000. Another sought-after rookie is the Roger Clemens card from 1981 Topps. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards and is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In top condition, his rookie card can fetch $3,000-$5,000.

Other highly valuable star rookie cards of the 1980s belong to Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Jeff Bagwell, Cal Ripken Jr., and Larry Walker. Of note is the Barry Bonds rookie from 1986 Topps, which skyrocketed in value in recent years after Bonds broke the all-time home run record. Pristine examples now sell for over $10,000. The Cal Ripken Jr. rookie from 1981 Topps is also iconic, as Ripken went on to break Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak of 2,130 games. In gem mint condition, it can sell for $4,000-$6,000.

While the star rookies garner top prices, there are several other valuable cards from the 1980s beyond just rookies. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 10 GEM MT is the most valuable baseball card in existence, last selling for over $2 million. The Mantle rookie is from 1952. The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the landmark high-series cards of the decade, as it was the first Upper Deck baseball card issued and featured an extremely bright future superstar. Pristine examples trade for $3,000-$5,000 today.

Another highly valuable set is the 1986 Fleer Update. This 36-card set was a limited print run insertion focused on players’ updated stats from the previous season. It features rookie cards of Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Ben McDonald, among others. In high grade, a full factory-sealed unopened box sells for $15,000-$25,000 now. Individually, the Bonds rookie from the set pulls $1,000-$2,000 in top condition. Beyond the flagship Topps, Donruss, and Fleer brands, regional oddball releases like the 1987 Mastro Sports Cal Ripken Jr. also net $1,000+ for high grade specimens.

While the design styles and included players have evolved, the 1980s brought renewed interest and investment to the modern baseball card market thanks to several key developments. Icons like Mantle, Mays, and Aaron still reign supreme, but the star rookies from the 1980s like Bonds, Griffey Jr., Ripken, and Puckett are the new investment darlings for card collectors today given their Hall of Fame careers. Prices for 1980s cardboard in top condition continue rising with each passing year. The stable of young stars and competitive company landscape during the decade defined a golden age of 1980s baseball cards.

TOP 100 BASEBALL CARDS OF THE 1980s

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The 1980s were a booming time for baseball card collecting. New sets from Topps, Fleer and Donruss featured the game’s biggest stars and rookies. The excess and flash of the decade were perfectly captured in cards that showcased players’ achievements and stats in vivid detail. Here’s a look at the top 100 most valuable and sought-after baseball cards of the 1980s based on their condition, scarcity and historical significance:

#100 (1980) Ozzie Smith Rookie (#579) – A key rookie card from the dawn of the decade, Smith’s defensive wizardry made him a fan favorite. This card remains obtainable for collectors.

#99 (1983) Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie (#481) – One of the most durable players ever, Ripken’s ironman streak started here. Not as pricey as other top ’80s rookies but still highly regarded.

#98 (1981) Joe Charboneau Rookie (#630) – “Charlie Hustle” lived up to his nickname as a rookie, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. Faded quickly from the majors though, giving this card limited supply.

#97 (1987) Gregg Jefferies Rookie (#581) – Considered a can’t-miss prospect, Jefferies didn’t fulfill expectations but his rookie hype made this card very popular at the time.

#96 (1985) Mark McGwire Rookie (#132) – Big Mac’s tape-measure home runs came later but collectors saw his rare raw power potential from the start. Iconic rookie card from a huge star of the 90s.

#95 (1988) Greg Maddux Rookie (#422) – Maddux went on to become one of the greatest pitchers ever based on control and guile over stuff. His rookie established him as a can’t-miss Braves prospect.

#94 (1982) Cal Ripken Jr. (#431) – Not a rookie but one of Ripken’s earliest traded cards showing his potential before Ironman streak kicked off. Sought after by Oriole fans.

#93 (1984) Don Mattingly (#646) – Already an All-Star in ’84, “Donnie Baseball’s” smooth left-handed swing gave him superstar status. Key early card of the ’80s most complete hitter.

#92 (1980) Nolan Ryan (#534) – One of the earliest traded cards to feature the Express at the peak of his powers with the Angels. Iconic image of the hardest-throwing pitcher ever.

#91 (1987) Ben McDonald Rookie (#90) – Considered the best pitching prospect of the late ’80s before injuries derailed his career. Low print run makes this oriole rookie quite valuable.

#90 (1980) Joe Jackson (#490) – Known as “Shoeless Joe” for his infamous role in the Black Sox Scandal, this iconic early card is a key piece of baseball history.

#89 (1981) Fernando Valenzuela Rookie (#630) – “Fernandomania” took the nation by storm in ’81 as the Dodgers rookie dominated. Rookie cards from this era are extremely rare and valuable.

#88 (1986) Barry Bonds Rookie (#479) – Even as a rookie, Bonds’ slender physique and wrists hinted at the power to come. Early cards presaging his Hall of Fame peak hold value.

#87 (1983) Kirby Puckett Rookie (#771) – The smiley Twin blossomed into a perennial All-Star and won two World Series rings. Low print runs make his rookies quite valuable.

#86 (1984) Dwight Gooden Rookie (#406) – “Doc” lived up to the hype in ’84, winning Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young. Among the most iconic early career cards for one of the decade’s biggest stars.

#85 (1986) Roger Clemens Rookie (#521) – Before become MLB’s active leader in wins and strikeouts, the Rocket’s rare arm talent was evident in his Red Sox rookie issue.

#84 (1982) Cal Ripken Jr. (#397) – Second-year Ripken showed the promise that would make him one of baseball’s most durable stars. Early Birds card a must-have.

#83 (1982) Wade Boggs (#397) – Entering his breakout season, Boggs was on the cusp of stardom as evidenced by this classic Red Sox card.

#82 (1987) Benito Santiago Rookie (#97) – Considered the best catching prospect of the late ’80s, his rookie is a sharp, vibrantly-designed card that remains quite collectible.

#81 (1986) Will Clark Rookie (#451) – “Thrill” exploded onto the scene in ’86, announcing San Francisco’s resurgence. Iconic early Giants card of a perennial All-Star.

#80 (1987) Tom Glavine Rookie (#495) – One of a historic Braves rookie class of ’87, Glavine went on to emerge as a Hall of Fame control artist. Key Atlanta issue.

#79 (1983) Darryl Strawberry Rookie (#98) – Even as a rookie “Straw” showcased rare power and explosiveness. Iconic early Mets card of a future star slugger.

#78 (1984) Ryne Sandberg (#414) – The 1984 season established “Ryno” as the Cubs’ best all-around player of the decade. Highly-regarded early Sandberg issue.

#77 (1981) Rickey Henderson Rookie (#579) – “Man of Steal” established himself as the most electrifying player of the early 80s. Elite relic from his true rookie year with the A’s.

#76 (1981) Fernando Valenzuela (#652) – Showcasing his windup and fervor on the mound, this classic early Valenzuela established his rookie hype.

#75 (1985) Bret Saberhagen (#149) – “The Bridget” took the AL by storm in ’85, winning both the Cy Young and World Series. Iconic early career Royals card.

#74 (1984) Tim Raines Rookie (#92) – “Rock” stole over 800 bases with grace and precision. Low print run makes this Expos rookie a true gem.

#73 (1988) Gregg Jefferies (#608) – A refined picture of Jefferies after his hype fell but still among his most visually stunning traded cards.

#72 (1980) Nolan Ryan (#7) – One of the first-ever high numbers featuring the legend himself. Iconic early Angels issue of the Ryan Express.

#71 (1982) Fernando Valenzuela (#91) – Vibrant card showing “Fernie” in Dodger blue cementing his star status after stunning rookie year.

#70 (1981) Mike Schmidt (#150) – Entering his age 31 season, Schmidt was still in his prime terrorizing NL pitchers. Iconic early 80s Phillies star.

#69 (1986) Roger Clemens (#312) – By 1986, the Rocket’s stuff was otherworldly as he began racking up strikeouts and wins. Pivotal Red Sox career card.

#68 (1981) Fernando Valenzuela (#89) – Dynamic posing shot capturing his charisma and electric left arm. Iconic early Dodgers star issue.

#67 (1986) Barry Bonds (#419) – Entering his breakout age 22 season, Bonds’ rare gifts were evident in this classic early Pirates issue.

#66 (1982) Cal Ripken Jr. (#399) – Beginning his ascension, Ripken started to realize his potential in 1982. Key early Birds star card.

#65 (1982) Wade Boggs (#90) – Superstar season of 1982 gave way to this perfectly-timed Red Sox card capturing his sweet swing.

#64 (1984) Dwight Gooden (#127) – By 1984, “Doc” was already a phenomenon as a 19-year old. Iconic early career Mets issue presaging greatness.

#63 (1980) Dave Winfield (#568) – Towering talent of the late 70s/early 80s pictured in Padres uniform before moving onto bigger stages.

#62 (1987) Gregg Jefferies (#74) – Brilliantly-designed Fleer card spotlighting Jefferies’ skills before his career fell short of hype.

#61 (1986) Roger Clemens (#180) – By 1986, Clemens was already in his prime dominating the AL. Highly-regarded Red Sox star issue.

#60 (1982) Darryl Strawberry (#14) – Breaking out in 1982 hinted at his huge power, pictured here culminating a 20-20 rookie campaign.

#59 (1983) Darryl Strawberry (#552) – Proving his rookie wasn’t a fluke, Strawberry delivered another 20-20 season in ’83.

#58 (1980) Mike Schmidt (#168) – Arguably the game’s best player entering the new decade, this classic Schmidt captures his greatness.

#57 (1981) Fernando Valenzuela (#88) – Dynamic card captured the magic of Fernandomania in its early peak during his incredible rookie year.

#56 (1987) Barry Bon