Tag Archives: 1986

1986 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was issued midway through the 1985 MLB season and highlighted that year’s players and teams. Although O-Pee-Chee lost their exclusive license with Topps the previous year, the 1986 set still carried cultural significance as it marked the final year of traditional-sized baseball cards before the switch to smaller dimensions starting in 1987.

The set totaled 520 cards and had a mix of rookie cards, stars of the day, team checks, and league leaders interspersed throughout. Some of the notable rookies included Kal Daniels, Wally Backman, and Jose Oquendo. Veteran stars featured included Mike Schmidt, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Dwight Gooden, and Nolan Ryan. The design featured a clean font with team logos across the top and player photos along the bottom half. Statistics for the previous season were printed on the back.

Like most mid-80s issues, finding high-grade gems from 1986 O-Pee-Chee is difficult due to the flimsiness of the cardboard stock used at the time. The league leader subset, which included 23 cards honoring that year’s top hitters and pitchers in various statistical categories, tended to be more heavily handled and have more surface issues compared to standard base cards. Raw interest has increased for these standouts in recent years from collectors seeking icons of the era in their primes.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemens, and Barry Larkin were available in the 1986 set, though they did not carry the same cachet as true first-year issues. The success these players went on to achieve made their cards from later in their careers find new appreciation by collectors. For example, a PSA 10 1986 O-Pee-Chee Cal Ripken Jr. could fetch over $1000 at auction due to his memorable career and the rarity of pristine eighties cardboard in protective slabs.

Team checklists made up a portion of the set and helped collectors obtain full rosters of their favorite clubs. Franchises that found success in the mid-1980s like the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Kansas City Royals had strong fan demand for these team-focused inclusions. The Detroit Tigers checklist, meanwhile, had extra interest because it included star pitcher Jack Morris in one of his final major issue cards before free agency.

While the 1986 O-Pee-Chee set lacked major stars’ true rookie cards, it did include some of the first widespread issues for talent that would shine in the late 80s and 90s. Among the de facto rookie cards were Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Tim Raines. These would prove to be among the set’s best sleeper specs as demand grew from nostalgic collectors who rooted for ’80s teams. Seeing stars in their formative years added unique appeal compared to later base cards after they cemented their legends.

For the first time since 1982, 1986 O-Pee-Chee included Canadian location designation on the back of cards to signify prints made specifically for Canada. This provided an earlier distinction between American and Canadian production runs that collectors have come to appreciate. Card quality between the two printings remained largely similar.

The 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set stands out as a visual bridge between the classic post-war cardboard era and the onset of modern size-reduction in 1987. While raw investment value lags behind flagship Topps issues, several stars’ rookie and early career cards have proven very collectible when found in exceptional condition. For aficionados of eighties ball or specific teams and players, it offers a satisfying glimpse at the last gasp before the hobby transitioned irrevocably to smaller dimensions.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 94T

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The 1986 Topps baseball card #94T features outfielder Tom Brunansky of the Minnesota Twins. This card provides interesting background on Brunansky’s career up to that point and highlights from the 1985 season.

Some key details about Tom Brunansky and the 1986 Topps #94T card:

Born in 1956, Brunansky was 29 years old during the 1985 season highlighted on this card. He stood 6’1″ and weighed 190 lbs.

Drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 1976 MLB Draft out of Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, California. He made his MLB debut with Minnesota in 1979 at age 23.

Emerging power hitter who was coming into his own in the mid-1980s. Known for hitting long home runs to all fields. Had a cannon for an arm in right field as well.

1985 was Brunansky’s breakout season. He batted .276 with career-highs of 27 home runs and 93 RBI in 148 games, helping lead the Twins to an 85-77 record and third place finish in the AL West division.

Included on the back of the #94T card are Brunansky’s vital stats from 1985, including home runs (27), runs batted in (93), runs scored (83), batting average (.276), on-base percentage (.347), and slugging percentage (.503).

Also highlighted is Brunansky’s performance against American League Cy Young Award winner Bret Saberhagen of the Kansas City Royals. He went 8-for-18 with 2 home runs lifetime against the star pitcher at the time.

In the “Personal” section, it mentions Brunansky went to Bishop Amat high school and was drafted by the Twins in 1976. He made his MLB debut in 1979 and was married that offseason.

The “Prize Performance” blurb focuses on Brunansky launching a grand slam home run on July 25, 1985 at County Stadium in Milwaukee to power the Twins to an 8-6 comeback victory over the Brewers.

Career statistics on the back of the card at that point showed Brunansky having played in 482 games over 7 MLB seasons with Minnesota. He had 58 home runs, 211 RBI, 172 runs scored and a .254 batting average.

In addition to stats and highlights from 1985, the front of the #94T card features a nice color action photo of Brunansky swinging and missing a pitch while batting left-handed. He is pictured wearing the Twins home pinstriped jersey and batting helmet.

The 1986 season would be one of Brunansky’s best overall. He batted .282 with 25 home runs and 92 RBI in 156 games while helping lead Minnesota to an 85-77 record again and third place finish in the division.

He remained with the Twins through 1990, establishing himself as one of the team’s top sluggers during that time. Some career highlights included being named to the 1987 AL All-Star team and winning a World Series ring with the 1988 “Milwaukee Brewers” squad after getting traded there late that season.

Brunansky went on to also play for the St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos before retiring after the 1995 season. In 15 MLB seasons, he finished with a .257 career batting average along with 205 home runs and 711 RBI in 1,382 total games played.

The 1986 Topps #94T baseball card pays fitting tribute to Brunansky’s breakout 1985 campaign as he entered his physical prime. It provides useful context behind his stats and accomplishments to that point in his still developing major league career. The card remains a collectible example from that year’s set commemorating the solid all-around season enjoyed by the Twins outfielder.

TOPPS BASEBALL PICTURE CARDS 1986

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the modern era of baseball card collecting and investing. Issued annually by Topps since 1952, the 1986 Topps baseball cards are notable for capturing star players and rookies from one of the most memorable seasons in Major League Baseball history. Topps’ flagship baseball card product in 1986 consisted of 702 total cards issued in wax packs, rack packs, and factory sets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key details and most notable cards from the 1986 Topps baseball card collection.

One of the biggest storylines of the 1986 MLB season was the Boston Red Sox breaking their long championship drought by winning the World Series over the New York Mets. To commemorate the Red Sox’ championship victory, Topps issued a 14-card World Series highlight subset within the flagship set, featuring key photos and statistics from the 1986 Fall Classic. Highly sought-after Red Sox cards within the World Series subset include Bill Buckner, Bruce Hurst, and Dave Henderson. Outside of the subset, the flagship set also included base cards for entire Red Sox championship roster, with cards of pitchers Roger Clemens and Bob Stanley among the most popular.

Another major highlight from the 1986 season was the record-breaking home run race between Boston’s Roger Maris and Chicago Cubs slugger Andre Dawson. Their back-and-forth chase of Maris’ single-season home run record of 61 helped reignite interest in Major League Baseball nationwide. Topps captured the excitement of this storyline within the 1986 set through dramatic action photos of Dawson and Maris swinging for the fences on their base cards. While neither player ultimately surpassed Maris in 1986, their home run pursuit cards remain some of the most recognizable from the entire set over 30 years later.

Of course, no discussion of the 1986 Topps baseball set would be complete without mentioning one of the all-time iconic rookie cards – Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. As Carter’s first major league card issued by Topps, his rookie remained highly coveted by collectors for decades. Carter would go on to have a brilliant 19-year MLB career, winning two World Series titles including with the 1993 Blue Jays. His ascension to baseball stardom added significant nostalgia and investment value to an already highly sought-after rookie issue. Graded Gem Mint examples of the Carter 1986 Topps rookie routinely sell for thousands of dollars today.

Another highly valuable rookie card found in the 1986 Topps set belongs to California Angels pitcher Chuck Finley. Like Carter, Finley’s rookie was the first card issued of him by Topps as he began his 17-year big league career. As one of the set’s top pitching prospects, Finley’s rookie remained a popular target for collectors from the product’s initial release. He would go on to hurl over 3,000 career innings while winning over 170 games, enhancing the iconic nature of his debut Topps card from 1986. Finley’s rookie currently carries a valuation that rivals or tops that of even Joe Carter’s issue from the same set.

Beyond the obvious star rookie cards of Carter and Finley, collectors also prize highly some of the lesser-known but still notable first-year players featured in the 1986 Topps set. These lesser-light rookies include Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher John Smiley, Cleveland Indians outfielder Mel Hall, and Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Juan Samuel. While not achieving the fame or stats of Carter and Finley over their careers, the rookie cards of Smiley, Hall, and Samuel still remain popular and financially viable options for collectors on a relatively affordable budget compared to the true star rookies.

In addition to star players and rookies, the 1986 Topps set also highlighted several impressive young players who were setting baseball on fire prior to the start of the regular season. Phenoms featured on their rookie/prospect cards included Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Lloyd Moseby, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tom Browning, and California Angels first baseman Wally Joyner. While not considered true rookie cards since the players had prior MLB experience, the early career cards of Moseby, Browning, and Joyner captured their immense promise and talent before superstardom. All three players would go on to career years and accomplishments validating their inclusion as prospects to watch in the 1986 Topps set.

Beyond the obvious star power of players like Carter, Dawson, and Clemens, the design and photographic elements of the 1986 Topps cards themselves remain a pivotal part of the set’s historical significance and collectability. Topps utilized dynamic action photography throughout, with an elegant overall visual scheme featuring team logo fronts with player stats/team names on the back. The iconic border-banner team nameboxes along the top add pop and visual connectivity throughout the entire set. When combined with the unprecedented storylines and talent featured from the ’86 MLB season itself, it’s easy to understand why the 1986 Topps baseball card release remains such a cornerstone in the modern era of card collecting today.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set immortalized arguably the most unforgettable season in baseball history through dazzling photography, capturing truly legendary MLB players and future Hall of Famers at the early stages of their careers. Rookie cards like Joe Carter and Chuck Finley lead the way as the true blue-chip long-term investmentsrecognized and afforded premier status by collectors for decades. Meanwhile, stars of the 1986 season like Roger Clemens, Andre Dawson, and the entire 1986 World Series champion Boston Red Sox receive authentic representation. The culmination of all these factors is why the 1986 Topps baseball card collection endures as one of the most iconic and cherished issues in the entire hobby.

TOPPS 1986 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set was a pivotal year in the history of sports cards as it marked the start of the modern era. While Topps had been producing baseball cards since creating the first modern set in 1955, 1986 saw several key changes that drastically altered the hobby going forward. The 1986 set reflected increasing complexity and commercialization within the industry as it continued growing in popularity throughout the 1980s.

Topps released their 1986 baseball card set in March 1986, which contained 792 total cards including photo cards, traded cards, and record breaker/highlight cards. The design and layout introduced with the 1986 set would serve as a blueprint for Topps baseball cards through much of the late 20th century. Each standard card featured a color team photo on the front with white borders and player stats/accolades listed on the back. This basic design replaced the more illustrated style used in the 1970s and early 80s.

Perhaps the biggest change in 1986 was the shift from a primarily gum-based product to a true collector’s item. While chewing gum had historically been included in wax packs alongside the cards, Topps removed it for ’86 to focus more on the secondary hobby marketplace which was booming. They also introduced the now-standard thin cardboard backing to each card to preserve the photos, whereas older issues used a more pliable pulp backing. Topps priced wax packs slightly higher at $0.50 to account for the increased production costs and loss of the gum element.

The removal of gum allowed Topps packaging and promotion to zero in entirely on promoting the cards as authentic sports collectibles. Their marketing heavily emphasized the superstar rookies and career milestones showcased in the 1986 set. Some of the most notable rookies included Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, and Mark McGwire. Icons like Don Drysdale, Mickey Mantle, and Whitey Ford had their final cards issued as well. The set also memorialized Pete Rose’s career hits record and highlight cards for Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout.

Continuing on from the mid-80s, the 1986 Topps set saw an explosion in parallel subsets with specialized themes. Some examples included “Topps Traded” for mid-season transactions, “Record Breakers” for milestones, “All-Stars” for the 1985 MLB All-Star teams, and “Pirate Ryan”/“Astros Ryan” for Nolan Ryan’s league-leading stats with Pittsburgh/Houston that year. Insert cards highlighting leagues leaders were also introduced. This trend of inserting flashy specialty cards became an annual staple to attract young collectors.

Perhaps most notably for its sustained impact, 1986 was the first year Topps used the modern size and shape specification of 2.5 x 3.5 inches that is still adhered to today across all sports card products. Prior issues varied more in dimensions, creating storage and organizing challenges for the booming hobby. The standardized size allowed for efficient mass production and the inclusion of protective plastic sleeves in wax packs starting in 1987.

While the overall 1986 Topps set design was not particularly eye-catching compared to illustrated issues of the past, its shifts toward a predictable, dedicated sports collectible format were pivotal. The removal of gum, standardization of size/shape/features, and injection of flashy parallels served to directly feed the rising secondary market demand. These changes helped position Topps as the pioneering leader in a sports card industry that has grown into a multibillion-dollar global business today. The 1986 baseball card set roadmapped the formula that remains in use for the modern era of licensed sports collectibles.

BEST 1986 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While sets from this time period are not generally known for their scarcity or demand, there are a few standout cards from the 1986 Fleer set that have maintained or increased in value over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1986 Fleer baseball card release.

One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from any set is the Roger Clemens rookie card. Clemens had just begun to emerge as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers in 1986, his first full season in the majors. The Rocket would go on to win seven Cy Young awards and pitch until he was into his 40s, cementing his status as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. In pristine mint condition, the Clemens rookie now fetches prices well over $1,000. Even well-centered, nicely centered examples in EX-MT condition can sell for several hundred dollars. The iconic photo and subject matter make this one of the true blue-chip cards from the 1980s.

Another rookie card that holds tremendous value is that of Barry Bonds. Like Clemens, Bonds was just starting to show signs of his eventual superstardom in 1986 as a talented but still developing young outfielder. Of course, Bonds would explode onto the scene in the late 80s and 90s as perhaps the greatest power hitter in baseball history. High grade Bonds rookies now sell for $500-$1000, a tremendous return on investment for a card issued during the junk wax era. Even more impressive is the fact that Bonds was not yet a household name in 1986.

While rookie cards tend to drive the most interest and demand, there are also some star player cards outside of rookies that maintain solid value from 1986 Fleer. One is the Kirby Puckett card, featuring the iconic photo of the Twins’ star sliding face first into third base. Puckett was already an established star by 1986 after winning the World Series in 1991, and his infectious smile and enthusiasm for the game made him a hugely popular player. Pristine Puckett cards can reach $100-$200 today. Another star card with lasting appeal is that of Don Mattingly. The smooth swinging Yankees’ first baseman was on his way to being a perennial All-Star and fan favorite. High grade Mattinglys sell in the $50-100 range.

In addition to star players and rookies, 1986 Fleer featured a memorable subset focusing on the league leaders from 1985. This 16-card Leaders subset highlights the top players in various offensive and pitching categories from the previous season. Some of the most desirable cards here include the Rickey Henderson stolen base leader card, the Don Baylor RBI leader card, and the Dwight Gooden strikeout leader card. These specialized statistical leader cards tend to carry premiums over typical base cards from the same players. Complete, high grade sets of the Leaders subset can reach $200-300.

While the 1986 Fleer set overall was produced in enormous numbers that still weigh down values for most base cards, there are certainly some standouts that have maintained collector interest and demand. The star rookies of Clemens and Bonds anchor the set as true blue-chip cards. But stars like Puckett and Mattingly as well as the fun Leaders subset also provide collectors with solid vintage cardboard that holds value. For those who enjoy vintage baseball and were able to acquire some of these key cards years ago, the 1986 Fleer set remains one with lasting potential to appreciate over the long run.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all-time. While it may not be the most coveted among collectors today, it featured several young star rookies that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The design brought back the classic black border style that Topps used frequently in the late ’70s and early ’80s. At the time, it was Topps’ standard baseball offering, with no special subsets standing out. However, 35 years later, certain 1986 Topps cards have grown tremendously in demand and price. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable gems from this release.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (520) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1986 set, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed most valuable card. Nicknamed “The Kid,” he would go on to have a spectacular 22-year career, mainly with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, and be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2016 – his first year of eligibility. With his sweet left-handed swing and incredible all-around skills that enthralled fans, Griffey was arguably the most exciting player of the 1990s. His 1986 Topps rookie has gained legendary status over the years. In high grade (PSA 10), it now easily clears $10,000 and could approach $100,000 raw. Even well-centered Near Mint copies can run over $3,000.

Roger Clemens Rookie Card (146) – As one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history with an eleven-time All-Star and seven-time Cy Young Award winner on his resume, it’s no surprise Clemens’ rookie is highly sought after as well. He burst onto the scene in 1986 with a 24-4 record and sparkling ERA under 2.00 for the Boston Red Sox. Clemens’ card doesn’t get quite the attention or price of Griffey’s, but mint PSA 10 editions still trade in the $6,000 range. Most Near Mint copies range from $1,500-$2,500 depending on centering and corners. Not bad for a workhorse hurler who pitched until he was well into his 40s!

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (438) – A member of baseball’s exclusive 700 home run club, Bonds’ dominance at the plate in the 1990s and early 2000s revolutionized how the game was played. His Hall of Fame credentials are undeniable, having won seven MVP awards and broken Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record. Despite the steroids controversy that clouds part of his career era, the 1985 National League Rookie of the Year’s Topps rookie remains very collectible. High grades in the $2,000-$3,000 range are common, with most NM/MT copies bringing $1,000-$1,500 in today’s market.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (582) – Nicknamed “Mad Dog,” Maddux went on to win 4 Cy Young Awards and is considered one of the greatest control/finesse pitchers of all-time. While in the Cubs system in 1986, his career took off the following year when he debuted with the Chicago team. So his Topps rookie doesn’t carry quite the same cachet as an established rookie. Being mint is key for this one since centering is often an issue on his cardboard. Near PSA 10 copies go for $800-1,000, with true Gem Mint editions clearing $1,500-$2,000 if obtained.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (79) – Despite a later admission of PED use, “Big Mac” thrilled fans for years with his mountainous home runs. His then-record 70 longballs in 1998 transfixed the nation. As a rookie in 1986 with the A’s, he showed early promise by hitting 49 homers in the minors that year. His Topps rookie remains somewhat affordable compared to Griffey and Bonds, checking in around $400-500 in Near Mint. PSA 10 examples command $800-1,000.

Will Clark Rookie Card (174) – Nicknamed “The Thrill,” Clark was a career .299 hitter who hit 284 HR and drove in over 1,300 runs during his 15-year MLB tenure mainly with the Giants. His sweet left-handed swing made him a fan favorite, especially in San Francisco. Considered the most underrated player of the 1990s, his rookie has climbed some in recent years. Mid-grade Near Mints go for $300-400, with strong examples over $500. Pristine PSA 10s approach the $1,000 plateau.

Dwight Gooden Rookie Card (80) – Few debuts were more electric than Dr. K’s in 1984, when he went 17-9 with a sensational 1.53 ERA and 268 strikeouts, winning Rookie of the Year and being a key part of the Mets’ title. This made his cardboard a hot commodity right out of the gate. Subsequent personal issues and injuries hampered his career. As such, Gooden’s first-year card remains reasonably priced compared to Griffey or Maddux – most Near Mints go for $200-300. PSA 10s have reached as high as $600-800 in auction.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (479) – Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his dazzling defense at shortstop, Smith was a career .262 hitter over 19 seasons primarily with the Padres and Cardinals. He won 15 Gold Gloves and revolutionized how the position was played with his amazing acrobatics and flair. While not an offensive force, he made the Hall of Fame mainly on glovework. His rookie isn’t in demand like the big sluggers, yet still holds value – most grade in the $100-200 NM range, with strong examples up to $300.

Jose Canseco Rookie Card (128) – Possessing monster power to mash 40+ home runs multiple times, “The Bash Brother” Canseco helped usher in the “Steroid Era” and remains one of its most infamous symbols. His 1986 campaign with the A’s was his first full season showing enormous promise. The card has fallen out of favor compared to his heyday, yet respectable Near Mints can still net $75-150 based on centering quality. Higher grades ranging $200-300 are seen much less frequently.

While other 1980s sets like 1987 and 1989 may have more aesthetic designs, the 1986 Topps issue stands out for featuring the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Griffey, Bonds, Maddux, McGwire, Smith and Gooden. Over three decades later, it remains hugely popular with collectors thanks to stars like “The Kid” who still captivate fans young and old. Condition is critical to value as always for vintage cardboard, but the biggest names from this set have proven to maintain strong residual interest.

MLB 1986 TOPPS BASEBALL TRADED SERIES SET OF 132 CARDS

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The 1986 Topps Baseball Traded series set the standard for traded sets that Topps would follow for decades to come. The traded set was issued as a parallel to the main Topps set of that year and contained stars, prospects, and veterans who had been traded to new teams since the previous season. The 1986 Traded set marked the first time Topps issued an entire separate series dedicated to players who switched uniforms, numbering each card to run consecutively after the main set.

It became a highly anticipated subset that captured the drama of baseball’s midseason changes. The 132-card 1986 Topps Traded set documented the many player transactions that shook up rosters as contenders loaded up for the stretch run. Several future Hall of Famers switched teams in 1986, including reliever Dennis Eckersley (Acquired by the Red Sox), slugger Andre Dawson (Cubs to Expos), and starting pitcher Dave Stewart (Astros to Athletics). Their appearances in new uniforms within the Traded set captured pivotal moments in their careers.

Some other notable names included in the 1986 Topps Traded set were outfielder Dave Winfield (Yankees to Angels), slugger Jack Clark (Padres to Cardinals), reliever Bill Caudill (Giants to Mariners), catcher Lance Parrish (Tigers to Phillies), and pitcher Bob Welch ( Dodgers to Athletics). The set also highlighted several up-and-coming young players like Vince Coleman (Expos to Cardinals), Greg Brock (Cubs to Padres), and reliever Gene Nelson (Yankees to Blue Jays) who were just starting their MLB journeys in new homes.

Each card in the 1986 Topps Traded set followed the same basic design as the main series, with the photograph centered above the team name and player stats. However, Topps made a key addition by placing a red banner across the top with the word “Traded” in white lettering. This distinct marking identified any player pictured in an unfamiliar uniform. The reverse of each card contained the standard player biography and career stats. Topps also included an informative checklist card at the beginning of the set numbering the 132 traded players included.

The 1986 Topps Traded set provided collectors a way to chronicle and celebrate one of the most active midseason trade periods in baseball history. Legendary general managers like Bill Veeck of the Chicago White Sox and Al Rosen of the Cleveland Indians shook up their ballclubs with numerous swaps. Meanwhile, playoff contenders like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Oakland Athletics made bold moves to fortify their rosters for October. This volatile trading environment resulted in many established veterans and top prospects winding up in new homes, fully captured within the pages of the 1986 Topps Traded release.

In the decades since, the Topps Traded set has endured as a prized baseball card subset. It allows collectors to preserve the memorable uniform changes and second acts of players’ careers. More than just a cardboard photograph, each Traded card piece tells a small story from that season’s trade deadline frenzy. For collectors and fans alike, flipping through the 132 cards of the seminal 1986 Topps Traded set immerses you in the key transactions and new beginnings that reshaped that pennant race. Its success paved the way for Topps to follow up with Traded sets in subsequent years, keeping the tradition alive of commemorating baseball’s midsummerrevival.The iconic 1986 release serves as the gold standard that future Topps Traded collections aspire to match.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is a highly collectible release that saw rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Greg Maddux. It was also the third and final season that Topps had the exclusive MLB license before Score and Donruss entered the market. With a wide array of stars and key rookie cards, many 1986 Topps cards hold significant value today. Here is an overview of some of the top cards and their estimated values:

Perhaps the most coveted card from the 1986 set is the Barry Bonds rookie card. Considered one of the true Holy Grail cards of the hobby, the Bonds rookie is arguably the second most valuable modern card after the Mickey Mantle rookie. In pristine near-mint to mint condition ( graded Gem Mint 10 by services like PSA), the Bonds rookie has sold for over $400,000. Even well-centered excellent examples in the PSA 8-9 range can pull in $10,000-$50,000.

Another famous rookie from the set is Roger Clemens. As one of the premier power pitchers of his generation, Clemens posted a Hall of Fame career with over 4,000 strikeouts. High-grade Clemens rookies have sold for $50,000-$150,000 depending on condition. More reasonably graded copies in the PSA 7-8 range hold values of $3,000-$15,000.

Staying with future Hall of Fame pitchers, the Greg Maddux rookie is highly sought after as well. Known for his pinpoint control and wonderful game-reading skills, Maddux amassed 355 career victories and 4 Cy Young Awards. Top-graded PSA 10 Maddux rookies have reached $40,000 at auction. Still coveted PSA 9 copies range between $15,000-$25,000, with PSA 8s settling in the $5,000-$10,000 zone.

In terms of position players, the Mark McGwire rookie is a standout from 1986 Topps. Prior to his home run chasing feats later in his career, McGwire first made his Topps debut. Top-graded PSA 10 McGwire rookies now sell for over $15,000. Solid PSA 8 copies still command $3,000-$5,000 on the open market.

The emerging superstar rookie class doesn’t end there. Will Clark, whose power and consistent batting made him a feared hitter, debuted in the 1986 Topps set as well. High-end PSA 9+ Clark rookies go for $3,000-$5,000 today. More common PSA 8 copies grade out around the $1,000 mark currently.

Moving past rookies, the set features numerous stars throughout. Any Mint condition copy of the Wade Boggs card (PSA 10) could fetch over $2,000 today. Meanwhile, a pristine Kirby Puckett NM-MT graded PSA 9 card ranges from $1,000-$1,500. And a BGS/PSA graded Roberto Alomar rookie nets $800-$1,200 usually.

Some other notably valuable regular issues include a PSA 10 Ozzie Smith (valued around $1,000), PSA 10 Cal Ripken Jr. ($800-900 range), and PSA 9-10 Roger Clemens SP ($750-$1,250). Getting into the $300-$500 territory are high-graded copies of Dennis Eckersley, Dwight Gooden, and Tim Raines cards.

The checklist as a whole contains many singles in the $50-$150 range depending on star power and condition as well. This includes players like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, Don Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, and more. Even mid-range commons from stars can have value, such as PSA 8 Kirby Puckett ($150) or PSA 8 Gooden ($100).

The 1986 Topps set holds tremendous nostalgia and value for collectors due to the strong rookie class and impressive lineup of talent featured on the cards. Key rookie gems like Bonds, Clemens, and Maddux lead the way, but numerous stars and future Hall of Famers ensure most anything graded nicely from the set retains interest and worth decades later. It remains one of the true classic and investment-worthy releases from the modern era.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1986

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors and fans to be one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued at the peak of the trading card boom, the ’86 Topps cards captured a unique moment in Major League Baseball and contained some of the game’s biggest stars and rising young talents.

The 660-card flagship set featured a design similar to 1985 but with several notable upgrades. The most obvious change was the addition of player photos on the back of each card for the first time. Previously, Topps only included basic career stats and accomplishments on the reverse. This new larger photo made the cards more visually appealing and highlighted each player in a unique way. The team logo was also moved above the player’s name and positioned more prominently in the baseball diamond design frame.

In addition to major leaguers, the 1986 Topps set included prospects, managers, coaches, and umpires. Notable rookie cards included Roger Clemens, Greg Maddux, Eddie Murray, and Mark McGwire. Rising stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Dwight Gooden, and Kirby Puckett had some of their best and most memorable seasons in ’86. Veterans like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and Carlton Fisk were still producing at an elite level.

Legendary players in the twilight of their careers like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Mike Cuellar had cards in the set as well. Managers like Whitey Herzog, Sparky Anderson, and Dick Howser led their teams. Icons from previous eras like Stan Musial, Warren Spahn, and Ernie Banks received tribute cards chronicling their Hall of Fame careers. The diverse roster of talent and personalities captured a special time in the game.

The 1986 season itself saw some incredible individual performances and memorable pennant races. The Boston Red Sox went from last place to win the AL East thanks to Roger Clemens’ 24 wins and monster season from Wade Boggs. The New York Mets edged the Houston Astros in a thrilling NLCS before defeating the Red Sox in one of the greatest World Series of all time. Mark McGwire set a rookie record with 49 home runs for the Athletics.

Nolan Ryan accomplished one of his most dominating seasons, posting a 2.76 ERA and leading the league with 270 strikeouts for the Houston Astros. Thanks in large part to the “Strength in Numbers” strategy employed by Whitey Herzog, the St. Louis Cardinals won 101 games and cruised to the NL East title. Overall league attendance was the highest it had been since the late 1970s as fans turned out in droves to see their favorite stars.

The 1986 Topps set followed the standard template of previous issues with team logo fronts, stats and achievements on the backs, and the classic wood-grain design frame. Several subtleties make the ’86 cards stand out compared to prior years. The team logo was slightly larger, bordering more of the diamond pattern. Player names featured a thicker font, more bolded and pronounced.

The smaller stats box on the back near the photo allowed for cleaner, crisper layouts without cramming as much text. Topps also made better use of negative space throughout the designs. Color intensity was increased, with bolder, brighter team colors that truly popped off the cardboard. Overall quality control was also improved after several years of complaints about centering, cutting, and print defects from collectors and the hobby press.

In the decades since, many 1986 Topps cards have achieved immense popularity and value thanks to the iconic players and seasons they depict. Rookie cards for Clemens, Maddux, Murray, and McGwire consistently rank among the most desirable issues from the entire 1980s baseball card boom era. Puckett, Boggs, Gooden, and Ozzie Smith entries are highly sought after for hall of fame players in their primes.

Rising stars like Barry Bonds, Mark Langston, and Rafael Palmeiro had their Topps rookie insert cards in 1986 as well. Condition-sensitive gems like the Nolan Ryan and George Brett showcase their elite skills. Even career-capper cards for legends like Rose, Bench, Musial, and Spahn command top dollar from dedicated collectors today. The 1986 Topps set beautifully captured a special year in baseball history that is still remembered and celebrated over 35 years later.

In the mid-1980s, the baseball card market was white hot as collectors sought opportunities to invest in the booming hobby. The 1986 Topps cards were not only snapped up by existing enthusiasts but also new casual collectors looking to participate in fad. Combined with a large print run to meet demand, most 1986 cards were not carefully stored and have survived in well-worn condition over time. As a result, raw, uncirculated copies in top-grades like mint or Near Mint are quite scarce and valuable to advanced collectors today.

Gem mint copies of rookie cards like Clemens, Maddux, and Bonus Rookies like Frank Viola can fetch thousands. The best-centered, sharpest examples of stars in their primes like Boggs, Gooden, and Schmidt command four-figure price tags as well. Even commons from the set have increased steadily in value as Baby Boomers and Gen Xers who collected as kids enter adulthood with disposable income to fuel nostalgia purchases. Like most iconic sets, the 1986 Topps collection is sure to only increase in relevance, recognition and collector enthusiasm for decades to come.

In wrapping up, the 1986 Topps baseball card set achieved massive popularity upon release and developed an iconic status that has only grown more significant with time. By capturing a unique season and roster of talent through memorable photography and improved designs, the 660-card issue became a must-have for collectors of the era. Decades later, the prized rookies, stars, and story-driven cards continue excite the modern hobby. For capturing a special moment still revered by fans today, 1986 Topps remains one of the most important and extensively collected flagship sets in the sport’s rich collectibles history.

RARE 1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and coveted sets in the hobby. It marked Topps’ return as the sole major baseball card producer after rival Fleer left the business. The set contains 792 total cards and features a nostalgic design that harkens back to the 1950s and early 1960s. Within this classic set lie several extremely scarce and valuable cards that fetch high prices at auction.

One of the rarest 1986 Topps cards is the Frank Tanana error card (#491). Only a handful are believed to exist due to a printing error where Tanana’s name is misspelled as “Frank Tamana.” The misspelling went unnoticed and these errors slipped into packs. It’s considered the prized error card of the ’86 set. In pristine mint condition, it has sold for over $25,000 at auction. Another scarce error is the Pat Clements card (#439), where his first name is omitted entirely. Approximately five are known to collectors.

High numbers cards near the end of the set tend to be harder to find in conditioned packs since they saw fewer distribution points near the end of the baseball card run in the mid-80s. Notable scarce higher numbers include the #786 Randy Buffalo card, with estimates of under 10 in circulation. The #785 Calvin Schiraldi card is also quite rare, with sources suggesting there are approximately 25-50 known to exist. In top grades, examples have sold for over $1,000 given their elusiveness.

Among the biggest star rookie cards in the set are those of Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. Their true rookie cards actually came a year earlier in the 1985 set. What makes their ’86 Topps cards scarce is the lack of production and distribution since they were repeat year players. The Clemens (#630) and Bonds (#670) rookie cards from 1986 command big prices, around $1,000-$3,000 each in mint condition.

Another star whose true rookie was in 1985 but makes his ’86 card rare is Bret Saberhagen, holding the #661 spot. Ken Phelps’ card at #671 also gains value since he was involved in one of the most lopsided trades in history that sent him to the Mets for Saberhagen. Finding these high-numbered rookie/stars in pristine condition is difficult.

Short prints are always prized in Topps sets due to lower production runs. Notable ’86 short prints include Cards #11, 20, 83, 151, 160, 175, 184, 198, 204, 210, 249, 253 and 272. These have printing quantities estimated at one per hobby box on average. High grade examples often fetch $100+ due to their scarcity.

The 1986 flagship set also contains several variations that collectors look for. Among the most notable are the “medallion” back variations which see different stamped designs on the reverse of certain cards, namely cards #30, 54, 104, 132, 152, 188, 228, 252, 272, and 360. These command an added premium. Another variation is the Wade Boggs card #347 featuring a photo where his eyes are closed. This eye-closed variation is very scarce.

Overall condition of cards is paramount to their value. High grade 1986 Topps rookies, stars, errors and rare Parallels have risen sharply the past decade. The combination of classic design, low initial print runs in the early-to-mid 1980s, and enduring nostalgia for the set continues to drive collector demand and price appreciation for the toughest cards to acquire in pristine condition. The 1986 Topps baseball issue remains one of the true icons of the hobby and the Holy Grail for many devoted collectors.