Tag Archives: 1986

1986 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps Traded set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card issues for collectors. Issued as a supplemental set to the flagship 1986 Topps baseball card release, Topps Traded featured many high-profile players who had been traded to new teams during or after the 1985 season. With only 198 total cards in the set compared to 792 in the standard 1986 Topps issue, cards from the Traded set have long held cache and demand among collectors. Several factors, including short print runs, star power, and capturing iconic moments in time, have led to many 1986 Topps Traded cards skyrocketing in value over the decades. Here are some of the most expensive and coveted cards from the 1986 Topps Traded set:

Nolan Ryan (#T346) – Widely considered the most valuable card from the 1986 Topps Traded set, Nolan Ryan’s card can fetch prices well over $10,000 in near-mint to mint condition. At the time, Ryan was freshly traded from the Houston Astros to the Houston Astros for the 1986 season. He was already a legend with over 4,000 career strikeouts, but the iconic Traded card captured one of the game’s all-time greats at the peak of his powers right before embarking on two more successful seasons with the Astros. Ryan’s dominance, Hall of Fame career, and the scarcity of high-grade copies make this one of the most expensive vintage cards on the market.

Kirk Gibson (#T201) – Gibson’s rookie card from the 1980 Topps set is wildly expensive, but his 1986 Topps Traded issue can also sell for thousands. That’s because it depicts “Gibby” after being traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he would go on to have the most successful years of his career including winning the 1988 World Series MVP. The image of Gibson in a Dodgers uniform is very iconic for fans and represents one of the most famous playoff moments in baseball history. High-grade copies can reach over $4,000.

Ozzie Smith (#T194) – As a perennial Gold Glove shortstop with the St. Louis Cardinals, Ozzie Smith was already a fan favorite when Topps captured his traded card to the San Diego Padres. Known as “The Wizard” for his flashy defensive skills, Smith spent seven successful seasons in San Diego and made his first All-Star team in 1986. The scarce Traded issue shows him in Padres colors for the only time and can sell for over $3,500 in top condition.

Billy Ripken (#T206) – While not a true star on the field, Billy Ripken’s infamous Traded card became one of the most talked-about and sought-after due to an unusual discovery years later. On the photo used for the card, a phallic image was printed on Ripken’s bat with the word “F*** Face” written above it when the photo was poorly screened. Outrage and fascination over the error boosted demand dramatically once it was uncovered in the late 1980s. Even well-worn low-grade copies can cost a few hundred dollars now.

Pedro Guerrero (#T198) – Forgotten by many casual fans now, Pedro Guerrero was an All-Star outfield slugger for the Dodgers in the 1980s. His Traded card shows him after moving from Los Angeles to the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 1986 campaign. Guerrero rebounded with another strong season and continued to be a top producer for several more years. High grades have sold for around $2,000 due to the star power attached and the visual impact of seeing Guerrero in a Cardinals uniform for the sole time.

Rick Sutcliffe (#T346) – One of the true stars of the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers, Sutcliffe’s traded issue shows him after being dealt from Detroit to the Cleveland Indians. As one of the game’s best pitchers at the time, Sutcliffe’s Traded card has value propelled by his on-field success while capturing a pivotal trade moment. PSA 9-10 copies can reach over $1,500. Sutcliffe enjoyed two great years in Cleveland following the swap.

Andre Dawson (#T193) – Known as “The Hawk” during a storied Hall of Fame career, Andre Dawson’s Traded card depicts his transition from the Montreal Expos to the Chicago Cubs. After a pair of dominant seasons with Montreal, Dawson spent seven prolific years with the Cubs where he won an MVP award. High-grade versions of his iconic Traded card have sold for thousands, though most copies trade hands in the $800-1200 range today depending on condition.

Ron Kittle (#T351) – One of the true early “rookie” cards included in the Traded set since Kittle debuted in 1983, his image shows him after being dealt from the White Sox to the Texas Rangers. While Kittle unfortunately succumbed to injuries, he put together two fantastic seasons including winning the 1983 AL Rookie of the Year and racking up 35 homers as a 23-year-old. The scarcity and star potential attached make high-grade Kittle Traded cards worth over $1,000 now.

Gary Matthews (#T200) – Gary Matthews had five All-Star appearances and was a consistentGold Glove caliber outfielder, so his Traded card moved teams from the Phillies to the Giants. Not as well-known today, Matthews produced several 20+ home run seasons and was one of the brighter young bats in the league in the mid-1980s. Top-graded copies have cracked four-figures in price among dedicated collectors.

George Foster (#T199) – After winning the 1977 NL MVP award with the Cincinnati Reds, George Foster was dealt to the New York Mets where he spent the latter half of his 12-year MLB career. His Traded issue shows Foster powering up for the Mets, and remind fans of his dominant “Big Red Machine” days. High-demand among Mets and Reds collectors has pushed PSA 8+ copies of Foster’s Traded card north of $800 on the market.

The 1986 Topps Traded baseball card set maintains a devoted collector base to this day because it captured so many impactful roster moves and star players during compelling moments in MLB history. The relatively low print numbers have also kept individual cards quite scarce in high grades over 35+ years. While some are clearly out of reach price-wise, mid-range copies of the top names from this set remain strong investments for any vintage card portfolio.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1986

Leave a reply

1986 was a pivotal year for baseball cards as the bubble that had formed in the mid-1980s was starting to burst. While 1985 and 1986 saw some massive print runs from the major card companies, the market was becoming oversaturated which led to a crash in the late 1980s. However, 1986 is still a very collectible year for several reasons and there are some key cards that still hold value today.

One of the most notable rookies from 1986 was Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox. Clemens would go on to have a legendary career winning 7 Cy Young Awards and establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His rookie card from 1986 Fleer is one of the most sought after from the entire decade. In near mint to mint condition, it currently sells for around $150-200. The card also has several variations that can increase its value such as if it has a blue or red Fleer logo instead of the standard black logo.

Another rookie of note from 1986 was Barry Bonds who was just starting his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. While Bonds wouldn’t have his true breakout season until later in his career, his rookie cards are still very collectible today. His 1986 Topps rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint condition recently sold at auction for over $30,000, showing the high demand there still is for this card in pristine condition. Most Bonds rookies outside of a PSA 10 grade will sell for $100-300 depending on condition.

Donruss also had a strong set in 1986 that featured the “traded” photo variation that showcased players on their new teams from trades. This added an extra layer of collecting and the traded cards can carry premiums. One of the most valuable from 1986 Donruss is the traded card of Rickey Henderson as an Oakland A. In near mint to mint condition, it sells for $300-500 due to its rarity and Henderson’s status as a fan favorite.

Speaking of the Oakland A’s, their “Swingin’ A’s” dynasty of the late 80s and early 90s was well represented in 1986 sets. Future Hall of Famers like Dennis Eckersley, Jose Canseco, and Mark McGwire all had strong rookie seasons. While not quite as coveted as Clemens or Bonds, their rookie cards still hold value in the $50-150 range depending on grade. Canseco’s cards tend to be the most popular as he was one of the first true “five-tool” sluggers of the steroid era.

Topps had another solid flagship set in 1986 that remains very collectible today. Some key veteran stars that command premium prices include Nolan Ryan ($100-300), Wade Boggs ($75-200), and Ozzie Smith ($50-150) depending on grade. The design also featured player interviews on the back that added to its appeal. The flagship set size was also smaller than 1985 which helps its long term collectibility.

While 1986 was towards the end of the “junk wax” era, it still produced some gems in the oddball and regional sets outside the big three. The 1986 Fleer Update set stands out with star rookies like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz. In high grade, their rookie cards can reach $150-300 each. The Pacific set also had some West Coast stars like Mark Langston and Dave Henderson with their cards priced $25-100 based on condition.

While 1986 may not have the same iconic rookies as 1952 or 1975, it still produced future Hall of Famers like Clemens, Bonds, Henderson, and more. The market crash of the late 80s also helped preserve many of these cards in higher grades. For collectors looking to add some affordable stars from the peak of the junk wax era, 1986 remains a great vintage to explore. Key rookies, traded cards, and stars from flagship sets continue to hold relevance and appeal for both casual collectors and serious investors alike.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and popular issues from the 1980s. It marked a few notable milestones including being the first Topps set with gumless cards and also the final design featuring team logos on the fronts of cards until 1993. The 1986 design is clean and classic with team colors prominently displayed. Aside from being a historically significant set, 1986 Topps cards also feature some of the biggest stars and rookie cards from that era. This has made them highly desirable for collectors to find in top grades.

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is considered the gold standard for third-party grading of sports cards and other collectibles. When it comes to high-end 1986 Topps baseball cards, PSA slabs are what collectors desire most. There are a few key 1986 rookie and star player cards that command the highest prices in PSA’s pristine black label “gem mint” 10 grade. These include the Roger Clemens rookie, Barry Bonds rookie, Greg Maddux rookie, and Mark McGwire rookie cards. In a PSA 10 grade, each of these iconic rookies can sell for thousands, with the Clemens being the most valuable routinely bringing $10,000+.

While a PSA 10 1986 Topps card is the obvious Holy Grail, there is still a strong and robust market for these classic issues in other high PSA grades as well. A PSA 9 can usually fetch anywhere from 25-75% of a PSA 10 price depending on the specific card and its demand. Collectors may be willing to pay a slight premium for cards in the coveted “mint” 9 grade versus an “excellently centered” 8.5 grade. A properly graded PSA 8 also retains good value at generally 50-80% less than a PSA 9. Cards need to have extremely good centering and surfaces to achieve these top three PSA grades.

Beyond the biggest stars and rookies, there are also many other popular 1986 Topps regular issue cards that do especially well in high PSA grades. Future Hall of Famers like Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Steve Garvey and Ryne Sandberg are always in demand. Expos stars like Andre Dawson and Tim Raines also have strong followings. Popular team cards like the 1986 Boston Red Sox or New York Mets are also prized by collectors when found in pristine condition. Even many mid-level stars from that era can carry value with a PSA 10 grade attached.

While the highest end PSA 10 1986 Topps cards may be out of reach for most collectors’ budgets, there are still plenty of grading opportunities further down the Pop Report scale. A PSA 7 still signifies a “very fine” vintage card. These mid-grade PSA cards remain attainable while still offering third-party certification of condition which is becoming more important to today’s buyers and sellers. And shrewd collectors may see value in acquiring raw 1986 Topps cards they believe could grade even a point or two higher with a professional submission. Either way, PSA slabbing enhances the overall appeal and preserves condition long term for these beloved 1980s baseball issues.

In today’s hot vintage sports card market, graded 1986 Topps cards in all PSA levels have appreciated significantly in price across the board over the past few years. That’s expected to continue as millennials rediscover the 1986 designs and nostalgia from their childhoods, combined with overall heightened interest driving new collectors and investors to the hobby. For discerning vintage collectors, a 1986 Topps card in a PSA holder remains among the most desirable additions to any collection from that iconic set and era of the game. Their historical significance and place within the hobby ensure 1986 Topps PSA graded gems will retain strong collector demand for many years to come.

1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set was notable for being the company’s first major baseball card release since 1978. After nearly a decade away from the baseball card market, Donruss made their return with an exciting 401-card checklist featuring notable rookie cards and stars from the 1985 MLB season.

Donruss had previously been one of the dominant card manufacturers in the 1970s before exiting the baseball card scene. By the mid-1980s, Topps had emerged as the industry leader with Fleer as their top competitor. However, Donruss saw an opportunity to re-enter the market and felt the time was right to launch a new set. Their 1986 release captured the interest of collectors and helped re-establish the Donruss brand among the top baseball card companies once again.

The 1986 Donruss set featured a player photo on the front of each card with basic career stats and biographical information on the back. The design had a clean look with a yellow border around the primarily white cards. At the bottom-left of the front, the small “Certified Authenticated” hologram was a distinctive mark of Donruss releases during this era. The card stock was thinner than previous Donruss issues but held up well over the years.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz highlighted the exciting first-year player choices in the set. Maddux’s impressive career would make his the most valuable of the trio long-term. Other top rookies included Wally Joyner, Terry Mulholland, and Mark Langston. Veterans like Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan continued to powerhouse the showcase cards in the checklist as well.

Beyond the star talents, the 1986 Donruss set provided an encapsulation of the entire MLB landscape from that season. Each team was well-represented with players across every franchise. Minor leaguers, managers, and even retired legends popped up in the extended checklist to bring collectors thorough coverage of the baseball world. Parallels and PHOTO variations added different levels of scarcity and challenge to the collection process as well.

The visual design was basic but effective at highlighting the photography. Donruss focused on clear pictures over elaborate backgrounds or special effects. This allowed the players to take center stage and really popped off the cards. The simplicity also gave the images a timeless, classic look that has aged very well compared to some of the flashier sets from competitors during the mid-1980s bubble era.

Upon release, the 1986 Donruss cards were a smash success that helped cement the company’s place back amongst the major manufacturers. Strong sales performance proved there was still plenty of demand for Donruss product and collectors were eager to get their hands on the highly anticipated rookie cards and starting lineup stars. Secondary market growth over the decades has made many of the key cards quite valuable as well.

Whether being collected for appreciating rookies, team-building, or just enjoyment of the photography and players, the 1986 Donruss set marked an iconic comeback and has remained a pivotal release in baseball card history. It helped usher Donruss into a new era and reestablished them as an innovative leader, not just a nostalgic name from the past. For both the company and collectors, 1986 was a year of significant transition and enjoyment that developed long-term implications for the entire sports card industry. The clean, classic design stands the test of time and the desirable rookie choices ensure this set will retain popularity for generations of collectors to come.

1986 TOPPS BIG BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps Big Baseball card set was one of the largest and most ambitious releases the company produced during the 1980s. Within the set were cards featuring larger-sized, close-up images of baseball stars printed on thick, glossy stock. Topps produced the Big Baseball cards as a premium insert set within series one of their flagship baseball card release for that year.

The 1986 Topps Big Baseball set totaled 100 cards and featured some of the biggest names in the game at the time. Superstars like Wade Boggs, George Brett, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Ozzie Smith were among those highlighted. Unlike traditional cards that measured approximately 2 1⁄2 inches by 3 1⁄2 inches, the Big cards came in at an oversized 5 inches by 7 inches. This larger size allowed for splendidly detailed headshots that truly captured the likenesses and expressions of the players.

Another notable aspect of the 1986 Topps Big Baseball cards was the stock they were printed on. While standard cardboard was used for typical issues, the Bigs utilized a thicker, glossier paper stock. This gave the images a sharper pop and allowed the colors to really jump off the card. The coated paper also provided a superior level of protection to prevent scuffs or scratches from developing over time. Many collectors still remark on how pristine even well-loved examples from this set remain decades later.

In addition to standalone star rosters like Boggs, Brett, and Dawson, subsets within the 1986 Topps Big Baseball included postseason heroes, Cy Young winners, and Rookie of the Year award recipients. This injected variety into the checklist and highlighted many of the game’s best individual performances from 1985. Rookies like Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Bob Welch made their cardboard debuts in these Big subsets long before they became household names.

Distribution of the 1986 Topps Big Baseball insert set was handled through the traditional wax pack route at first. Hobby boxes came stocked with a scattered assortment of Big cards randomly inserted amid the standard base issues. Later in the year, Topps also offered the massive magnified rosters wrapped in their own small packs to be purchased individually. This dual release strategy helped spread the collectibles far and wide to eager baseball card fans.

Demand for the oversized 1986 Topps Big Baseball cards was tremendous both at the checkout counter and afterwards in the secondary market. Their superior production qualities, all-star and award winner lineups, and sheer novelty factor fused together to create one of the company’s most beloved and enduring modern premium sets. Prices for even commons have held steady despite the35-year time gap. Top graded examples in the high-end population report routinely sell for hundreds or thousands due to their iconic status in the hobby. The 1986 Topps Big Baseball cards truly capitalized on collectors’ appetite for staring star players close up and remain a touchstone release nearly four decades later.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues ever produced. While not the flashiest design compared to earlier decades, the ’86 Topps cards featured key rookie cards and star players that have become highly sought after by collectors over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable standouts from the 1986 Topps set.

One of the true crown jewels from 1986 Topps is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays slugger José Canseco. As one of the first true five-tool players of the steroid era, Canseco broke onto the scene in 1985 by winning American League Rookie of the Year and blasting 33 home runs. His iconic rookie card from Topps displays him in a Toronto uniform, foreshadowing his huge breakout season. High-grade Canseco rookies have cracked the $10,000 price point and it remains one of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market.

Another seminal rookie card from 1986 Topps is that of Boston Red Sox legend Roger Clemens. Before establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Clemens’ rookie depicts him in a soaring windup for the hard-throwing Houston righty. Like Canseco, Clemens’ card value has soared into the thousands for top condition copies. His dominance and high profile have kept the card highly relevant as a piece of baseball history.

While he may not have had the accolades of Canseco or Clemens as rookies, one of the stranger career trajectories makes the 1986 Topps Darryl Strawberry rookie incredibly sought after. A brute force on the field for over a decade, Strawberry’s battles with substance abuse are part of what have made his early cards so collectible. Copies still fetch $500-1000 based on his raw talent and mystique attached to 80s Mets glory years.

Staying in New York, the 1986 set also gave collectors their first glimpse of future Hall of Famer Gary Carter behind the dish for the Mets. After a decorated 12-year career with the Expos and key role on the ’86 championship squad, Carter’s iconic catcher’s mask image is a revered piece of Metsiana. High grades command $150-300 price tags for one of the most identifiable cards of the issue.

Moving from rookies to established superstars, two pillar 1986 Topps cards that tower over the set are those of Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan. Schmidt’s iconic stance depicts “the Hammer” in the prime of his Phillies career, having just won his third MVP in five seasons. With over 600 home runs to his name already, it serves as a monument to his greatness. The Nolan Ryan issue captures the flamethrower in mid-windup for the Astros, just a season removed from his record sixth no-hitter. Both command north of $500 for pristine specimens that highlight ’80s baseball royalty.

While the above cards demand premium prices, there are also many other valuable and iconic 1986 Topps issues outside the obvious stars. Ozzie Smith’s backflipped defensive wizardry remains a fan favorite. Don Mattingly’s chiseled Yankee physique represented the “Mr. October” era. Lenny Dykstra’s underrated accomplishments in Philadelphia makes his a sleeper. And the oddball birth of “Nails” Nehemiah’s short but sweet baseball journey creates intrigue as well.

In the end, while not all 1986 Topps cards have retained value compared to the true elite, it marks one of the most complete snapshots of 1980s on-field talent. From Hall of Famers to rookie stars to fun players in between, it hits the nostalgia buttons for children of the era who ripped packs three decades ago. Whether a collector builds a full set or targets the heavy hitters, 1986 Topps is essential for any vintage baseball card collection.

TOPPS 1986 BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is arguably one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the hobby’s history due to an exceptional rookie class. While rookie cards are normally the primary draw for collectors, the ’86 set had such an amazing array of prospects that it transcends a single player and defines an entire era. Among the stars who had their rookie cards in the Topps flagship that year included Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Mark McGwire, and Tom Glavine. With hall of famers like that debuting all at once, it’s easy to see why the 1986 Topps set remains a collector favorite over 35 years later.

At the time, Topps was still the undisputed king in the baseball card market as the exclusive producer of cards for players in MLB. They had been issuing sets continuously since 1948 and were coming off another popular issue in 1985. For 1986, Topps would again produce cards in the familiar design they had used for several prior years. Each card featured a player photo on the front along with their name, team, and vital stats. On the back was a write-up with career statistics and sometimes personal details. The design lacked frills but served collectors well by clearly showing off the star rookies.

Among the most coveted and valuable of the rookie cards in the 1986 Topps set is Barry Bonds. As one of the greatest pure hitters in MLB history and still the career home run king, demand for his rookie remains immense. In near mint condition, Bonds’ rookie routinely fetches sums well over $1,000. Even more impressive is that he was not yet a household name in 1986 as he had only 136 at-bats in his debut season. But Bonds would go on to shatter records and cement his hall of fame credentials over the following two decades. His humble start captured in the Topps issue gives collectors a unique perspective on his ascendance.

Another all-time great with his rookie in the ’86 Topps set is Greg Maddux. Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux won 355 career games and four Cy Young awards across 23 MLB seasons. His pinpoint control and ability to change speeds kept hitters off balance like few others. As with Bonds, seeing Maddux depicted in his rookie attire provides context for how he would develop into a legend. PSA 10 examples of his distinctive rookie frequently sell for over $1,000 as well. It was far from obvious he would achieve such heights when just starting out with the Chicago Cubs in 1986.

One hall of famer who was expected to succeed straight away was Roger Clemens. With a blazing fastball that couldn’t be touched, “The Rocket” debuted for the Boston Red Sox and immediately showed ace-level stuff. His Topps rookie captures that electrifying potential and remains a must-have for any collection. Graded mint copies often exceed $2,000 given Clemens’ iconic status attained through seven Cy Young awards and over 4,000 strikeouts. He was a true finished product from day one and one of the most intimidating pitchers the sport has seen.

Perhaps the single-most valuable and memorable from the 1986 Topps checklist is Mark McGwire’s rookie card. As one of the original masters of the home run, his mammoth bombs fascinated fans and broke numerous records. A PSA 10 McGwire rookie in pristine condition can net upward of $10,000 these days. Even higher grades have been known to fetch six-figure sums. He first broke out with a 49 home run season for the Athletics in 1987, giving collectors of his rookie a tremendous long-term return on investment. McGwire’s prodigious power made an instant impact and indicated more monster seasons were ahead.

Another member of that star-studded rookie class was Hall of Famer Tom Glavine. Selected right out of high school by the Atlanta Braves in the 2nd round of the 1984 draft, Glavine spent the 1985 season in the minors before debuting in 1986. He went on to become one of the greatest pitchers in Braves’ franchise history across two stints with the club. Glavine excelled with pinpoint control to go with three Cy Young awards and 305 career victories. He also anchored Braves’ rotations for their 1995 World Series title team. Near mint Glavine rookies consistently trade in the $300-500 range.

While the headliners dominated discussion, other notable rookies found in the 1986 Topps set included Will Clark, Bret Saberhagen, David Justice, Wally Joyner, and Stanley Jefferson (later changing his name to Stanley Burrell and known professionally as rapper Ice Cube). Clark was an impact slugger for the Giants, Saberhagen tossed the Royals’ Game 6 clincher in the 1985 World Series, and Justice was part of the core of Braves’ 90s champions. Even players with relatively short careers hold value thanks to inclusion among the legendary rookie class. The depth of talent makes 1986 one of the all-time finest issues.

Beyond the star rookies, Topps also featured popular veterans throughout the set. Rickey Henderson’s card showcased his base-stealing dominance with Oakland. Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn continued their hit-streak ways amongst others. And on the pitching side, Nolan Ryan blazed into the record books while Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton remained workhorses. Topps captured all the games’ biggest names of the era within a single cohesive checklist. They also added player interviews, team checklist cards, and memorial tributes to recently departed former players.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set achieved iconic status for good reason. It functioned not only as a snapshot of that specific MLB season, but also cemented the arrival of a generation for the ages. By bringing together superstar talents like Clemens, Bonds, Maddux, McGwire, and Glavine amongst their rookie cards, it defined the future course of baseball for decades. High quality copies remain a worthwhile collectible investment given the sustained interest in these legendary players. The convergence of so much excellence in one release is unlikely to ever be replicated. As a result, 1986 Topps remains the pinnacle that all other sports card sets are judged.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued during a time of great change in the sport, the ’86 Topps set memorialized the careers of future Hall of Famers while also featuring some of the game’s emerging young stars. Over 35 years since its original release, key cards from the ’86 Topps set command strong prices in today’s thriving vintage baseball card market.

The 1986 season was one of transition as baseball was in the early stages of the “Steroid Era” and moving towards the business model and popularity it enjoys today. Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and other sluggers who would later break records were just entering their prime. The ’86 Topps set captured this changing of the guard moment with rookie cards of players like Will Clark, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. With 762 total cards, the ’86 Topps set also paid tribute to stars of the previous era like Reggie Jackson and Pete Rose who were entering the twilight of their careers.

While complete sets can still be acquired for a few hundred dollars, there are several standout ’86 Topps rookie and star player cards that fetch thousands. One of the most valuable is the #1 rookie card of slugger Mark McGwire. In top mint condition, McGwire’s iconic debut card can sell for over $10,000. Another highly valuable rookie is #383 Greg Maddux. High grade PSA 10 Maddux rookies have crossed the $5,000 mark. Tom Glavine’s #140 rookie is also a key card, with a PSA 10 example reaching as high as $3,000.

Beyond the top rookie cards, several star players from 1986 have primary issue cards that maintain strong collector demand. The #1 Barry Bonds card consistently sells for $1,000-2,000 regardless of condition due to his iconic status. The #94 Roger Clemens card from his Cy Young Award-winning season is another $1,000+ card. And the #332 Mike Schmidt card, featuring one of the game’s great sluggers, has sold for well over $2,000 in high grades.

Other factors beyond just star power or rookie status contribute to 1986 Topps card values. Complete league leader and award winner highlight cards often sell for more since they feature statistical achievement. For example, the highlighted #455 Don Mattingly card featuring his American League MVP and batting title has reached $800 for a well-centered, sharp PSA 8 copy. Team or player parallel and photo variation cards that were less commonly pulled also hold premium value.

While the arrival of the MLB licensed Topps sets in the 1980s diminished interest in the unlicensed Fleer and Donruss sets of that era to an extent, strong competition brought innovation. Notably, the 1986 Fleer set introduced the “chrome” parallelrefractor insert concept. High grade copies of the star-studded chrome parallel rookie cards of Barry Bonds (#70c), Greg Maddux (#140c), and Mark Grace (#301c) easily top $200 today. Later refractor parallels became immensely popular as collectors began appreciating variations within sets.

In the over 35 years since its original publication, nostalgia and increased collecting interest has made the 1986 Topps baseball card set a bedrock of the vintage market. Rookies, stars, and key parallel issues represent lucrative long-term investments – especially when high certified grades are achieved. As one of the final flagship sets truly capturing the tail end of the “junk wax” era before the sports card industry boomed in the 1990s, the ’86 Topps cards remain a link to baseball history worth preserving and exhibiting for generations to come. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, this iconic 1980s release endures as a highly desirable part of the vintage sports card landscape.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1986

Leave a reply

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors as it marked the company’s return to the baseball card market after a two year hiatus. Donruss had been a major player in the baseball card industry during the 1970s and early 1980s, but production issues caused them to sit out sets in 1984 and 1985. Fans were eager to see what Donruss would bring with their relaunch.

The 1986 set consisted of 792 total cards and had the now-familiar design that Donruss would use for several years. Each card featured a color photo of the player on a white background with their name, team, and stats printed in blue or red text below. On the back was more extensive stats and a short career summary. Rookies and stars received special photo or design treatments on their cards. The set also included manager/coach cards for the first time.

Distribution of the 1986 Donruss set was handled through the company’s parent corporation, Pinnacle Brands. This allowed the cards to reach a wide retail audience through channels like convenience stores, drug stores, and hobby shops. The initial print run was substantial to meet anticipated demand after the two year gap.

Some notable rookies in the 1986 Donruss set included Roger Clemens, Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Terry Pendleton. All would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. Clemens’ rookie card stood out with a special blue photo tint treatment. Other stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Mike Schmidt had their photos specially colored as well to distinguish them.

The design held up well over the years and created a classic look that is still appreciated by collectors today. Statistics on the back also made the cards very informative for fans even after the players’ careers had ended. This helped the 1986 Donruss set maintain collector interest for decades. The cards were also fairly durable and retained their condition well compared to some other brands from that era.

In terms of rarity and value, the 1986 Donruss set tops out with the star rookie cards as some of the most desirable. A PSA 10 graded Roger Clemens rookie in near mint condition can fetch over $10,000. The Barry Larkin rookie has also gained value in recent years, with high-grade copies selling for $1,000 or more. Other top cards include the Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith special photo treatments, as well as stars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and Rickey Henderson.

The 1986 Donruss set marked the company’s return to prominence as a major baseball card producer. After a couple years away, they came back with a classic design and high quality production that made the cards a hit with collectors. Landing some all-time great rookie cards like Clemens and Larkin also gave the set lasting appeal. While common players remain fairly inexpensive to collect, the star cards have grown steeply in value. For both casual fans and serious investors, the 1986 Donruss baseball cards remain a memorable and desirable part of the hobby’s history.

1986 TOPPS CHEWING GUM BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1986 Topps chewing gum baseball card set was the 65th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and included cards for players from the American and National Leagues. Some key things to know about the 1986 Topps set include:

The 1986 set included 792 total cards and featured players and managers from all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time. Some of the biggest stars featured included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Mike Schmidt. The design of the cards paid homage to the early Topps sets from the 1950s and 1960s with a simple white border and team logo at the bottom. On the front of each card was a color photo of the player in action along with their name, team, and position.

On the back of each card, stats from the previous season were provided along with a brief career recap. One unique aspect of the 1986 set was the inclusion of “Traded” cards, which notified collectors when a player had switched teams in the offseason. For example, Don Baylor received cards for both the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets since he was traded from one to the other prior to the 1986 season.

The 1986 Topps set marked several career milestones for legendary players. For Hank Aaron, it was his final card as he retired after the 1985 season with 755 career home runs, still the all-time record. For Nolan Ryan, his 1986 Topps card commemorated his reaching his 5000th career strikeout. And for Pete Rose, it was one of his last cards before being banned from baseball amid gambling allegations in 1989.

In addition to current players, the 1986 Topps set also included retired players and managers in the “Topps All-Time Fan Favorites” subset. This subset featured 25 cards honoring legends of the game like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Yogi Berra. The design of these cards mimicked the look of early 1950s Topps issues to pay tribute to baseball’s storied past.

The 1986 Topps set also included several innovative promotional subsets. “Famous Feats” highlighted unique career achievements of players. “Topps All-Stars” showcased the best statistical seasons. And “Traded” subset notified collectors of player transactions over the 1985-86 offseason. Rookies featured included Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire in their rookie cards before they went on to Hall of Fame careers.

The 1986 Topps set had a print run estimated between 600-650 million series one packs. This massive production led to the cards having relatively low values today compared to some vintage sets. Star rookies, key traded cards, and especially the Babe Ruth “All-Time Fan Favorite” card still command premium prices from collectors. The design elements like the simple borders, team logos, and classic photography also make the 1986 issue a favorite of collectors seeking mid-80s cardboard.

While not quite as iconic or valuable as some of the early 1950s Topps issues, the 1986 Topps baseball card set remains an important release that captured the sport during one of the most exciting eras of baseball history. Featuring final cards for legends like Aaron and Ryan alongside rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1986 set provides a unique snapshot of baseball during the transition between eras. Over 35 years later, the affordable vintage cards remain popular with collectors both young and old looking to build their baseball collections.