Tag Archives: 1986

TOP 1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases of the 1980s. Some key things to know about the 1986 Topps set include:

The 1986 Topps set featured major stars like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Barry Bonds on the brink of superstardom. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux and John Smoltz also debuted in this set. In total, there were 712 cards in the flagship Topps series that year. The design featured bold color blocks and player photographs occupying much of the front of the card. On the back, stats from the previous season were provided along with a short biography of each player.

One of the most coveted and valuable rookie cards from the 1986 Topps set is that of Ken Griffey Jr. Even in raw, ungraded condition, Griffey’s rookie frequently sells for well over $100. In gem mint condition it can command upwards of $10,000. What makes Griffey’s rookie so highly sought is not just his elite talent and career accomplishments, but also the photogenic smile and simple design that encapsulates the excitement of the time.

Another hugely valuable card is that of rookie pitcher Dwight Gooden on the New York Mets. Gooden’s rookie is highly regarded for documenting “Doc’s” dominant 1985 season where he won Rookie of the Year and posted a sensational 1.53 ERA. In high grade, his rookie has sold for over $4,000. Gooden and the Mets were also one of the most exciting stories in baseball at the time which has kept collector interest in his cards strong.

Beyond rookies, the cards of superstar sluggers like Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry alsoretain high values today. Mattingly’sdefense and hittingmade him afavorite among collectors. Meanwhile, Strawberry’s prodigious power output for the Metsthroughoutthe 1980s made him one of themostexciting offensive players to follow. High-grade examples of their common Topps cards can sell for a few hundred dollars each.

The 1986 set contains other notable rookie cards as well, including those of Wally Joyner, Lenny Dykstra, and Mark McGwire. Joyner had just come off a strong rookie campaign for the California Angels and would go on to have an excellent career. McGwire’s raw power was already evident in his rookie season with the Athletics. Meanwhile, Dykstra’s exciting style of play began to earn him renown during his debut season with the Mets and Phillies. All three players’ rookie cards typically sell for $50-150 depending on condition.

When it comes to star veterans in the 1986 Topps set, the cards of pitching legends Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver remain valuable. Both were still performing strongly for the Astros and Red Sox respectively during the ’86 season. High-grade examples of their common cards can reach $500 due to their Hall of Fame careers and the appeal of stars from that era to collectors. The cards of slugging superstars like Eddie Murray, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Winfield also command $100-300 in top condition.

Beyond the high-value rookie cards and stars, there are also several other noteworthy subsets and inserts found in the 1986 Topps set. The Box Bottoms cards offered aerial photographs of major league ballparks. These parallel the highly sought vintage box loader cards of the 1950s. There is also the “Glossy Sendbacks” subset which featured select players on foil stock cardboard. Both subsets add diversity and collectability to the set.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set commemorated an exciting time in the sport. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, along with young stars like Gooden, give the set lasting historical significance. When coupled with the set’s innovative design and memorable veterans, it’s no wonder 1986 Topps remains a highly invested vintage release over 35 years later. For collectors, it captures a snapshot of the ascendance of talented players who would come to define baseball in the late 80s and beyond.

1986 TOPPS MINI BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Topps Mini Baseball card set was released by Topps in 1986 as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the company’s standard size baseball cards. The minis featured shrinked down versions of the standard size cards from that year in a 65-card base set plus additional cards in factory sets. Despite their smaller size, the 1986 Topps Mini cards have developed a strong collector following in the decades since their release and some key cards from the set can hold solid value today.

The 1986 Topps Mini base set featured all the major stars of that season such as Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Gary Carter on down to less prominent players. With a massive print run like the standard set, most common cards from the base rosters of everyday players are relatively cheap and only worth a quarter to a dollar in near mint condition. There are some standouts that can command higher prices. Rosters were not future focused so stars of the coming years like Barry Bonds are quite affordable at a few bucks each.

Rookie cards and other scarce short prints have shown the most upside in value over the long run from the 1986 Topps Mini set. The most valuable by far is the Kirby Puckett rookie which has escalated greatly in price in recent years. In top graded gem mint condition, this card now sells for hundreds of dollars. Another top rookie is the Dennis Martinez card that has also gained due to his extensive career. Other rookies like Wally Joyner and Tim Wallach are more attainable at $10-20.

Outside of the rookie class, the 1986 Topps Mini set is known for its elusive short prints that were accidentally left out of many factory sets distributed. Among the most significant of these is the Nolan Ryan card, which is quite rare in the regular mini format relative to the standard issue version. Graded examples have sold north of $100 due to this anomaly. Another notable shortprint is the Mike Schmidt card that is also relatively tough to acquire in the mini size. There is strong collector demand for 1986 Topps Mini short prints to fill out comprehensive sets.

Factory sets of the 1986 Topps Minis provide the best overall value in the set as they guarantee a complete rookie selection and usually include additional short print cards. The standard factory sets included 65 base cards and 12 checklist/preview cards but special pin sets also existed. These factory packaged collections in near complete condition with all the chase pieces routinely sell for $50-100. Individual cards or small subsets from broken factory sets usually trade for a fraction of this price.

In terms of premium editions within the 1986 Topps Mini release, the main attraction is the very rare O-Pee-Chee factory set which was produced for the Canadian market. Only about 50 of these sets are believed to exist making individual cards extremely expensive whenever they surface. Examples have sold for thousands of dollars to serious O-Pee-Chee collectors. There was also a miniature pin set distributed but it does not command huge multiples over a factory box.

When it comes to grading the 1986 Topps Minis, stringent standards apply due to the small fragile card stock used. Getting high grades of Gem Mint (9-10) often requires a True Gem Mint stamp since even minor printing issues or handling can greatly impact condition with these little cards. Top graded examples like the Puckett and Martinez rookies in Pristine MT-10 slabs have broken auction records. For most common players a Very Fine (6-7) grade still looks sharp and fits within most collector’s budgets.

The 1986 Topps Mini baseball card set provides a fun, compact way for enthusiasts to experience the classic ’86 season. While common cards are inexpensive, key rookie and short prints have proven to offer staying power. Complete factory sets offer the most comprehensive collecting option at affordable cost relative to the enclosed chase cards. The small size doesn’t appear to have harmed the long term collectibility of this set among vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts.

1986 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball card set remains one of the most popular and collectible issues from the storied brand. Containing cards of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars from the 1985 season, the set showcases iconic players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds. While not quite as coveted as classic Topps Flagship or rookie card sets from the same era, 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball cards hold lasting nostalgic appeal and valuable investments for savvy collectors.

Part of Topps’ new All-Star line introduced in 1986 alongside related subsets, the primary 132 card checklist highlighted the top MLB performers from the past season. Iconic designs like airbrushed action shots and vivid team colors give the cards a sharply stylized aesthetic that remains refreshing over 35 years later. Condition sensitive due to lack of protective coating, high grade examples scarcer. Set contains insert cards featuring “All-Star Stats” and player bios that add context and collectibility to the star-studded line-up.

Perhaps the most famous card from 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball is the Barry Bonds rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards ever printed in any baseball set due to his future Hall of Fame career, high grade Bonds rookies in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have recently sold for over $30,000. Prior to that unprecedented sale in 2021, the record for a PSA 10 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball Barry Bonds rookie was roughly $20,000.

Other iconic rookie cards like the Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden also hold excellent long term value potential. Clemens PSA 10 examples have reached over $1,500 in recent years while Gooden gems around $500-1000 depending on market conditions. Less heralded but exciting rookie cards of future stars like Ozzie Smith, Gary Carter and Dave Justice also appeal to savvy vintage collectors.

Veteran cards from superstars in their prime generate strong collector demand as well. High grade copies of 1985/1986 MVP Wade Boggs routinely sell for $50-100. PSA 10 examples of catcher Gary Carter, first baseman Keith Hernandez and slugger Andre Dawson generally range from $25-75 depending on the player. The iconic Ozzie Smith backflip action shot remains a highlight at $20-40 in gem mint condition.

Besides elite prospects, exciting young talents on the rise start to gain prestige in hindsight as well. John Kruk, Jeff Bagwell and Kenny Lofton had breakout 1985 campaigns represented here that prove prescient minor investments long term. Role players and lesser stars round out affordable options to build a complete 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball set over time.

While Flagship and rookie card issues may carry greater individual card price tags on average, the affordability of common veterans and depth of the 132 cards makes completing a 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball set a reasonable goal for most collectors. Near-complete, well-centered example sets in graded sleeves usually sell in the $500-1000 range. Higher grade raw or graded sets depending on condition could reach the $2000-5000 level when a premium example crosses the auction block.

As one of the iconic sports card designs of the 1980s, the 1986 Topps All-Star set remains a touchstone of 1980s baseball nostalgia that holds tangible financial value. Keys like the Bonds rookie ensure interest for discerning vintage collectors, while the overall depth and affordability of remaining cards encourage set building at accessible price levels. Whether targeting a specific star player card or enjoying the nostalgic process of seeing a full 132 card checklist come together, 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball stands the test of time as memorable sports memorabilia holding lasting collecting and investment appeal.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1986

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The 1986 baseball card season was one of the most memorable in the modern era. Led by superstars like Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, and Don Mattingly, the 1986 set featured many of the games biggest names and future Hall of Famers. With the rise of expensive rookie cards and a hot trading card market, the 1986 Topps set became a highly coveted collection for investors and fans alike.

One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from 1986 was that of Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens. After winning the AL Cy Young award in 1986 with a 24-4 record and a 2.48 ERA, Clemens established himself as the ace of the Red Sox staff. His rookie card from the 1986 Topps set quickly became one of the most sought after cards on the market. Graded mint condition Clemens rookies now sell for thousands of dollars. The card perfectly captured Clemens in his prime with his powerful delivery and intense competitive stare. It’s easy to see why this card became so valuable considering Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young awards and cement his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Another hugely popular rookie card from 1986 was that of New York Mets phenom Dwight Gooden. After bursting onto the scene in 1984 and winning Rookie of the Year, Gooden followed that up with an even better 1985 campaign, winning the NL Cy Young award with a 24-4 record and 1.53 ERA. His dominance carried over into 1986 as well making his rookie card extremely desirable. Known as “Doc” Gooden, his card showed him mid-windup with his powerful right arm cocked back, capturing the electric stuff that made him virtually unhittable during his early career. Like Clemens, a mint Gooden rookie now commands thousands. Both cards were harbingers of the success their owners knew these players would achieve.

While rookie cards drew plenty of attention, seasoned superstars still held plenty of value as well. No player was more accomplished and beloved at the time than New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly. After back-to-back All-Star and Gold Glove seasons, Mattingly’s offensive prowess and leadership abilities made him the face of baseball. His iconic batting stance and thick mustache made him instantly recognizable. His 1986 Topps card showed off his smooth lefty swing from a side angle. Mattingly remained a top star for the rest of the decade and his cards from this era retain their luster.

Another perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer who was entering his prime in 1986 was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. After winning Rookie of the Year in 1986 with 33 home runs and an American League leading 117 RBI, Canseco was already establishing himself as one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His muscular physique and prodigious power were the talk of baseball. His ’86 Topps card portrayed him rounding third base, showing off his chiseled frame and competitive fire. Canseco went on to have one of the greatest careers of the steroid era and his rookie card endures as a classic from the set.

While stars on winning teams received much of the spotlight, collectors also took a liking to cards featuring players from losing clubs who were putting up eye-popping offensive stats. One such player was Chicago Cubs third baseman and 1987 NL MVP Darryl Strawberry. Despite playing for a last place Cubs team, Strawberry launched 27 home runs in 1986 to go with 81 RBI and a .281 average. His powerful left-handed swing and athletic 6’6 frame made him a threat every time he stepped to the plate. His card from ’86 captured the raw talent and promise that would eventually be fulfilled after he was traded to the New York Mets.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set was a true high water mark that has stood the test of time. Future Hall of Famers, rookie sensations, and statistical standouts all had memorable cards that year. Strong demand has kept values high for these classic cardboard collectibles over the decades. For investors and fans alike, cards from sets like 1986 serve as a portal back to a golden era of the game featuring some of its all-time greatest players. The rookies and veterans featured that year helped shape the sport for years to come.

1986 DONRUSS HIGHLIGHTS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Donruss Highlights baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued at the height of the modern collecting boom, the set is remembered fondly by collectors who still chase the biggest stars and rookie cards from that release over 35 years ago.

Donruss Highlights was notable for being one of the first major baseball card sets released each year. It came out very early in the year, allowing collectors to get their hands on the new cards quickly. The set size was also modest at 132 cards, with each player depicted in an action photo with stats on the back. The design was clean and focused more on the image than flashy graphics.

Some key things that add value and collector interest to certain 1986 Donruss Highlights cards include star players, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, unique parallels and printing errors, and the iconic design that transports collectors back to their childhood. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the set in terms of rarity, condition, and monetary value:

Ryne Sandberg (#68): Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1986 set, Sandberg’s mainstream rookie card is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards on the market today. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, it has sold for over $15,000. Even well-centered Near Mint copies can fetch $1,000+.

Roger Clemens (#99): As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Clemens’ intimidating action photo and stats on the back make this one of the top stars from the set. High-grade PSA 10 copies sell for $500-700, with NM-MT 8s in the $100-200 range.

Mark McGwire (#60): McGwire’s rookie card marks the beginning of his legendary home run-hitting career. PSA 10s have sold for over $4,000, with most graded copies in the $200-500 range depending on condition.

Barry Larkin (#56): Larkin’s smooth-swinging action pose is considered one of the best card images of the ’80s. As a future Hall of Famer and Cincinnati Reds star, high-grade PSA 10 examples are worth $1,000+.

Dwight Gooden (#64): Known simply as “Dr. K”, Gooden burst onto the scene as one of the most über-talented young pitchers ever. Near flawless PSA 10 rookie cards command $1,500-2,000. PSA 9 copies sell for $300-500 or more.

Wally Joyner (#44): While not a true “rookie” since Joyner had previous MLB experience, his card marks his first with the California Angels where he enjoyed his biggest success. Near-gem PSA 9s have sold for $400.

Ozzie Smith (#69): As arguably the greatest defensive shortstop ever, Smith’s iconic backflips and wizardry in the field make this one of the more iconic cards in the set. Higher grade PSA 10s have hit $1,000 at auction.

Benny Distefano Error (#32): This is one of the rarest error cards from the set, showing Staten Island Yankees player Benny Distefano’s name misspelled as “Benney”. Only a handful are known to exist in any condition. Well-centered examples have sold for over $3,000.

Beyond the big stars and key rookies, there are also other 1986 Donruss Highlights cards that add collector interest. Any card showing a future Hall of Famer in action is worth a premium, especially in top grades. Derek Jeter, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Ken Griffey Jr. all have their first Donruss cards in this set.

Parallel and inverted printing variations also exist, like the silver signature parallel signed by the player. With a population of only 25 copies known, high-grade examples sell for $1,000+. Inverted images, where the front and back are reversed, command over $500 for key players.

In the end, the 1986 Donruss Highlights set remains a classic of the era that transports collectors back to their childhood. Prices have consistently risen over the years thanks to increased demand. Even commons in high grades can find buyers. For collectors chasing vintage stars or filling holes from their childhood collections, this iconic set holds a special place. Top cards like Sandberg, McGwire, and Clemens routinely outperform their peers when pristine copies come on the market. Overall, 1986 Donruss Highlights stands as one of the most financially sound vintage basketball investments for collectors.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of that Major League Baseball season and featured 792 total cards. As with most other Topps baseball issues from the 1980s, the 1986 set remains a nostalgic favorite for collectors and fans of that era. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key cards, variations, and pricing insights from the 1986 Topps baseball price guide.

One of the headlining rookie cards in the 1986 set is that of Oakland A’s pitcher Dennis Eckersley. Eckersley would go on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily as a closer, capturing the American League Cy Young and MVP awards in 1992 with the A’s. High quality, well-centered Eckersley rookies in mint condition can fetch upwards of $100. Another notable rookie is that of Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson, who would also be elected to the Hall of Fame. Dawson rookies range from around $20-50 depending on centering and condition.

Two other high-value rookie cards include those of future 300-game winners Doug Drabek of the Pirates and Mark Langston of the Angels. Drabek and Langston rookies in gem mint condition can sell for $50-75. Additional prospects like Cleveland’s Julio Franco, Houston’s Bill Gullickson, and Montreal’s Tim Raines also have rookie cards that hold value, with mint examples selling between $15-30. Beyond the rookie cards, collectors seek sharp copies of veteran stars like Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens.

Among the set’s variations that cause prices to rise are the “mini” cards found in the later series two portion of the set. Cards #733-792 featured dramatically shortened borders compared to the standard size used on the first 732 cards. Well-centered mini cards for big stars can achieve premiums over their standard counterparts. Another scarce variation is the photo variation of San Diego Padres reliever Goose Gossage on card #182. Instead of the standard pose, this Gossage card features an in-action action shot pulled from a previous Topps issue. Only a small number are believed to exist, with gem mint examples valued near $500.

Moving beyond individual star cards, the 1986 Topps baseball set also included several high-number parallel subsets that attract collector interest. The “Traded” subset tracks midseason player transactions with alternate photos, spanning cards #593-632. Complete traded sets in high grade often sell in the $150 range. An “All-Star” subset on cards #661-680 similarly features special designs and photos to highlight 1986 All-Star Game participants. Full higher-end All-Star sets can reach $100-150.

The flagship parallel subset remains the “Sp” variations found on select cards #1-100. Featuring wordmark logos instead of team names, these “Special” parallels remain condition-sensitive but are highly demanded. Complete gem mint “Sp” sets have achieved prices up to $1,000 due to their elusiveness. Other parallel subsets like Future Stars, Hall of Famers, Tightwad, and Record Breakers each contain around a dozen special design cards that hold interest as mini-collections.

Some of the most prominent 1986 Topps baseball stars like Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith only have a single Sp variation between them. As a result, finding those elite Sp cards in top grades is extremely difficult. The supply of high-end encapsulated examples has likely been exhausted, ensuring strong future demand and appreciation from avid 1986 Topps collectors.

While it may lack the true vintage cachet of pre-war issues, the 1986 Topps set remains a recognizable and cherished release for millions of baseball card collectors and fans. Cards of elite future Hall of Famers from their early careers combine with an array of innovative parallels to fuel ongoing collector interest and demand. Condition is still paramount, as lower grade commons and stars can be acquired for just pennies. But in top-notch MINT condition, the finest elite rookie and star cards plus complete premium insert subsets from the 1986 Topps set will undoubtedly retain and increase their value for dedicated collectors. Its combination of stars, prospects, and innovations continues to make the 1986 Topps baseball card set a mainstay for collectors old and new alike within the high-end vintage market.

1986 TOPPS QUAKER CHEWY BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1986 Topps Chewy Baseball card series was released during a time when chewing gum baseball cards were still a novelty. While 1986 was not the inaugural year for Topps Chewy cards, it marked a major turning point as values started appreciating significantly from prior year issues. The 1986 design featured a colorful border framing each player photo with their name and team printed along the bottom. On the back was a fun cartoon illustration relating to the player along with their personal stats.

As with most vintage sets, the rookie and star cards hold the most value. Some key premium cards from the ’86 Topps Chewy set include:

Roger Clemens RC (card #177) – With Clemens establishing himself as one of the game’s elite power pitchers by 1986, his rookie card is a must-have for Red Sox and baseball card collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in pristine condition have sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still command $100-300.

Dwight Gooden RC (card #130) – As the defending NL Cy Young winner in 1985, Gooden’s rookie card is iconic from this era. In a PSA 10 case, it can fetch $800-1,200. More common PSA 8-9 grades sell in the $200-500 range.

Ozzie Smith (card #499) – The Wizard was a fan favorite for his highlight reel defense at shortstop. His ’86 Chewy card maintains strong demand, with PSA 10s bringing $400-600 and lower graded copies priced around $100-250.

Rickey Henderson RC (card #516) – One of the most exciting players of the 1980s, Henderson made his Topps debut in this set. Pristine PSA 10 Rickey rookie Chewys sell for $600-800, with most others in the $200-400 range depending on condition.

Cal Ripken Jr. (card #494) – As Ripken’s Iron Man streak kicked off in 1982, collectors took notice of the young shortstop’s potential. High grade ’86 Ripken Chewys have reached $400-600 at auction.

Don Mattingly (card #488) – The smooth swinging 1984 AL MVP continued to captivate fans. PSA 10 Mattingly Chewys demand $300-500, with lower grades priced around $100-250.

Moving beyond the elite rookie and star cards, there are also several other notable middle to high-end performers from the ’86 Topps Chewy set:

Kirby Puckett (card #480) – An underrated performer at the time, Puckett had begun turning heads in Minnesota. His Chewy in Gem Mint condition demands $150-300.

Tim Raines (card #492) – One of the premier leadoff hitters and base stealers of the era. PSA 10 Raines Chewys have sold for $200-400.

Wade Boggs (card #479) – The 1985 batting champ was becoming a household name. Pristine Boggs cards in a PSA 10 gem case bring $150-300.

Dave Winfield (card #506) – The Hall of Famer was in his prime with the Yankees. High grade Winfield Chewys reach $100-200.

Bert Blyleven (card #465) – Underappreciated during his career, the wily righty’s cards have gained traction in retirement. PSA 10 Blylevens sell around $150-250.

Fernando Valenzuela (card #498) – “Fernandomania” had taken sports by storm the previous season. Valenzuela’s Chewy maintains demand at $75-150 for top condition copies.

Of course, there are also plenty of mid-range and lower dollar performers throughout the set that can still be found quite affordably for most collectors’ budgets. Some other value names throughout include Keith Hernandez, Jack Morris, Tony Gwynn rookie, Dennis Eckersley, Darryl Strawberry rookie, Bruce Sutter, and Dennis Martinez among many others.

In terms of the general population of 1986 Topps Chewy cards, here is a breakdown of typical values based on the all-important PSA/BGS grading scale:

PSA 10 (Gem Mint): $50-150
PSA 9 (Mint): $25-75
PSA 8 (Very Good-Mint): $15-50
PSA 7 (Very Good): $5-25
PSA 6 (Good-Very Good): $3-12
PSA 5 (Good): $1-5

Of course, there will always be outliers that exceed or fall below these general guidelines based on certain players, variations, and market conditions. But overall, the 1986 Topps Chewys remain a fun and affordable set for collectors, especially compared to some of the hyper-inflated modern issues. With its blend of stars, prospects and fun retro design, it’s no wonder the ’86 Chewies have sustained popularity among vintage baseball card collectors.

1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1 660

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set was the fourth issued by Donruss and marked the first inclusion of rookie cards for players like Will Clark, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. A flagship release for the company at the time, the 660-card checklist featured every player in Major League Baseball during the 1986 season across teams in the American and National Leagues.

The design aesthetic utilized for 1986 Donruss was a straightforward and clean look that highlighted action photography. Each card showed a headshot of the player in a circle at the top with their name and team directly below. The photo took up most of the front of the card and was often a colorful action image from the preceding season. simplicity was key as stats and other text were kept to a minimum. On the back, players’ career statistics to date were provided along with a brief bio.

Starting the set were players with surname initials A through E, kicking off with Warren Adams (1), Frank Adams (2), and Randy Adams (3) before Will Aguayo at number 4. Notable early cards included Tim Raines (5), Kirk Gibson (8), Eddie Murray (10), Dwight Gooden (13), and Dave Righetti (16). The rookie card of Will Clark, who would go on to have a stellar career, can be found at number 26.

Veteran pitcher Tommy John received card 48 followed by another rookie, Detroit Tigers catcher Matt Nokes, at 49. Lefty reliever Dave Smith’s card came in at number 50. Future Hall of Famer Jim Rice’s card was number 57 while Dodgers pitching standout Fernando Valenzuela landed at 59. Cards in the 60-79 range featured players like Terry Pendleton (64), Bob Boone (68), and Tony Perez (73).

Entering the 80’s, cards of importance included Ted Simmons (82), Bruce Sutter (85), and Jim Palmer (87). Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry earned him the 89th spot. Chicago White Sox ace Richard Dotson got the 91st card followed by Hal McRae at 92. California Angels ace Mike Witt debuted on card 95. By the 100th slot, emerging Reds talent Barry Larkin had already made his cardboard debut.

Cards 101-150 gave way to the likes of Bret Saberhagen (111), Jack Clark (113), Kent Hrbek (114), Billy Hatcher (119), and Bob Horner (124). George Brett’s smooth swing was showcased on card 128. Mark McGwire arrived on card 133 followed one slot later by Tim Teufel. Pitchers David Cone (138) and Dwight Gooden (139) kept things rolling into the 140’s.

Stretching into the 151-200 range were future plaque earners like Nolan Ryan (153), Don Sutton (158), and Ryne Sandberg (166). Other key players included Darrell Evans (155), Lonnie Smith (158), and Julio Franco (162). by card 175, Ellis Valentine had already made multiple All-Star appearances represented on his cardboard. #180 belonged to “Pudge” Rodriguez in his early days with the Montreal Expos.

Cards 201 through 250 continued highlighting stars like Dave Parker (204), Dan Quisenberry (206), and Gary Carter (210). Future Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley received the 213th card while California Angels righty Chuck Finley checked in at 216. Cards 225-230 showed Buddy Bell, Bob Welch, and Willie McGee in their primes. Slugger Darryl Strawberry arrived on card 237.

Entering the 251-300 section, the checklist featured Randy Jones (253), Don Baylor (254), and Dave Concepcion (257). Future Mets ace Dwight Gooden landed at card 261. Slick-fielding shortstop Ozzie Guillen occupied the 266th slot. Veterans like Phil Niekro (269), Ned Yost (276), and Larry Parrish (278) balanced out emerging young talent. Bobby Grich’s patient approach earned him the 291st card.

By the halfway point of 301-350, the checklist included notable names like Wade Boggs (306), Dave Stieb (311), Jerry Koosman (313), and John Denny (317). Outfield dynamo Tim Raines checked in at 319. Cardinals ace Joaquin Andujar took the 324th spot. Future HOF’s like Eddie Murray (331) and Gary Carter (335) were established veteran stars by this stage of their careers. Slugging young first baseman Will Clark received the towering 342nd card.

Stretching on, cards 351-400 paid tribute to players like Mookie Wilson (357), Steve Carlton (360), and Tony Gwynn (366) in the prime of their careers. Slick-fielding third baseman Mike Schmidt commanded the 372nd card spot. Juan Nieves landed at 378 while Bob Horner received card 381. Ken Phelps launched his way to the 390th slot. Future star catcher Benito Santiago debuted humble at 392.

The 401-450 range highlighted hurlers like John Denny (406), Roger Clemens (411), Joe Niekro (414), and Bert Blyleven (423). Speedy outfielder Dwight Evans checked in at 424. Slick-fielding Reds shortstop Barry Larkin arrived on the 434th card. Heading towards the halfway mark, the checklist included veteran stars like Eddie Murray (441) and Dale Murphy (447).

Notable faces between 451-500 included Lance Parrish (455), Dave Stewart (458), and Jerry Reuss (472). Slick-fielding shortstop Ozzie Smith owned the 478th spot by now in his career. Young hurler Roger McDowell got the 480th card. Future Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter’s leadership shined through on the 490th card placement. Slugging first baseman Don Mattingly anchored the 497th slot.

Stretching towards the home stretch, cards 501-550 featured the likes of Calvin Schiraldi (505), Garry Templeton (508), and Terry McGriff (511). Rookie phenom Barry Bonds debuted near the bottom at slot 542. Power hitter George Foster held down the 547th placement. Veteran righty Dan Quisenberry’s submarine motion earned him the 549th card spot.

Through the middle portions of 551-600, the checklist paid tribute to superstars in the making like Tim Raines (555), Alan Trammell (558), and Roger Clemens (562). Slick-fielding second baseman Lou Whitaker co-anchored the Detroit double play combo at 564th. Veteran backstop Bob Boone handled the 576th slot. Young ace Bret Saberhagen tossed his way to the towering 587th card number.

Into the homestretch, cards 601-650 featured emerging stalwarts like Jesse Barfield (605), Rick Sutcliffe (608), and Jack Morris (611). Slick-fielding shortstop Ozzie Smith held down the 610th card spot by now. Slugging young first baseman Mark McGwire anchored the 616th placement. Speedy outfielder Vince Coleman stole onto the scene at 623rd. Super utilityman Willie Randolph played various positions on his 638th card.

Finishing out the final stretch, the checklist from 651-660 closed with impact talents like Pedro Guerrero (651), Jeff Reardon (654), and Lance Parrish (656) in the primes of their careers. Emerging slugger Andre Dawson launched his way onto the 657th cardboard placement. Veteran knuckleballer Phil Niekro continued confounding hitters on his 659th card. The final card in the set, number 660, featured speedy outfielder Lonnie Smith creating havoc on the basepaths.

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set provided an excellent snapshot of the Major League Baseball landscape at the time through its 660-player checklist. Key rookie cards, emerging young stars, and veteran greats in the primes of their careers populated the design-simple but memorably photographed cards. Overall it serves as a memorable flagship release that well-preserved the players and seasons it set out to highlight for collectors and fans alike through the enduring magic of cardboard collectibles.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ALL STAR

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and cherished releases in the hobby’s history. In addition to the full 792 card base set, Topps also issued a special 132 card All-Star subset highlighting the top players from the American and National Leagues. Like the flagship set, the 1986 Topps All-Star cards featured distinctive reverse negative photo variations that made them instantly recognizable. What really elevated this subset beyond a standard stars and standouts issue was the creative card designs and elaborate photographic collages showcasing each player’s biggest career accomplishments up to that point.

Topps took an innovative approach with the layouts, opting for dynamic multi-photo formats over traditional singles. This allowed for a more visual retrospective of the players’ highlights and milestones. Captions informed fans of noteworthy stats, awards, and playoff moments while the varied images captured the essence and excitement of some truly legendary on-field performances. Rather than simple solo shots or series of seasons recaps, the pictures fused to create mini scrapbook style tributes to stellar careers. The artistic collages brought these larger than life stars’ achievements vividly to life in a unique commemorative way.

One of the most impressive aspects was how comprehensively the cards covered each ballplayer’s story. Minor league affiliations and draft origins were acknowledged along with MLB rookie seasons. Important home runs, pitching victories, stolen base records – pretty much any standout season or singular moment fans would want to reminisce about was represented. Even postseason heroics from World Series past were revisited. Finishing touches like totals, awards, and nicknames wrapped up the on-card bios. It was easy to get lost gazing over the detailed pictorial breakdowns of lives in baseball.

The 1986 Topps All-Star cards took fans on a visual journey through the most accomplished phases of some true legends of the game. Hank Aaron’s prolific home run climbs, Nolan Ryan’s no-hitters, and Rod Carew’s hitting prowess were given elaborate multi-photo treatment. Generational stars like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett had their biggest years and clutch playoff moments frozen in frames. Emerging talents such as Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, and Dwight Gooden received ringing endorsements of their exciting early careers and future potential.

Enshrined in these one of a kind baseball cardboard masterpieces were defining snapshots from the sport’s richest history. Willie Mays circling the bases after homers, Tom Seaver’s classic high leg kick windups, and Johnny Bench’s gun-like throws were some of the iconic images preserved. Careers that spanned eras from the 60s to the 80s were neatly summarized. The behind the scenes work that went into painstakingly selecting the perfect photos and crafting the creative layouts was a tribute to Topps’ dedication to quality.

While larger than standard baseball cards in size, the 1986 Topps All-Star cards did not compromise on collectibility or fit in players’ collections. The brilliant colors and sharp focus photography popped as greatly enlarged portraits. When showcasing stars of this magnitude, bigger was simply better. No detail was overlooked from the elegant cursive font lettering to the stat-packed storytelling boxes below the pictures. Throughout, the reverse negatives brought surreal star power to new collectors and longtime fans alike.

Whether seeking nostalgia, learning baseball history, or simply admiring sports card art, the 1986 Topps All-Star issue delivered. The coffee table book style presentations and intricate multi-faceted careers overviews produced endlessly compelling cards that stand the test of time. While other sets may have contained more base cards or variations, none could top this subset for pure aesthetic baseball bliss distilled down to iconic cardboard. Three decades later, the 1986 Topps All-Star cards remain the high water mark for honoring legends of the national pastime in collectible form.

DONRUSS BASEBALL PUZZLE AND CARDS 1986 HIGHLIGHTS

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors and fans to be one of the most unique and memorable issues in the history of the hobby. Not only did it feature the standard player cards and team sets that collectors had come to expect from Donruss, but it also introduced the innovative concept of the puzzle cards – multi-part cards that could be assembled to form larger images. This gimmick caught on in a big way and helped take the baseball card market by storm in the mid-1980s.

The 1986 Donruss set totaled 792 cards and had the usual assortment of current major leaguers, prospects, managers, and umpires. Some of the biggest star players featured included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, and Mike Schmidt. Rosters included both American and National League teams. The design featured a white border around each photo with the team logo in the bottom left corner. Statistics, career highlights, and fun facts were printed on the reverse.

What truly set the 1986 Donruss issue apart, though, were the puzzle cards. There were 24 total puzzle cards inserted randomly in factory-sealed wax packs. When assembled correctly, they formed four larger 6-piece panoramic images – a baseball field, batter, pitcher on the mound, and catcher behind the plate. Each puzzle card contained a small piece of the overall picture, with slotted edges to ensure proper alignment when joined together.

The puzzle cards were an immediate hit with collectors. Kids enjoyed the challenge of finding all the pieces and putting them together like a jigsaw puzzle. It added an element of mystery, strategy, and fun to the traditional baseball card opening and trading experience. The 3-D scenes they created when fully assembled were also quite impressive for the time. Within a few years, nearly every major card manufacturer copied some form of the puzzle card concept in their own sets.

Some key highlights and notable puzzle cards from the 1986 Donruss issue include:

The most sought-after and valuable puzzle card was #1, which contained the head/shoulders of the batter on the “batter” puzzle. Due to its iconic imagery and being the first card in the set, examples still fetch hundreds of dollars today in top condition.

Other expensive puzzle cards include #724 (batter’s back leg), #492 (catcher’s glove/arm), and #306 (pitcher’s front leg). These pieces are essential to completing their respective puzzles.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz were included as puzzle pieces #14, #374, and #707.

Star players like Clemens, Boggs, and Schmidt received puzzle cards showcasing them – #84, #222, and #648 respectively.

The puzzle cards helped elevate otherwise ordinary player cards into key pieces. For example, journeyman pitcher Dave LaPoint’s card #640 became highly sought to finish the pitcher puzzle.

The puzzles were a challenge to complete, as the 24 total pieces were inserted randomly. It took dedication and trading to hunt down all the parts.

When fully assembled, the panoramic scenes popped off the card in amazing detail. Kids and collectors were mesmerized by the realistic 3D imagery.

The puzzle cards were a major success and became a hugely popular annual tradition for Donruss baseball through the late 1980s and early 90s.

In the years since, the 1986 Donruss puzzle cards have taken on an iconic status. They represented the evolution of baseball cards from mere stickers into an actual collecting hobby. The puzzles sparked creativity, challenged the mind, and brought the cardboard to life in new dimensions. Today, high-grade puzzle sets still command big money from enthusiasts. The 1986 Donruss issue left an indelible mark on the industry and remains one of the most innovative – and fun – releases in the storied history of the baseball card pastime.