The 1982 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most exciting and valuable issues from the 1980s. Produced at the height of the “junk wax” era, the ’82 Topps set had a massive printing which suppressed values for decades. As the vintage player market surged in the 2010s, the popularity and value of these cards started to rise substantially. Now, some ’82 Topps cards have reached price tags that seem unimaginable for a product from this overproduced period.

The main star of the 1982 Topps set is undoubtedly rookie sensation Cal Ripken Jr. The future Hall of Famer’s first baseball card is one of the iconic rookie cards of the ’80s and remains the most valuable issue from the set by a wide margin. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, Ripken’s rookie regularly tops $10,000 at auction with some sales reaching over $15,000. Even lower graded examples in PSA 8 or 9 can still fetch $3,000-$5,000 due to the immense popularity and historical significance of Ripken’s first card.

Another hugely valuable card in both raw and graded form is #417 Dave Righetti. As the sole rookie card issued for the Yankees’ star pitcher and 1983 AL Cy Young winner, it has exploded in price in recent years. PSA 10 copies have sold for up to $7,000, with PSA 9s reaching $2,000-3,000 and raw near mint copies selling for over $1,000. Righetti’s excellent 1983 campaign made this a must-have rookie for collectors chasing one of the decade’s top young hurlers.

Mike Schmidt continues to be one of the most coveted third basemen in baseball card history. While most of his high-grade 1970s issues fetch five-figure values, his 1982 Topps card (#60) has gained tremendous ground as well. Pristine PSA 10 copies now bring in the $1,500-2,000 range, with PSA 9s selling between $500-1,000. Even well-centered raw near mint copies can sell for over $300 online due to Schmidt mania.

Two other superstar veterans with substantial ’82 Topps values are #75 Nolan Ryan and #143 Robin Yount. Ryan’s card has reached up to $800 PSA 10 due to his iconic Houston Astros portrait and hallowed status as perhaps the greatest flamethrower ever. Yount’s issue gains value from his back-to-back AL MVP wins in 1982-83 and can sell for around $500 in high grade. Both remain cornerstone pieces for Astros and Brewers collections respectively.

Rookies aside, a select handful of other young stars from the 1982 set have also achieved four-figure valuations in pristine condition. #235 Sandberg’s rookie sits near the $1,000 mark PSA 10. Dwight Gooden’s exciting debut at #298 tops $1,500 mint. Darryl Strawberry’s dominant early career is reflected in his $1,000 PSA 10 rookie at #364. Even Ozzie Smith’s defense-first beginning at #458 reached $800 in top-pop 10 status.

Condition is absolutely critical when assessing value for these 30+ year old cardboard issues. While raw near mint copies of the above stars can still sell for hundreds, most other ’82s max out in the $20-50 range depending on player pedigree and centering qualities. Commons and short-prints from the 660-card set rarely exceed $10 regardless of grade. Prospectors can still find occasional diamond-in-the-rough steal deals even on run-of-the-mill players.

The 1982 Topps baseball card set has developed a new reputation as a true vintage powerhouse three decades after production. Anchored by elite Hall of Fame talents like Ripken and Schmidt, it boasts dozens of cards that can earn four-figures in pristine condition. With the market continuously pushing values higher on iconic older cards, the stars of the ’82s will likely keep increasing in worth for discerning collectors. While the ubiquitous print run once made these cards nearly worthless, graded gems are now providing handsome long-term returns on original small 1980s investments.

The 2013 Topps Baseball card set was the 70th year of production for Topps and featured cards for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The design featured players photographed against a colorful artistic background with their team logo prominently displayed. As with most modern sets, parallels and insert cards added variety and several short print cards boosted the excitement for collectors to find chase cards. Several years have passed since the release of the 2013 Topps cards, so here is an in-depth look at the current values for different levels of some of the top rookie and star players from that year’s set.

Mike Trout had a breakout season in 2012 that earned him American League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. His formidable career was already well underway and collectors knew his rookie cards would hold great value. His base card from the 2013 Topps set isn’t particularly scarce, but still commands $10-15 in near mint condition. Low-numbered parallels like Gold (#/50) sell for $80-100 due to their limited print run. The short printed Fire parallel (#/5) is a true Trout gem that auction higher, bringing $300-350. His autograph cards signed early in his career have appreciated greatly and can reach $1000-1500 depending on the parallel. Any Trout rookie card remains a sound long term investment.

Bryce Harper was another elite young talent who was already developing into a superstar in 2013. His base card remains under $10, but refractors and high-numbered parallels hold nice value due to his fame. The Gold parallel (#/50) is around $75 in top condition. His autographs signed in 2013 can go for $350-450 depending on parallel. A popular Harper insert was the “Stars of MLB” card, showing action shots of big leaguers. His topped out around $30-40 in 2013 but now trades for $75-100 due to increased popularity. Harper continues producing at an MVP level so his 2013 rookie cards remain a strong long term spec.

In 2013, the baseball card industry buzzed with anticipation of another talented group of rookie prospects. Some who made an instant impact included José Fernández, Wil Myers, and Jurickson Profar. Unfortunately, Fernández tragically passed away in 2016. His base rookie holds steady around $15-20 and parallels like Refractors and Golds reach $65-85 due to his fame alongside his early death. Myers was an important part of the big Royals/Rays trade and made his MLB debut in 2013. His cards settled around $8-12 as his career hasn’t quite panned out as hoped. Profar was a top prospect but injuries stalled his potential. His cards linger around $5-7 as collectors wait to see his career turn.

Yasiel Puig produced one of the most exciting MLB debuts ever seen in 2013, launching himself as an overnight sensation with the Dodgers. His base rookie is around $15 due to plentiful supply but short prints hold value. Refractors reach $65-85 depending on parallel. Autographs signed in 2013 during his hype usually sell between $350-450 raw or $700-1000 slabbed and graded. Puig has some behavior issues that stalled his career growth, but his early rookie cards remain popular due to his breakout season.

The hobby also saw strength in veteran stars like Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and Clayton Kershaw. Cabrera won the Triple Crown and repeated as AL MVP in 2012-13, pushing his base card up to $12-15 range. Cano was still in his prime with the Yankees and his 2013 Update rookie parallel /499 reached $55-75. Kershaw was ascending as the game’s best pitcher and graded versions of his Topps Update printing plate cards from 2013 cross $1000. Even older stars sustained strong values from collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards from years past.

The 2013 Topps Baseball set provided an array of stars, prospects and short prints to excite collectors. Prices have fluctuated over the years as anticipated young careers developed differently than expected. But elite talents like Trout, Harper and Kershaw have only increased in fame and value since their cards were issued. Veterans continue interesting collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards and top parallels remain hot commodities. Overall, 2013 Topps provided a fun and diverse product that still holds appreciation potential today depending on the players involved.

The 1967 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With 714 total cards issued, the ’67 set featured all existing Major and Minor League players and included many legendary names that are highly valuable today such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and more. Though the designs were similar to 1966 Topps, the photography and production quality took a major step forward, making the 1967s extremely popular and collectible even decades after they first hit the racks. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards and players from the 1967 Topps set and explore their potential values depending on grade and condition.

One of the most expensive and desirable rookie cards ever printed is the #468 Jerry Koosman RC from 1967 Topps. Koosman went on to win 215 career games and have a very solid 18-year MLB career, but his rookie card value can largely be attributed to its extreme scarcity in high grades. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, the Koosman rookie has sold for well over $10,000, with the record at $12,900. Even in NM-MT 8 condition, they still often trade hands for $1,500+. The combination of its status as a true Hall of Fame caliber rookie issue mixed with the difficulty in finding high grade examples keeps it at the top of want lists.

Another hugely valuable rookie from the 1967s is #600 Tom Seaver, who burst onto the scene with the “Impossible Dream” Mets in ’67. Seaver is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time with 311 career wins, 3,640 strikeouts and a career 2.86 ERA. In PSA 10, the near flawless rookie has eclipsed $50,000 at auction, though condition like that is basically impossible to acquire. But even raw or graded examples in the 6-8 range often pull in four figures minimum due to Seaver’s all-time great status and the set’s overall condition issues. Needless to say, the #600 may be the single most important card in the entire issue.

Superstars like #1 Hank Aaron, #92 Willie Mays and #126 Sandy Koufax remain perennial favorites due to their unmatched talent and iconic careers spent almost entirely with one franchise each. Aaron slugged 755 career homers as arguably baseball’s true “home run king” while Mays won 12 Gold Gloves in center and racked up 660 longballs. Koufax’s career was cut short by injury but he still amassed 165 wins and pioneered the slider to revolutionize pitching. High grades of any are near impossible to track down, but even well-centered examples in the 5-7 range can earn thousands based on condition alone for these living legends.

Rookies of future Hall of Famers like #103 Johnny Bench, #212 Reggie Jackson and #551 Joe Morgan also retain immense value despite their teams’ early struggles. Bench went on to capture 14 All-Star nods as perhaps the greatest catcher ever while Mr. October Jackson blasted 563 homers and Morgan was a linchpin of the Big Red Machine’s dynasty, stealing 190 bases in ’67 alone. Their rookie cards remain on the wish lists of aficionados worldwide in pristine condition due to immense sustained popularity.

Other notables like superstars Jim Palmer (#280), Frank Robinson (#5) and Brooks Robinson (#9) and rookie RCs for Nolan Ryan (#516), Carl Yastrzemski (#444) and Bob Gibson (#120) are also consistently strong sellers no matter the grade due to their enormous career accomplishments and sustained mainstream awareness decades later. While the 1967 Topps set has condition problems inherent to its era, sealed wax boxes could potentially fetch well over $10,000 with sufficient provenance data and the right interested parties. The 1967 Topps baseball set endures as a legendary issue prized by collectors young and old alike.

The 1967 Topps baseball card set launched the careers of future legends while featuring all-time greats still idolized today over 50 years later. Condition is often an issue, but the intense demand driven by those massive careers guarantees virtually all the top rookie and star cards from the ’67s remain worthwhile long-term investments even in lower grades. For the truly elite finds nearing perfection, values can enter the tens of thousands on the foremost desirable cards. The 1967 Topps baseballs have cemented their place in hobby history as one of the most iconic and investment-worthy sets ever made.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Issued during a key period of growth for the hobby, the ’86 Topps set captures star players from a exciting time in MLB and contains several cards that hold significant value even decades later.

The 1986 set was the 55th issued by Topps and contains 792 total cards including base cards, traded variants, and checklist/prize cards. The design features a classic look with team logos across the top and player photos alongside stats on a plain white background. While a bit simpler than some of the elaborate sets Topps was experimenting with in the mid-80s, the clean layout allows the photos to pop and aged very well.

Of note for collectors, the 1986 Topps set was the last to feature traditional gum inside the packaging. Starting in 1987, baseball cards would be sold loose in wax packs due to health concerns over potentially harmful chemicals in the gum. This transitional nature gives the ’86s a unique legacy as one of the final “gum-era” releases from the iconic brand.

In terms of the sport itself, 1986 saw big stars like Don Mattingly, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and others at the peak of their careers. The New York Mets’ surprise World Series victory also made them one of the set’s most desirable teams. These strengths in popular players and moments help sustain interest in the cards decades later.

Looking at some of the most valuable rookie and star cards from the 1986 Topps set, here are some of the highest prices certain key cards can demand on the vintage market:

#1 Ken Griffey Jr (Rookie): Unopened Mint condition examples have reached upwards of $10,000 as Griffey became one of the game’s most beloved stars. Even well-kept loose copies can bring $500+ due to his iconic status.

#94 Roger Clemens: The Rocket’s third Topps card and one of his most popular designs from his early Red Sox days. Near-Mint copies have hit $900 given his pitching dominance and Hall of Fame plaque.

#125 Ray Knight (Mets Champions): As a key member of the ’86 Mets, Knight’s card celebrates their surprise World Series title. A pristine copy can achieve $800+.

#633 Don Mattingly: The franchise Yankee first baseman’s fourth Topps issue maintains strong demand. Mint examples have sold for well over $600.

#679 Kirk Gibson (Tigers): His dramatic walk-off NLCS homer the following year adds cachet. Near-Mint quality sells around $500.

#720 Ozzie Smith (Rookie): Known as the best defensive shortstop ever, a PSA 10 Gem Mint of Ozzie’s rookie card has brought over $2,000 before.

#728 Wally Joyner (Rookie): His entire rookie run maintains interest in collectors. PSA 10 conditions fetch up to $500 or more for the Angles slugger.

Many stars have cards in the mid-$300 range if in pristine condition like Dwight Gooden, Barry Bonds, and Tom Glavine rookies. Team sets also hold value, especially if containing stars – a complete Mets team set recently sold for $800 total.

Quality control issues did effect the ’86 Topps production with off-centered and miscut cards quite common even in mint packs. Still, their classic vintage designs have resonated with collectors and prices remain relatively strong compared to other 1980s releases. For a transitional “gum-era” set featuring so many talented players, the 1986 Topps baseball cards hold up very well in the current market. Their affordability compared to predecessors like ’52 and ’57 Topps also helps the set remain accessible for growing collections decades later.

While a complete ’86 Topps set may not fetch six-figure prices like vintage predecessors, their legacy maintains strong demand for star rookies and key performers. Condition is still king when considering investment potential, but even well-kept common players can find buyers for $20-50. Overall the 1986 Topps baseball cards represent one of the great 1980s sets that still catches the attention of collectors both young and old.