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.
