The 1986 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic issues of the 1980s. It marked the 25th anniversary of Topps’ hugely popular annual baseball card releases. With 792 total cards in the base set, the ’86 Topps issue included many of the game’s biggest stars who were in their prime during that season. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable, valuable and highest graded gems from the top 25 1986 Topps cards:

#25 – Ozzie Smith (#640) – As one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB history, Ozzie Smith’s slick fielding and flashy play made him a fan favorite. His 1986 Topps card captured “The Wizard” in full defensive mode, diving for a ground ball. This card routinely grades highly and averages around $15-$20 in near mint condition.

#24 – Mike Schmidt (#630) – Already a future Hall of Famer by 1986, Mike Schmidt was still in his prime as the Phillies’ slugging third baseman. His card shows “Schmidtgie” at the plate, highlighting his impressive career power numbers. High graded ’86 Schmidts can fetch $25-$30.

#23 – Lenny Dykstra (#555) – Known as “Nails” for his gritty style of play, Lenny Dykstra was emerging as a star player for the Mets in 1986. His rookie card from this set is quite sought after by collectors, grading between $20-$25 for a nice near mint copy.

#22 – Kirby Puckett (#576) – One of the biggest stars of the late 80s Twins teams, Kirby Puckett’s rookie card in the ’86 set is a crowd favorite. With a fun action shot of Puckett batting, high end PSA/BGS graded versions can reach $30-$35.

#21 – Don Mattingly (#382) – As the face of the Yankees franchise, Don Mattingly’s career was taking off in 1986. His clean-cut good looks and stellar performance made this one of the most iconic cards in the set. A PSA 10 Gem Mint is worth $40-$50.

#20 – Wade Boggs (#418) – Averaging over .300 batting for the Red Sox, Wade Boggs was one of baseball’s most consistent hitters. His ’86 card shows his smooth lefty swing and attention to detail. Near mint Boggs cards grade around $25.

#19 – Roger Clemens (#144) – Already one of the game’s top hurlers, Roger Clemens’ dominance was highlighted on his ’86 issue. With over 200 strikeouts that year, “The Rocket” would go on to a Hall of Fame career. High end examples can reach $30-$35.

#18 – Kirby Kaufax (#700) – A legendary Dodgers lefty, Sandy Koufax’s card featured a famous painting of the three-time Cy Young winner. Highly sought after by collectors, PSA 10 Koufaxes have sold for over $200.

#17 – Gary Carter (#454) – Known as “The Kid” despite being in his 30s, Gary Carter was a leader on the 1986 Mets. His fun action shot shows his trademark catching style and positive energy. Nice graded ’86 Carters grade around $30.

#16 – Cal Ripken Jr. (#494) – Already establishing himself as one of baseball’s best all-around players, Cal Ripken Jr was taking over at shortstop for the Orioles. His rising star shined bright on this rookie card, valued at $35-$40 PSA/BGS NM.

#15 – Dwight Gooden (#322) – In the midst of one of the greatest pitcher’s seasons ever, Doc Gooden dominated for the ’86 Mets. This card captured his competitive fire and electric 100 mph fastball. High grade ’86 Goodens can reach $50-$60.

#14 – Ryne Sandberg (#637) – One of the game’s premier second basemen, Ryne Sandberg was an MVP caliber talent for the Cubs. His fun action pose showed why he won back-to-back Gold Gloves. Near mint Sandbergs average $30-$35.

#13 – George Brett (#572) – Already a Royals star, George Brett was having another offensive outburst in ’86. This card highlighted his powerful lefty swing that earned him a .335 career average. PSA 9+ graded 1982s reach $40-$50.

#12 – Fernando Valenzuela (#692) – Coming off his historic Rookie of the Year season, “Fernando Mania” was still in full effect for Dodgers fans. His fun windup stance captured the excitement. High grade ’86 Fernando’s can top $60.

#11 – Willie Stargell (#648) – A baseball legend finishing out his career with the Bucs, Willie Stargell left an incredible legacy. Collectors love this dignified card showing “Pops” in the on deck circle. Near mint copies grade around $40.

#10 – Orel Hershiser (#302) – Before his record-setting 1988 season, Orel Hershiser was emerging as the Dodgers’ ace. This card featured his intense competitive stare. PSA 9 Hershisers can reach $50.

#9 – Rickey Henderson (#684) – Already a dynamic leadoff hitter and base stealer, Rickey Henderson’s speed and flair shone on this ’86 issue. High end graded copies consistently sell for $60-$70.

#8 – Mike Schmidt (#630 ASG) – Considered one of the rarest and most iconic variations, Mike Schmidt’s All-Star card doubled up on his batting power. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000.

#7 – Tim Raines (#682) – On pace for a Hall of Fame career, “Rock Raines” was among the league’s topTable of players for the Expos. His smooth lefty swing translated to 70+ stolen bases a year. Gem Mint ’86 Raines grade at $75-$100.

#6 – Nolan Ryan (#112) – Already a living legend by 1986, Nolan Ryan was still overpowering hitters as a 40-year-old. Collectors adore this intimidating card capturing his blazing 100 mph heat. PSA/BGS 9+ graded 1986 Ryans reach $200+.

#5 – Wade Boggs (#418 Error) – Among the most desired variations, Boggs’ error card erroneously lists his number as “14” instead of “418.” Only 10-12 are known to exist, with PSA 10s selling for over $10,000.

#4 – Roger Clemens (#144 Update) – Similar to the Wade Boggs error, Clemens’ update card corrected his listed number from 144 to 146. It’s insanely rare, with high grades valued at $15,000-$20,000.

#3 – Ozzie Smith (#640 HOF) – After his election to Cooperstown in 2002, Ozzie Smith received this special Hall of Fame induction card #640H inserted in packs. Only about 10 are known and a PSA 10 just set a record at auction for over $50,000.

#2 – Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – Although just a rookie in 1986, Griffey’s card kicked off the entire Topps set as the #1 listing. This early issue capturing his sweet lefty swing has reached over $100,000 for perfect condition.

#1 – Dwight Gooden (#322 Autograph) – Among the rarest, most significant modern cards ever pulled, Dwight Gooden’s autograph variation completely transformed the card collecting hobby. Only 6 are known to exist, with the last PSA 10 setting an auction record of over $125,000.

The 1986 Topps baseball set featured many of the sport’s biggest names who defined 1980s baseball. Loaded with young star rookies and veteran Hall of Famers, it has become one of the most legendary issues ever made. The top graded gems, scarce variations and iconic rookie cards continue to drive prices higher and collectability remains extremely strong decades later. This set will always be regarded as a true high point in Topps’ storied baseball card history.