The 1983 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the 1980s. While not quite as popular as sets from the late 50s and 60s, ’83 Topps remains a beloved set by collectors both young and old. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie and star player cards from this 700+ card release that can bring in big money at auction today.

Leading off is arguably the most coveted and iconic rookie card of all time – the Rafael Palmeiro rookie. Palmeiro went on to have a Hall of Fame career, smacking over 500 home runs and 3000 hits. His rookie card saw limited production and is one of the tougher singles to track down in gem mint condition. PSA 10 examples have sold for well over $10,000, with someultra high-grade copies crossing $20,000. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent shape can pull in $3000-5000.

Another massive home run for collectors is the Kirby Puckett rookie. Puckett spent his entire HOF worthy career with the Minnesota Twins and was a beloved figure in the state. Like Palmeiro, his ’83 Topps rookie had low print run numbers. PSA 10 examples have topped $15,000 at auction recently. Even heavily played raw copies can sell for $500-1000 based solely on the Puckett name alone.

Dwight Gooden’s rookie card is also a must-have for ’80s collectors. As one of the most dominant pitchers of the mid-80s, Gooden burst onto the scene by winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young award in 1984 after posting a 17-9 record with a 2.60 ERA and 276 strikeouts as a 19 year old. PSA 10 copies have cracked $10,000, with quality raw versions settling in the $2000-4000 range typically.

Remaining in the Mets organization, the Darryl Strawberry rookie card suffered from even lower print runs than Gooden or Palmeiro. Strawberry slammed over 300 homers in his career and his charismatic style made him one of the premier stars of the decade. PSA 10 examples have climbed over $25,000. Even well-centered raw copies with strong eye appeal pull in $5000-10000 all day.

Rounding out the true big four of ’83 rookie sensations is the Cal Ripken Jr. card. As one of the most durable and consistent players ever, Ripken’s iron man streak of consecutive games played remains one of baseball’s untouchable records. Like the others, his rookie faces short print issues. PSA 10s have crossed $15,000, with quality raw copies bringing $2000-5000 based on condition.

Moving to established stars, the Nolan Ryan card is always a great pickup. As one of the most intimidating and decorated pitchers in history, Ryan’s card enjoyed wide distribution but high demand keeps prices strong. PSA 10s have broken $3000, with nicely centered raw versions settling between $500-1000 routinely.

The Mike Schmidt card is another consistent money maker due to his starring role on multiple Phillies pennant winners in the 1970s-80s and his 12-time All-Star selections. PSA 10 Schmidts have topped $1500, with quality raw copies bringing $200-400 based on eye appeal.

The Ozzie Smith “Wizard of Oz” card remains a fan favorite to this day for his game-changing defense at shortstop. PSA 10s have crossed $1000, with well-centered raw editions settling in the $150-300 range.

The Don Mattingly rookie is highly popular for collectors who enjoyed his dominant play in the late 80s for the Yankees. PSA 10s have cracked $700, with quality raw versions settling between $100-200.

Highlights on the pitching side also include Fernando Valenzuela’s inaugural card, which has seen PSA 10s climb over $400. Tommy John’s Cy Young season card from ’74 can pull $150-250 graded, with others like Rick Sutcliffe and Dave Stewart maintaining $25-100 values based on centering and condition.

In terms of star players, cards of Eddie Murray, George Brett, Robin Yount, Ryne Sandberg and Gary Carter routinely sell for $75-150 graded. Solid examples raw with swirls of color can pull $15-50 each based on eye appeal. Solid role players like Darrell Porter, Carney Lansford and Bob Horner have $5-25 values.

The 1983 Topps set remains an iconic release that transports collectors back to a vibrant era in baseball history. Keys cards of future Hall of Famers like Gooden, Ripken, Puckett and Palmeiro combined with stars of the day in Schmidt, Ryan and Mattingly make it one of the most collectible and investment-worthy releases from the junk wax era. With clean examples of the top rookie cards regularly bringing thousands graded, ’83 Topps is a must for any vintage baseball collector.