The 1980s was a great time for collecting baseball cards. Many hall of famers peaked in their careers during this decade and their cards from the time period have increased tremendously in value. If you have cards sitting in your attic from the early 80s, it may be worth digging them out to see if you have any gems worth thousands of dollars. Here is an extensive list of some of the most valuable baseball cards from the 1980s that any collector would love to have in their collection.

1982 Fleer Update Cal Ripken Jr. Rookie Card – Ripken had one of the greatest baseball careers of all time playing over 3,000 consecutive games. His rookie card from Fleer’s 1982 update set is one of the most iconic in the hobby. High grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $200,000 making it one of the top cards of the entire decade. Even lower graded copies still command prices well over $1,000.

1982 Topps Traded Wade Boggs RC – Boggs was one of the best hitting third basemen of all time and his lone rookie from 1982 Topps Traded set is tremendously scarce. PSA 10 copies have sold for upwards of $50,000 with most graded copies still fetching four figures. The design features bright sunny colors and makes for a true standout in any collection.

1983 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. RC – Ripken’s true rookie card came in the 1983 Topps Traded set after having minor appearances the prior year. High grades are extremely tough to come by but a PSA 10 would rival or surpass his 1982 Fleer card. Even lower grades bring in thousands due to the rarity and impact the player had.

1985 Fleer Update Barry Bonds RC – Barry Bonds transformed into arguably the greatest player of all time and his Fleer rookie is a true trophy card to own. PSA 10s have crossed the $30,000 threshold with most graded copies selling for five figures or more. During his playing career the card prices skyrocketed.

1988 Fleer Update Ken Griffey Jr. RC – Junior’s iconic upper deck stance adorns one of the most beautiful rookie card designs ever. PSA 10s have topped $10,000 with most still getting four figures even in lower grades. The card holds special significance as Griffey was arguably the best player of the late 80s-90s.

1987 Topps Traded Darryl Strawberry RC – Darryl Strawberry was a force in the 1980s mashing monster home runs in New York. His scarce Topps Traded rookie is among the most desired cards from the late 80s. High grades can surpass $10,000 value. Even well-cent grad copies are still very collectible and valuable.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s first major release was the sought-after 1989 Upper Deck issue. The sharp blue and white design pops and a PSA 10 has reached north of $7,500. This was the most widely distributed Griffey rookie and remains affordable across all grades compared to the scarce Fleer.

1986 Fleer Update Roger Clemens RC – The Rocket struck fear into batters for over two decades and his sophomore Fleer card is his true first appearance. High grades soar past $7,000 however there is demand across all conditions for this iconic pitcher’s early cardboard.

1980 Topps Rookie Stars Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken had a few minor 1980s where he wasn’t the featured rookie but still holds appeal and value. This early Cal issue from Topps has seen PSA 10s reach $6,500 with most graded copies selling for thousands.

1987 Donruss Tom Glavine RC – Glavine put together a Hall of Fame career and his late 80s rookie issues remain strongly collected. This sturdy Donruss version has seen a PSA 10 achieve $6,000 at auction and even lower grades remain four figure cards. He was one of the most reliable pitchers of the decade.

1984 Donruss Dean Palmer RC – Dean Palmer didn’t quite pan out as a player but his 1984 Donruss rookie card holds nostalgic appeal and strong demand due to its brief print run. Higher grades can surpass $5,000 in value with most graded copies earning thousands even with wear. This set is also noteworthy as Donruss’ final card issue before a long hiatus.

1980 Topps Traded Keith Hernandez – Hernandez was considered one of baseball’s best fielding and hitting first basemen when collecting cards in the early 80s. His scarce Topps Traded blockbuster print has reached $5,000 for high grades with most still worth four figures across all conditions. One of the rare early stars in demand.

So in summary, 80s rookie cards of all-time greats like Ripken, Bonds, Griffey Jr., as well as stars of the decade like Strawberry, Clemens, and Hernandez will usually net the highest returns. But there are also plenty of other valuable hits to be found across sets like Donruss, Fleer, and Topps from baseball’s golden generation in the 1980s. With prices still trending up over time, cards from the decade make exciting long term investments for collectors.