The 1985 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable Fleer sets ever produced. This is due to several key rookie cards and stars of the era featured at the height of their careers. The set contains 132 total cards with a mixture of stars, rookie cards, and common filler players. Several cards stand out as consistently being worth quite a bit of money in high grades.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from 1985 Fleer is Dwight Gooden’s card. As one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s, Gooden’s rookie card is iconic. In near-mint to mint condition, graded PSA 8 or higher, Gooden rookie cards sell regularly for $200-500. PSA 10 examples can go for over $1000. This is considered Gooden’s true definitive rookie card and captures him at the start of his Rookie of the Year and Cy Young winning season.
Another very valuable rookie card is Roger Clemens’ first Fleer issue. Clemens would go on to have an Hall of Fame career and was already establishing himself in 1985. Low numbered PSA 8s sell for $150-300 while PSA 10 Clemens’ rookies demand over $500. Like Gooden, this cements Clemens’ rookie status and his card remains highly sought after by collectors.
Don Mattingly’s stardom in the 1980s makes his common ’85 Fleer card surprisingly expensive for a recurrent photo. High graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition still sell for $75-150 due to his Yankee popularity. In a PSA 10 gem mint, Mattingly’s value reaches $250-400 depending on competition in the market. He was the cover athlete and featured player in ’85 making any near-perfect copies quite rare.
Kirby Puckett’s rookie card also appears in the 1985 set. While not quite as valuable as Gooden or Clemens, a PSA 8 Puckett rookie will still fetch $75-150. The higher the grade, from PSA 9 to PSA 10, the more expensive it becomes with 10s bringing $300-500. He was a key player on dominant Twins teams winning 2 World Series in the late 80s and early 90s.
Andre Dawson’s star power in Montreal makes his ’85 Fleer card hold value in high grades. A PSA 8 will sell for around $75-125 while a PSA 9 reaches $150-250. His defining stat of 49 home runs in 1987 increased collectability and demand. Even as a common card, quality examples retain value due to Dawson’s Hall of Fame caliber play.
Another key star of the era with a valuable base card is Ozzie Smith. While not a rookie, the Wizard of Oz was a perennial Gold Glove winner and vital part of the 1980s Cardinals. Higher graded copies in PSA 8 to 9 range from $50-150. Just as with Dawson, the defensive specialist’s smooth, high flying style created demand for pristine examples of his ’85 issue in collector circles.
Rookie cards that sometimes get overlooked but can still have value include Fernando Valenzuela. As one of the first Mexican-born MLB superstars, Fernando’s rookie has an international cultural appeal. Low pop PSA 9s can reach $75-150 while rare PSA 10s escalate above the $300-400 line. His record breaking rookie season made a big impression on collectors and fans at the time.
After a hot start to his career, Bob Welch’s rookie is more attainable than the likes of Gooden. but a PSA 9 still fetches $50-125. As the 27th overall pick and early ace, Welch’s potential created value before injuries slowed his progress. Collectors still seek out his budding stardom as captured in this fleeting first card appearance.
While most star cards are premium options, occasionally a more affordable high value play exists. Don Carman enjoyed a lengthy career but lacks true star status. Despite this, his ’85 Fleer is quite rare to earn the PSA 10 grade. The sharp rise in price to $150-300 for perfect copies outweighs the player’s resume. Scarcity trumps all for ambitious collectors on a budget.
The1985 Fleer baseball card set deserves its place among the most significant issues of the decade. Featuring the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Gooden and Clemens certainly preserves its relevance. The sustained popularity of stars like Mattingly, Puckett, Dawson and Smith creates demand for their commons as well. Even overlooked rookies like Valenzuela and Welch still engage collectors decades later. When found in pristine condition, virtually any card from this release has a solid chance of carrying a premium. The combination of star talent, rookie debuts, and the nostalgia of 1980s cards make ’85 Fleer a perpetual goldmine for discerning collectors.
