The 1985 Topps baseball set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the entire brand’s history. With 792 total cards issued, there are several standouts that can fetch serious money in the current market if graded and preserved in top condition. Let’s take a more detailed look at some of the most worthwhile 1985 Topps cards to invest in.
One of the all-time great rookies is card #1, Dwight Gooden. As one of the most hyped prospects ever, his rookie is a must-have for any collector. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, it can sell for over $2,000 due to its extreme scarcity in pristine condition. Another young star was card #349, Ozzie Smith. He would go on to cement his Hall of Fame career and this rookie has value even in lower grades, with a PSA 8 copy selling around $200-300.
The highest valued regular issue card is #630, Nolan Ryan. Known as “The Ryan Express”, he was in his absolute prime in 1985 and this card perfectly captures that. Getting a PSA 10 of it would cost a collector well over $5,000 today. His teammate and fellow legend Johnny Bench also has a great card at #643. Even low-grade examples in the PSA 6-8 range can bring $100+ due to his iconic status.
Two other Hall of Famers with very rare and pricey rookies are #353, Barry Larkin, and #788, Tony Gwynn. A PSA 10 of either would be worth thousands. But it’s not just rookies – veteran stars in the midst of excellent seasons are valuable too. #142, Don Mattingly, presents “The Hit Man” in his award-winning 1984 form. High grades could sell for over $400. #245, Rickey Henderson, during one of his stolen base title years is another $400+ gem.
Other notable expensive regular issues include #190, Dwight Gooden (photo variation), #203, Tom Seaver, #237, Pete Rose, #312, Ozzie Smith (error), #373, Cal Ripken Jr., #615, Andre Dawson, #644, Mike Schmidt, and #725, Fernando Valenzuela. Authenticated autographed rookie cards obviously increase exponentially in value too.
When it comes to the short printed cards, they represent the holy grails for collectors. #6, Jack Clark and #33, Gary Carter are both rare sp variations that could reach four figures in pristine condition. But the true blue chips are the stars on the final checklist cards #790-792. Nolan Ryan (#790), Tom Seaver (#791), and Mike Schmidt (#792) are so difficult to find in a respected grade that common estimates put each at $10,000+ as PSA 10s.
The 1985 Topps baseball set holds a ton of historic and valuable vintage content. Focusing on star rookies and veterans from that season in high grades can lead to strong long term appreciation. Keys like the Dwight Gooden and Nolan Ryan rookies may never be affordable for most, but supportive pieces like the Ozzie Smith, Barry Larkin and Mike Schmidt treasures are realistic ten baggers with patience and selectively picking your spots in the market. For investors or collectors, ’85 Topps is truly a heavyweight boxing champion of a release.
