Baseball cards are fun to collect. The 1985 Topps set has some really special cards that people love. These cards show famous players from when they were young. Some of the cards are worth a lot of money now. Let’s look at the best and most valuable cards from the 1985 Topps set. We’ll see why people like them so much and how much they might be worth today. Even if you’re new to baseball cards, you can learn about these cool old cards from 1985.
Overview of Most Valuable 1985 Topps Baseball Cards
The 1985 Topps set has 792 cards. It has many rookie cards of players who became very famous. Rookie cards show a player in their first year. The set has nice pictures and good information about the players on the back. Some of the most valuable cards are of young players who went on to have great careers. The cards are almost 40 years old now, so finding ones in perfect shape can be hard. That’s part of why some are worth so much money today.
Why Are These 1985 Topps Baseball Cards Valuable?
These cards are valuable for a few reasons. First, they show famous players when they were young. People like seeing early pictures of big stars. Second, some cards are rare, especially in perfect condition. Not many have survived without damage for almost 40 years. Third, some show players who set records or are in the Hall of Fame. Lastly, nostalgia plays a part. People who collected these cards as kids now want them again as adults.
What 1985 Topps Baseball Cards Are Worth Money?
Many 1985 Topps cards are worth money, but some are worth much more than others. The most valuable ones are usually rookie cards of famous players. Cards of players like Roger Clemens, Kirby Puckett, and Mark McGwire can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if they’re in perfect shape. Even common cards can be worth a few dollars if they look brand new. The condition of a card is very important in deciding its value.
The Top 30 Best and Most Valuable 1985 Topps Baseball Cards
1985 Topps Mark McGwire Rookie Card #401
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $3,000
Mark McGwire’s rookie card is one of the most valuable in the 1985 Topps set. It shows him as a young player on the USA baseball team. McGwire became famous for hitting many home runs. He hit 70 home runs in one year, which was a record at the time. This card is special because it’s his first ever baseball card.
The card has a nice picture of McGwire holding a bat. He looks very young. The card says “USA” at the top because he was on the Olympic team. McGwire went on to play for the Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals. He hit 583 home runs in his career, which is a lot.
People like this card because McGwire was such a famous player. He was known for his strength and ability to hit the ball far. Even though there was some controversy about him later, his rookie card is still very popular. Collectors try to find this card in perfect condition.
The value of this card can change based on how good it looks. A card that looks brand new can be worth thousands of dollars. Even cards that aren’t perfect can still be worth a lot. This is one of the cards that many people want in their collection.
1985 Topps Roger Clemens Rookie Card #181
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,000
Roger Clemens’ rookie card is another very valuable card from the 1985 Topps set. Clemens became one of the best pitchers in baseball history. This card shows him at the start of his career with the Boston Red Sox. It’s worth a lot because Clemens had such a great career.
The card has a picture of Clemens getting ready to throw a pitch. He looks young and determined. Clemens went on to win many awards in baseball. He won the Cy Young Award seven times. This award is given to the best pitcher each year. He also struck out many batters and won many games.
Collectors like this card because Clemens was so good for so long. He played for 24 years and was one of the best pitchers the whole time. He played for the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, and Astros. Clemens was known for throwing the ball very hard and being tough to hit against.
The value of this card can be very high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can still be worth a lot of money. This is because Clemens was such a famous and successful player. Many people want to have his rookie card in their collection.
1985 Topps Kirby Puckett Rookie Card #536
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $750
Kirby Puckett’s rookie card is a favorite among collectors. Puckett played his whole career with the Minnesota Twins. He was known for being a great hitter and fielder. This card shows him at the very start of his career. It’s valuable because Puckett became a beloved player and is in the Hall of Fame.
The card shows Puckett smiling and holding a bat. He looks happy and ready to play. Puckett went on to have a great career. He helped the Twins win two World Series. He was also picked for the All-Star team ten times. Puckett was known for his ability to hit for a high average and his skill in the outfield.
People like this card because Puckett was such a popular player. He was known for his big smile and love of the game. Puckett had to stop playing earlier than he wanted because of eye problems. But he is still remembered as one of the best players of his time.
The value of this card can be quite high, especially if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Puckett was such a well-liked player and is in the Hall of Fame. Many collectors want to have his rookie card.
1985 Topps Dwight Gooden Rookie Card #620
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $500
Dwight Gooden’s rookie card is an important one in the 1985 Topps set. Gooden was a very exciting young pitcher when this card came out. He had just had an amazing first year in baseball. This card shows him at the start of what many thought would be a long, great career.
The card has a picture of Gooden in his New York Mets uniform. He looks very young and confident. Gooden was known as “Dr. K” because he struck out so many batters. In his first few years, he was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He won the Cy Young Award when he was only 20 years old.
Collectors like this card because Gooden was such a sensation when he started playing. He seemed like he might become one of the best pitchers ever. While his career had some ups and downs, he is still remembered for how great he was when he was young. This card captures that exciting time.
The value of this card can be quite high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Gooden was such a famous player, especially in New York. Many people remember how exciting it was to watch him pitch when he was young.
1985 Topps Eric Davis Rookie Card #627
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,000
Eric Davis’ rookie card is a valuable part of the 1985 Topps set. Davis was known for his speed and power. This card shows him at the beginning of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. It’s worth a lot because Davis was such an exciting player to watch.
The card shows Davis in his Reds uniform, ready to play. He looks athletic and confident. Davis went on to have a very good career. He could hit home runs, steal bases, and make great plays in the outfield. He was one of the most exciting players of his time.
People like this card because Davis was such a talented player. He could do everything on the baseball field. Davis had some great years with the Reds and helped them win the World Series in 1990. He was known for making amazing catches and hitting long home runs.
The value of this card can be high, especially if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Davis was such an exciting player to watch. Many collectors remember how fun it was to see him play and want his rookie card.
1985 Topps Nolan Ryan #760
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $475
Nolan Ryan’s 1985 Topps card is very popular, even though it’s not a rookie card. Ryan was already a famous pitcher when this card came out. He played for a very long time and set many records. This card shows him in the middle of his great career.
The card has a picture of Ryan pitching for the Houston Astros. He looks strong and focused. Ryan was known for throwing the ball very fast. He struck out more batters than any other pitcher in history. He also threw seven no-hitters, which is more than anyone else.
Collectors like this card because Ryan is one of the most famous pitchers ever. He played for 27 years, which is a very long time. Ryan was still throwing the ball very hard even when he was older. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best pitchers of all time.
The value of this card can be quite high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Ryan is such a legendary player. Many people want to have his cards in their collection, even if they’re not rookie cards.
1985 Topps Don Mattingly #665
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $600
Don Mattingly’s 1985 Topps card is very popular among collectors. Mattingly was one of the best players in baseball when this card came out. He played his whole career with the New York Yankees. This card shows him in the early part of his career when he was becoming a star.
The card shows Mattingly getting ready to bat. He looks confident and ready to hit. Mattingly was known for being a great hitter. He won the batting title in 1984 and was the American League MVP in 1985. He was also very good at playing first base and won many Gold Glove awards.
People like this card because Mattingly was such a popular player, especially for Yankee fans. He was known for his hard work and leadership. Mattingly had some great years in the 1980s and was one of the best players in baseball. Even though he didn’t make it to the Hall of Fame, he is still remembered as a Yankee legend.
The value of this card can be high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Mattingly was such a famous player, especially in New York. Many collectors want to have his cards from when he was at his best.
1985 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. #30
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $550
Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1985 Topps card is very valuable to collectors. Ripken was already a star when this card came out. He played his whole career with the Baltimore Orioles. This card shows him a few years into his career when he was becoming one of the best players in baseball.
The card has a picture of Ripken fielding at shortstop. He looks ready to make a play. Ripken was known for playing in many games in a row. He played in 2,632 straight games, which is a record. He was also a very good hitter and fielder. Ripken changed how people thought about shortstops because he was tall and could hit for power.
Collectors like this card because Ripken is one of the most respected players in baseball history. He was known for his consistency and love of the game. Ripken won two MVP awards and was picked for the All-Star team 19 times. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best shortstops ever.
The value of this card can be quite high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a good amount. This is because Ripken is such a legendary player. Many people want to have his cards in their collection, even if they’re not rookie cards.
1985 Topps Orel Hershiser Rookie Card #493
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $120
Orel Hershiser’s rookie card from the 1985 Topps set is popular among collectors. Hershiser was just starting his career when this card came out. He played most of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This card shows him at the very beginning, before he became famous.
The card shows Hershiser in his Dodgers uniform, ready to pitch. He looks young and determined. Hershiser went on to have a great career. He is most famous for pitching 59 straight innings without giving up any runs in 1988. This is still a record today. He also helped the Dodgers win the World Series that year.
People like this card because Hershiser became such a good pitcher. He was known for being smart on the mound and for his curveball. Hershiser won the Cy Young Award in 1988 and was picked for the All-Star team three times. He was also known for being a nice person and a good teammate.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Hershiser had such a good career and is remembered fondly by many fans. His rookie card is a nice piece of baseball history.
1985 Topps Darryl Strawberry #278
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $290
Darryl Strawberry’s 1985 Topps card is very popular with collectors. Strawberry was a young star when this card came out. He played for the New York Mets at the time. This card shows him early in his career when people thought he might become one of the best players ever.
The card has a picture of Strawberry swinging a bat. He looks strong and ready to hit the ball far. Strawberry was known for his power and ability to hit home runs. He had a smooth, left-handed swing that was fun to watch. Strawberry won the Rookie of the Year award in 1983 and was picked for the All-Star team eight times.
Collectors like this card because Strawberry was such an exciting player to watch. He could hit the ball very far and was also fast on the bases. Strawberry helped the Mets win the World Series in 1986. While his career had some ups and downs, he is still remembered as one of the most talented players of his time.
The value of this card can be quite good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Strawberry was such a famous player, especially in New York. Many collectors want to have his cards from when he was young and at his best.
1985 Topps George Brett #100
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100
George Brett’s 1985 Topps card is valuable to collectors. Brett was already a star when this card came out. He played his whole career with the Kansas City Royals. This card shows him in the middle of his great career, the same year the Royals won the World Series.
The card shows Brett getting ready to bat. He looks confident and focused. Brett was known for being a great hitter. He won three batting titles in three different decades. Brett was also good at fielding his position at third base. He helped the Royals win the World Series in 1985, the same year this card came out.
People like this card because Brett is one of the best players in baseball history. He was known for his competitive spirit and clutch hitting. Brett finished his career with over 3,000 hits and is in the Hall of Fame. He was picked for the All-Star team 13 times and won the MVP award in 1980.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Brett is such a legendary player. Many collectors want to have his cards in their collection, even if they’re not rookie cards.
1985 Topps Pete Rose #600
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $95
Pete Rose’s 1985 Topps card is interesting to collectors. Rose was near the end of his career when this card came out. He played for the Cincinnati Reds at the time. This card shows him as he was getting close to breaking the all-time hit record.
The card has a picture of Rose getting ready to bat. He looks determined and ready to play. Rose was known as “Charlie Hustle” because he always played hard. He finished his career with 4,256 hits, which is more than any other player in history. Rose could play many positions and was a key part of the “Big Red Machine” teams of the 1970s.
Collectors like this card because Rose is one of the most famous players ever. He was known for his hustle and his ability to get hits. Rose won three batting titles and was picked for the All-Star team 17 times. While there is some controversy about Rose because of his gambling, many fans and collectors still admire his on-field accomplishments. Rose remains popular with many baseball fans, especially in Cincinnati where he played most of his career. Some argue he has been punished enough and should be reinstated or allowed in the Hall of Fame. Others believe the lifetime ban is appropriate given the seriousness of betting on baseball games he was involved in.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Rose is such a famous and controversial figure in baseball history. Many collectors want to have his cards from his playing days, even if they don’t agree with everything he did off the field.
1985 Topps Rickey Henderson Rookie Card #482
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $15,000
Rickey Henderson’s rookie card from the 1985 Topps set is very valuable. Henderson was already a star when this card came out. He played for the Oakland A’s at the time. This card shows him early in his career when he was becoming known as one of the best base stealers ever.
The card has a picture of Henderson getting ready to run. He looks fast and ready to steal a base. Henderson was known for his speed and ability to get on base. He stole more bases than anyone else in baseball history. Henderson also scored more runs than any other player.
People like this card because Henderson was such an exciting player to watch. He could change a game with his speed. Henderson played for a long time and was very good even when he got older. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best leadoff hitters ever.
The value of this card can be very high if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth a lot. This is because Henderson is such a legendary player. Many collectors want to have his rookie card. It’s one of the most valuable cards from the 1980s.
1985 Topps Ozzie Smith #605
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $85
Ozzie Smith’s 1985 Topps card is popular with collectors. Smith was already famous for his fielding when this card came out. He played shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. This card shows him in the middle of his great career.
The card has a picture of Smith fielding. He looks ready to make a play. Smith was known as “The Wizard” because he was so good at playing shortstop. He could make amazing plays that other players couldn’t. Smith won 13 Gold Glove awards for his fielding.
Collectors like this card because Smith is one of the best defensive players ever. He could do backflips and was very exciting to watch. Smith was also good at batting and stealing bases. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best shortstops in history.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Smith is such a famous player. Many people want to have his cards in their collection, even if they’re not rookie cards.
1985 Topps Tony Gwynn #660
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80
Tony Gwynn’s 1985 Topps card is valuable to collectors. Gwynn was becoming one of the best hitters in baseball when this card came out. He played his whole career with the San Diego Padres. This card shows him early in his career when he was starting to win batting titles.
The card shows Gwynn getting ready to bat. He looks focused and ready to hit. Gwynn was known for being able to hit the ball to any part of the field. He won eight batting titles in his career. Gwynn finished with a .338 batting average, which is one of the highest ever.
People like this card because Gwynn was such a great hitter. He was also known for being a nice person and a good teammate. Gwynn studied hitting and worked very hard to be so good. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best pure hitters ever.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Gwynn is such a respected player. Many collectors want to have his cards from when he was young and becoming a star.
1985 Topps Ryne Sandberg #310
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75
Ryne Sandberg’s 1985 Topps card is popular with collectors. Sandberg was becoming a star when this card came out. He played second base for the Chicago Cubs. This card shows him early in his career when he was winning awards and becoming famous.
The card has a picture of Sandberg fielding. He looks ready to make a play. Sandberg was known for being good at both hitting and fielding. He won nine Gold Glove awards for his defense. Sandberg also hit for power, which was unusual for a second baseman at that time.
Collectors like this card because Sandberg was such a complete player. He could do everything well on the baseball field. Sandberg won the National League MVP award in 1984, just before this card came out. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best second basemen ever.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Sandberg is such a respected player, especially among Cubs fans. Many people want to have his cards from when he was young and becoming a star.
1985 Topps Wade Boggs #350
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70
Wade Boggs’ 1985 Topps card is valuable to collectors. Boggs was one of the best hitters in baseball when this card came out. He played for the Boston Red Sox at the time. This card shows him in the early part of his career when he was winning batting titles.
The card shows Boggs getting ready to bat. He looks focused and ready to hit. Boggs was known for his ability to get on base and hit for a high average. He won five batting titles in his career. Boggs finished with a .328 batting average and over 3,000 hits.
People like this card because Boggs was such a consistent hitter. He was known for his unusual habits, like eating chicken before every game. Boggs was also very good at drawing walks and getting on base. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best third basemen ever.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Boggs is such a respected player. Many collectors want to have his cards from when he was in his prime with the Red Sox.
1985 Topps Dale Murphy #530
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $65
Dale Murphy’s 1985 Topps card is popular with collectors. Murphy was one of the best players in baseball when this card came out. He played for the Atlanta Braves. This card shows him in the middle of his career when he was winning MVP awards.
The card has a picture of Murphy getting ready to bat. He looks strong and confident. Murphy was known for his power hitting and his good defense in the outfield. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 1982 and 1983. Murphy also won five Gold Glove awards for his fielding.
Collectors like this card because Murphy was such a good all-around player. He could hit for power, play good defense, and steal bases. Murphy was also known for being a nice person and a good role model. He won the Roberto Clemente Award for his character and community work.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Murphy is still popular with many fans, especially Braves fans. Many people want to have his cards from when he was one of the best players in baseball.
1985 Topps Mike Schmidt #500
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60
Mike Schmidt’s 1985 Topps card is valuable to collectors. Schmidt was one of the best players in baseball when this card came out. He played his whole career with the Philadelphia Phillies. This card shows him in the later part of his career when he was still one of the top hitters in the game.
The card shows Schmidt getting ready to bat. He looks powerful and focused. Schmidt was known for his ability to hit home runs and play great defense at third base. He won three MVP awards in his career. Schmidt finished with 548 home runs, which was a lot for a third baseman.
People like this card because Schmidt is considered one of the best third basemen ever. He could hit for power, get on base, and play great defense. Schmidt won ten Gold Glove awards for his fielding. He is in the Hall of Fame and is often called the best third baseman in baseball history.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Schmidt is such a legendary player. Many collectors want to have his cards, even from later in his career when he was still a great player.
1985 Topps Carlton Fisk #390
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $55
Carlton Fisk’s 1985 Topps card is popular with collectors. Fisk was a well-known catcher when this card came out. He played for the Chicago White Sox at the time. This card shows him in the middle of his long career when he was still one of the best catchers in baseball.
The card has a picture of Fisk in his catching gear. He looks tough and ready to play. Fisk was known for his leadership and his ability to handle pitchers. He was also a good hitter for a catcher. Fisk is famous for his home run in the 1975 World Series when he was with the Boston Red Sox.
Collectors like this card because Fisk was such a respected player. He played for a very long time and was good even when he got older. Fisk was known for his toughness and his ability to play well in big games. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best catchers ever.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Fisk is such a famous player. Many people want to have his cards, especially fans of the Red Sox and White Sox.
1985 Topps Robin Yount #510
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50
Robin Yount’s 1985 Topps card is valuable to collectors. Yount was one of the best players in baseball when this card came out. He played his whole career with the Milwaukee Brewers. This card shows him in the middle of his career when he was already a star.
The card shows Yount fielding. He looks ready to make a play. Yount was known for being good at both hitting and fielding. He started as a shortstop and later moved to the outfield. Yount won two MVP awards in his career, one as a shortstop and one as a center fielder.
People like this card because Yount was such a consistent player. He could do everything well on the baseball field. Yount finished his career with over 3,000 hits. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best shortstops ever, even though he played other positions too.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Yount is such a respected player, especially among Brewers fans. Many collectors want to have his cards from when he was in his prime.
1985 Topps Eddie Murray #700
Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
Eddie Murray’s 1985 Topps card is popular with collectors. Murray was one of the best hitters in baseball when this card came out. He played for the Baltimore Orioles at the time. This card shows him in the middle of his career when he was known as a great power hitter.
The card has a picture of Murray getting ready to bat. He looks strong and focused. Murray was known for his ability to hit for both power and average. He was a switch-hitter, which means he could bat from both sides of the plate. Murray finished his career with over 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.
Collectors like this card because Murray was such a consistent player. He was good every year for a long time. Murray was known for being quiet but very competitive. He is in the Hall of Fame and is considered one of the best first basemen ever.
The value of this card can be good if it’s in perfect condition. Even cards that aren’t perfect can be worth something. This is because Murray is such a respected player. Many people want to have his cards, especially fans of the Orioles and other teams he played for.
Conclusion
The 1985 Topps baseball card set is very special. It has cards of many famous players when they were young. Some of these cards are worth a lot of money now. The most valuable cards are usually rookie cards of players who became very famous. Cards of players like Roger Clemens, Kirby Puckett, and Mark McGwire can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if they’re in perfect shape.
Even cards of players who were already famous in 1985 can be valuable. Cards of Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, and Cal Ripken Jr. are popular with collectors. The condition of the card is very important. Cards that look brand new are worth much more than cards that are damaged or worn.
Collecting these cards can be fun and maybe even make some money. But it’s important to remember that card values can change. The most important thing is to enjoy the cards and the memories they bring of great baseball players and moments.
FAQs
What makes the 1985 Topps baseball cards so valuable?
The 1985 Topps set is valuable because it contains rookie cards of several players who became superstars, like Roger Clemens and Kirby Puckett. It also has cards of already famous players in their prime. The age of the cards and their condition also add to their value.
How important is the condition of a 1985 Topps baseball card?
The condition of the card is very important. Cards in perfect condition (rated PSA 10) can be worth much more than cards with even slight damage. Collectors look for cards with sharp corners, good centering, and no marks or creases.
Are all 1985 Topps baseball cards valuable?
Not all cards from this set are highly valuable. The most valuable ones are usually rookie cards of famous players or cards of all-time greats. Common player cards or those in poor condition may not be worth much.