Top 30 Most Valuable 1986 Topps Baseball Cards: A Collector’s Guide

Baseball cards are fun to collect. The 1986 Topps set has many special cards that people like. Some of these cards are worth a lot of money now. Let’s look at the best cards from this set. We’ll see why they are special and how much they might cost. If you have any of these cards, you might have something very valuable! Even if you don’t have them, it’s fun to learn about these cool baseball cards from the past.

Overview of 1986 Topps Baseball Cards

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is special. It has 792 cards. Each card shows a player’s picture and some facts about them. The cards have a black and white border. The team name is in big letters at the top. These cards came out when many great players were playing baseball. That’s why some of them are worth a lot of money now.

Why Are These 1986 Topps Baseball Cards Valuable?

These cards are valuable for a few reasons. First, they show famous players from a long time ago. Some of these players are in the Baseball Hall of Fame now. Second, some cards are rare. Not many of them are in perfect condition after all these years. Third, many people who collected these cards as kids want them again. This makes the cards worth more money.

What 1986 Topps Baseball Cards Are Worth Money?

Some 1986 Topps cards are worth a lot of money. The most valuable ones are of famous players like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Cal Ripken Jr. Cards that are in perfect condition are worth the most. Even cards of less famous players can be worth something if they’re in great shape. Let’s look at the top 30 most valuable cards from this set.

Top 30 Most Valuable 1986 Topps Baseball Cards

Barry Bonds Rookie Card #11T (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $2,500)

Barry Bonds was a great baseball player. He hit more home runs than anyone else ever. This card shows him when he was just starting to play. It’s from a special set called Topps Traded. The card has a picture of young Barry in his Pirates uniform. He’s holding a bat and looks ready to play.

People like this card because Barry became so famous. He was very good at hitting the ball far. Some think he’s the best hitter ever. The card is worth a lot because it’s his first Topps card. It’s hard to find one in perfect condition. That’s why a perfect one costs so much money.

Collectors really want this card. It reminds them of when Barry was young and just starting. Even though some people don’t like Barry because of some things he did later, this card is still very popular. It’s a piece of baseball history that many people want to own.

Roger Clemens #661 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,000)

Roger Clemens was a super fast pitcher. This card shows him when he was young and playing for the Boston Red Sox. He’s wearing a red hat and looks serious. Roger was known for throwing the ball really hard and striking out lots of batters.

This card is special because it’s from early in Roger’s career. He went on to win many awards and set records. Collectors like it because Roger was one of the best pitchers ever. The card is worth a lot if it’s in perfect shape.

People who collect baseball cards really want this one. It reminds them of when Roger was just starting to be famous. Even though some people don’t like Roger because of some things that happened later, this card is still very valuable. It’s a piece of baseball history that shows a great player when he was young.

Cal Ripken Jr. #340 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $800)

Cal Ripken Jr. was a great baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles. This card shows him in his orange and black Orioles uniform. Cal was famous for playing in many, many games without missing one. He played more games in a row than anyone else ever.

People like this card because Cal was such a good player. He could hit the ball well and was very good at playing shortstop. The card is worth a lot because Cal is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was one of the best players of his time.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Cal when he was in the middle of his amazing streak of games. Even though it’s not his first card, it’s still very valuable. People remember Cal as a player who worked hard and never gave up. This card is a nice reminder of that.

Pete Rose #1 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $750)

Pete Rose was called “Charlie Hustle” because he always played hard. This card shows Pete in his red Cincinnati Reds uniform. He’s smiling and looks happy. Pete has more hits than any other player in baseball history.

This card is special because it’s the first card in the set. Card number 1 is often valuable. It’s also special because Pete was near the end of his long career. People who collect cards really like Pete Rose cards. He was a very famous player.

Even though Pete got in trouble later for betting on baseball, his cards are still worth a lot. This card reminds people of his great career. It’s hard to find this card in perfect condition because it was the first one in packs and often got damaged.

Nolan Ryan #100 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $700)

Nolan Ryan was a pitcher who could throw the ball super fast. This card shows him in his Houston Astros uniform. He looks ready to throw a pitch. Nolan played for a very long time and struck out more batters than anyone else ever.

People like this card because Nolan was such an amazing pitcher. He threw seven no-hitters in his career, which is more than anyone else. The card is valuable because Nolan is in the Hall of Fame and was one of the best pitchers ever.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Nolan when he was still throwing very hard, even though he was older. Nolan played for 27 years, which is a very long time for a baseball player. This card is from near the end of his career, but he was still very good.

Don Mattingly #180 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $600)

Don Mattingly was a great player for the New York Yankees. This card shows him in his famous Yankees uniform. Don was known for being a very good hitter and a great first baseman. He won many awards for his playing.

This card is valuable because Don was one of the best players of the 1980s. He won the batting title in 1984 and was the American League MVP in 1985. Collectors like this card because it’s from when Don was at his best.

People who collect Yankees cards especially want this one. Don was a fan favorite and the captain of the team. Even though he didn’t make it to the Hall of Fame, his cards are still worth a lot. This card reminds people of how good Don was in his prime.

Kirby Puckett #329 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $550)

Kirby Puckett was a great player for the Minnesota Twins. This card shows him smiling in his Twins uniform. Kirby was known for being a very good hitter and a great outfielder. He helped the Twins win two World Series.

People like this card because Kirby was such a happy and exciting player to watch. He could hit for power and average, and he made amazing catches in the outfield. The card is valuable because Kirby is in the Hall of Fame.

Collectors really want this card. It’s from early in Kirby’s career when he was becoming a star. Kirby had to stop playing early because of eye problems, which makes his cards even more special. This card reminds people of Kirby’s great smile and how much fun he was to watch.

Dwight Gooden #250 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $500)

Dwight Gooden was a pitcher for the New York Mets. This card shows him in his Mets uniform, ready to throw a pitch. Dwight was known as “Dr. K” because he struck out so many batters. He was very young when he became a star.

This card is special because it’s from when Dwight was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He had just won the Cy Young Award in 1985. People who collect cards really like Dwight Gooden cards from this time.

Even though Dwight had some problems later in his career, his early cards are still very valuable. This card reminds people of how amazing Dwight was when he was young. He could throw the ball very hard and had great control.

Ozzie Smith #730 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $450)

Ozzie Smith was a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. This card shows him in his Cardinals uniform, ready to field a ball. Ozzie was known as “The Wizard” because he was so good at fielding. He could make amazing plays that other players couldn’t.

People like this card because Ozzie was one of the best defensive players ever. He won 13 Gold Glove awards, which is a record for shortstops. The card is valuable because Ozzie is in the Hall of Fame.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Ozzie when he was at his best. He could make impossible plays look easy. Ozzie wasn’t the best hitter, but he was so good at fielding that he became very famous. This card reminds people of his amazing skills.

George Brett #300 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $400)

George Brett was a great player for the Kansas City Royals. This card shows him in his Royals uniform, holding a bat. George was known for being a very good hitter. He could hit for both power and average.

This card is valuable because George is one of the best third basemen ever. He’s in the Hall of Fame and was very popular when he played. Collectors like this card because it’s from when George was still one of the best players in baseball.

People who collect Royals cards especially want this one. George played his whole career with the Royals and helped them win a World Series. This card reminds people of how good George was and how much fans loved him.

Mike Schmidt #200 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350)

Mike Schmidt was a third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. This card shows him in his Phillies uniform, ready to field a ball. Mike was known for hitting lots of home runs and being very good at fielding his position.

People like this card because Mike is one of the best third basemen ever. He won many awards and is in the Hall of Fame. The card is valuable because Mike was still one of the best players in baseball when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Mike near the end of his great career. He could still hit home runs and make great plays at third base. This card reminds people of how good Mike was and how he helped the Phillies win games.

Ryne Sandberg #690 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300)

Ryne Sandberg was a second baseman for the Chicago Cubs. This card shows him in his Cubs uniform, ready to field a ball. Ryne was known for being good at both hitting and fielding. He won many Gold Glove awards.

This card is special because it’s from when Ryne was becoming one of the best players in baseball. He had just won the National League MVP award in 1984. People who collect Cubs cards really like Ryne Sandberg cards.

Even though Ryne wasn’t as famous as some other players, his cards are still valuable. This card reminds people of how good Ryne was at playing second base. He could hit home runs and steal bases too, which was unusual for a second baseman.

Tony Gwynn #10 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $275)

Tony Gwynn was an outfielder for the San Diego Padres. This card shows him in his Padres uniform, holding a bat. Tony was known for being one of the best hitters ever. He could hit the ball where he wanted almost every time.

People like this card because Tony was such a great hitter. He won eight batting titles, which means he had the highest batting average in the league eight times. The card is valuable because Tony is in the Hall of Fame.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Tony when he was young and already a great hitter. Tony played his whole career with the Padres and was very popular. This card reminds people of how amazing Tony was at hitting the ball.

Wade Boggs #310 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250)

Wade Boggs was a third baseman for the Boston Red Sox. This card shows him in his Red Sox uniform, ready to field a ball. Wade was known for being a very good hitter who could get on base a lot.

This card is valuable because Wade is one of the best hitters ever. He won five batting titles and is in the Hall of Fame. Collectors like this card because it’s from when Wade was one of the best players in baseball.

People who collect Red Sox cards especially want this one. Wade was a fan favorite in Boston for many years. This card reminds people of how good Wade was at hitting and how he helped the Red Sox win games.

Dale Murphy #600 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $225)

Dale Murphy was an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. This card shows him in his Braves uniform, holding a bat. Dale was known for being a good hitter and a great fielder. He won many awards during his career.

People like this card because Dale was one of the best players of the 1980s. He won two MVP awards and was very popular with fans. The card is valuable because Dale was still a star player when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Dale when he was at his best. He could hit home runs and make great catches in the outfield. Even though Dale isn’t in the Hall of Fame, his cards are still worth a lot because he was such a good player.

Rickey Henderson #500 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200)

Rickey Henderson was an outfielder who played for many teams. This card shows him in his New York Yankees uniform. Rickey was known for being very fast and stealing lots of bases. He also hit many home runs.

This card is special because Rickey is one of the best players ever. He stole more bases than anyone else in history. People who collect cards really like Rickey Henderson cards because he was so exciting to watch.

Even though this isn’t Rickey’s first card, it’s still valuable. It shows him when he was one of the best players in baseball. Rickey could change a game by stealing bases and scoring runs. This card reminds people of how fast and talented Rickey was.

Carlton Fisk #290 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175)

Carlton Fisk was a catcher who played for the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. This card shows him in his White Sox uniform, ready to catch a pitch. Carlton was known for being a good hitter and a great catcher.

People like this card because Carlton is one of the best catchers ever. He played for a very long time and is in the Hall of Fame. The card is valuable because Carlton was still a very good player when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Carlton when he was older but still playing well. He could still hit home runs and was great at catching. This card reminds people of how tough Carlton was and how he played for so many years.

18. Gary Carter #170 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150)

Gary Carter was a catcher for the New York Mets. This card shows him in his Mets uniform, ready to catch a pitch. Gary was known for being a good hitter and a great catcher. He helped the Mets win the World Series in 1986.

This card is valuable because Gary is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best catchers of his time. Collectors like this card because it’s from the year the Mets won the World Series.

People who collect Mets cards especially want this one. Gary was a fan favorite and a leader on the team. This card reminds people of how good Gary was at hitting and catching, and how he helped the Mets win games.

Andre Dawson #590 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $140)

Andre Dawson was an outfielder who played for several teams. This card shows him in his Montreal Expos uniform, holding a bat. Andre was known for being a good hitter and a great fielder. He won many awards during his career.

People like this card because Andre is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best all-around players of his time. The card is valuable because Andre was still a star player when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Andre when he was in his prime. He could hit home runs and make great catches in the outfield. This card reminds people of how good Andre was and how he played hard every game.

Robin Yount #780 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $130)

Robin Yount played for the Milwaukee Brewers. This card shows him in his Brewers uniform, holding a bat. Robin was a very good player who could hit well and play different positions. He played shortstop and center field during his career.

People like this card because Robin is in the Hall of Fame. He played his whole career with the Brewers and was very popular. The card is valuable because Robin was one of the best players in baseball when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Robin when he was in the middle of his great career. He could hit for power and average, and he was good at fielding too. This card reminds people of how talented Robin was and how he helped the Brewers win games.

Eddie Murray #30 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $120)

Eddie Murray was a first baseman who played for several teams. This card shows him in his Baltimore Orioles uniform, ready to field a ball. Eddie was known for being a great hitter who could hit from both sides of the plate.

This card is special because Eddie is one of the best switch-hitters ever. He’s in the Hall of Fame and was very consistent throughout his career. People who collect Orioles cards really like Eddie Murray cards.

Even though this isn’t Eddie’s first card, it’s still valuable. It shows him when he was one of the best players in baseball. Eddie could hit for power and average, which made him a tough batter for pitchers. This card reminds people of how good Eddie was at hitting.

Dave Winfield #760 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $110)

Dave Winfield was an outfielder who played for many teams. This card shows him in his New York Yankees uniform, holding a bat. Dave was known for being a very good hitter and a great athlete. He was tall and strong.

People like this card because Dave is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best players of his time and could do many things well. The card is valuable because Dave was still a star player when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Dave when he was playing for the famous Yankees team. He could hit home runs and make great plays in the outfield. This card reminds people of how powerful Dave was and how he could change a game with his hitting.

Paul Molitor #580 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100)

Paul Molitor played for the Milwaukee Brewers. This card shows him in his Brewers uniform, ready to field a ball. Paul was known for being a very good hitter who could also run fast. He played many different positions during his career.

This card is valuable because Paul is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best hitters of his time and got over 3,000 hits in his career. Collectors like this card because it’s from when Paul was becoming a star player.

People who collect Brewers cards especially want this one. Paul was a fan favorite in Milwaukee for many years. This card reminds people of how good Paul was at hitting and how he could help his team in many ways.

Jim Rice #650 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $90)

Jim Rice was an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. This card shows him in his Red Sox uniform, holding a bat. Jim was known for being a powerful hitter who could hit many home runs. He was also a good fielder.

People like this card because Jim is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best hitters of the 1970s and 1980s. The card is valuable because Jim was still a very good player when it came out.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Jim when he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. He could hit the ball very hard and far. This card reminds people of how strong Jim was and how he helped the Red Sox win games with his hitting.

Darryl Strawberry #80 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $85)

Darryl Strawberry was an outfielder for the New York Mets. This card shows him in his Mets uniform, holding a bat. Darryl was known for being a very talented player who could hit long home runs. He was tall and had a smooth swing.

This card is special because it’s from early in Darryl’s career when he was becoming a star. He had just won the Rookie of the Year award in 1983. People who collect Mets cards really like Darryl Strawberry cards from this time.

Even though Darryl had some problems later in his career, his early cards are still valuable. This card reminds people of how exciting Darryl was to watch when he was young. He could hit the ball very far and was very fast on the bases.

Orel Hershiser #630 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80)

Orel Hershiser was a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This card shows him in his Dodgers uniform, ready to throw a pitch. Orel was known for being a very smart pitcher who could throw many different kinds of pitches.

People like this card because Orel became one of the best pitchers in baseball. He set a record for pitching many innings without letting the other team score. The card is valuable because it’s from just before Orel’s best years.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Orel when he was young and starting to become famous. He went on to win many awards and help the Dodgers win the World Series. This card reminds people of how good Orel was at outsmarting batters.

Steve Carlton #360 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75)

Steve Carlton was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. This card shows him in his Phillies uniform, ready to throw a pitch. Steve was known for being one of the best left-handed pitchers ever. He could throw the ball very hard and had great control.

This card is valuable because Steve is in the Hall of Fame. He won many awards and struck out more batters than almost anyone else. Collectors like this card because it’s from near the end of Steve’s great career.

People who collect Phillies cards especially want this one. Steve helped the Phillies win their first World Series. This card reminds people of how amazing Steve was at pitching and how he could win games all by himself sometimes.

Reggie Jackson #700 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70)

Reggie Jackson was an outfielder who played for several teams. This card shows him in his California Angels uniform, holding a bat. Reggie was known for hitting big home runs in important games. He was called “Mr. October” because he played so well in the playoffs.

People like this card because Reggie is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the most famous players of his time. The card is valuable because it’s from near the end of Reggie’s great career.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Reggie when he was still a good player, even though he was older. He could still hit home runs and was very popular with fans. This card reminds people of how exciting Reggie was to watch and how he could change a game with one swing.

Fernando Valenzuela #260 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $65)

Fernando Valenzuela was a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This card shows him in his Dodgers uniform, ready to throw a pitch. Fernando was known for his unusual pitching style and his ability to fool batters.

This card is special because Fernando was very popular when it came out. He had become famous very quickly and was one of the best pitchers in baseball. People who collect Dodgers cards really like Fernando Valenzuela cards.

Even though Fernando didn’t have a very long career at the top, his cards from this time are still valuable. This card reminds people of how exciting Fernando was to watch and how he made many people interested in baseball.

Alan Trammell #530 (Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60)

Alan Trammell was a shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. This card shows him in his Tigers uniform, ready to field a ball. Alan was known for being good at both hitting and fielding. He played his whole career with the Tigers.

People like this card because Alan is in the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best shortstops of his time. The card is valuable because it’s from when Alan was at his best as a player.

Collectors really want this card. It shows Alan when he was helping the Tigers win games. He could hit well and make great plays in the field. This card reminds people of how good Alan was and how important he was to the Tigers team.

Conclusion

The 1986 Topps baseball card set is full of great players. Some cards are worth a lot of money now. The most valuable ones are of players who became very famous, like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. But even cards of other good players can be worth something if they’re in perfect condition.

Collecting these cards can be fun. It’s like having a piece of baseball history. Each card tells a story about a player and what they did. Whether you want to collect them or just learn about old baseball players, these cards are interesting.

Remember, the value of a card can change over time. What’s important is enjoying the cards and the memories they bring. Baseball cards are a great way to remember the players and games from the past.

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