The Most Valuable 1985 Donruss Baseball Cards: PSA 10 Prices and the Significance of Each Player

The 1985 Donruss baseball card set captures a pivotal moment in MLB history, loaded with iconic rookie cards and stars who defined the 1980s and beyond. From the debut of future Hall of Famers to established legends still dominating the game, this set has become a favorite for collectors seeking both nostalgia and investment potential. Below is a breakdown of the most valuable 1985 Donruss cards, ranked by their estimated PSA 10 value, along with why each card remains significant to collectors today.

1. Kirby Puckett (Rookie) #438

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350–$600
PSA 10 Population: 389
Significance: Kirby Puckett’s 1985 Donruss rookie card is one of the most recognizable of the decade. A beloved figure in Minnesota Twins history, Puckett was a 10-time All-Star, six-time Gold Glove winner, and the driving force behind the Twins’ World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. Known for his infectious energy, clutch hitting, and spectacular defense in center field, Puckett’s career was cut short by an eye condition, but his impact on the game earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2001. This rookie card remains a cornerstone of any 1980s collection.

2. Nolan Ryan #60

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $450–$550
PSA 10 Population: 123
Significance: Nolan Ryan’s 1985 Donruss card showcases the strikeout king in the prime of his career. Over a remarkable 27 seasons, Ryan amassed 5,714 strikeouts and threw seven no-hitters, feats that remain untouchable in MLB history. His longevity, dominance, and intimidating fastball made him a legend on the mound.

3. Roger Clemens (Rookie) #273

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $275–$400
PSA 10 Population: 646
Significance: Roger Clemens’ rookie card captures the beginning of a career that would redefine pitching dominance in the modern era. The “Rocket” earned seven Cy Young Awards, 354 wins, and over 4,600 strikeouts. His fierce competitiveness and ability to overpower hitters made him one of the most feared pitchers in baseball. While controversy surrounds his Hall of Fame candidacy, Clemens’ place in the sport’s history ensures this rookie card remains one of the most sought-after of the 1980s.

4. Robin Yount #48

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$350
PSA 10 Population: 15
Significance: A career Milwaukee Brewer, Yount collected over 3,000 hits, won two MVP awards, and was a three-time All-Star. His versatility, loyalty, and consistent excellence cemented his Hall of Fame legacy. Yount’s Hall of Fame pedigree makes this card a top-tier collector’s piece.

5. Rickey Henderson #176

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$300
PSA 10 Population: 200
Significance: Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in MLB history. Henderson’s career totals — 3,055 hits, 1,406 stolen bases, and 2,295 runs scored — are staggering. His swagger, power-speed combination, and game-changing presence made him one of the most electrifying players to ever step on a field.

6. Dwight Gooden (Rookie) #190

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$300
PSA 10 Population: 240
Significance: Dwight “Doc” Gooden’s rookie card reflects the meteoric rise of one of baseball’s brightest young stars. In 1984, Gooden won Rookie of the Year, and in 1985 he dominated the league with a 24-4 record, 1.53 ERA, and 268 strikeouts, earning the Cy Young Award at just 20 years old. His blazing fastball and devastating curveball made him nearly unhittable. While his career was later derailed by off-field issues, his rookie card remains a symbol of pure pitching dominance.

7. Don Mattingly #295

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$250
PSA 10 Population: 246
Significance: Don Mattingly, “Donnie Baseball,” was the face of the Yankees during the 1980s. A batting champion, MVP, and nine-time Gold Glove winner, Mattingly combined elite hitting ability with exceptional defense at first base. Although injuries shortened his peak years, his popularity with fans never wavered. His 1985 Donruss card remains a favorite among Yankees collectors and 1980s baseball enthusiasts.

8. Tony Gwynn #63

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$250
PSA 10 Population: 179
Significance: Tony Gwynn, “Mr. Padre,” was the purest hitter of his generation. A career .338 hitter with eight batting titles, Gwynn’s unmatched consistency at the plate made him a Hall of Fame lock. Known for his incredible hand-eye coordination and ability to adapt to pitchers, he struck out just 434 times in over 10,000 plate appearances. This card highlights Gwynn during the early stages of his legendary career, making it a cherished collectible.

9. Orel Hershiser (Rookie) #581

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$225
PSA 10 Population: 99
Significance: Orel Hershiser’s rookie card marks the start of a career defined by remarkable control and competitive grit. His 1988 season remains one of the greatest pitching performances in history — 59 consecutive scoreless innings, a Cy Young Award, and a World Series MVP. Hershiser was a three-time All-Star and the 1988 NLCS MVP, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s premier big-game pitchers. 

10. Two for the Title (Winfield, Mattingly) #651

(Yellow Letters) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200
PSA 10 Population: 13
(White Letters) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100
PSA 10 Population: 98
Significance: This memorable card captures the thrilling 1984 American League batting title race between Yankees teammates Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield. Mattingly, the emerging star in just his second full season, and Winfield, the established veteran and offensive leader, traded the lead back and forth eight times as the season wound down. On the final day, Mattingly went 4-for-5 to edge Winfield, .343 to .340, claiming his first batting crown. The card exists in two variations — white letters and the less common yellow letters — making it both a nostalgic piece of Yankees history and an intriguing chase for variation collectors.

11. Tony Gwynn (Diamond Kings) #25

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200
PSA 10 Population: 69

12. Cal Ripken Jr. (Diamond Kings) #14

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $180
PSA 10 Population: 39

13. Wade Boggs #172

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150
PSA 10 Population: 34

14. Cal Ripken Jr. #169

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$150
PSA 10 Population: 175

15. Pete Rose #254

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$150
PSA 10 Population: 134

16. Eric Davis (Rookie) #325

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80–$125
PSA 10 Population: 519

17. George Brett #53

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$125
PSA 10 Population: 165

18. Tom Seaver #424

(Floyd Bannister Photo) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100
PSA 10 Population: 18
(Correct Photo) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$75
PSA 10 Population: 111

19. Ryne Sandberg #67

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $90–$100
PSA 10 Population: 128

20. Pete Rose #641

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$100
PSA 10 Population: 212

21. Darryl Strawberry #312

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$90
PSA 10 Population: 124

22. Danny Tartabull (Rookie) #27

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$70
PSA 10 Population: 63

23. Ozzie Smith #59

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$70
PSA 10 Population: 123

24. Mike Schmidt #61

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$55
PSA 10 Population: 218

25. Bret Saberhagen (Rookie) #222

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 126

Final Thoughts

The 1985 Donruss baseball set is a true snapshot of the game’s golden era, combining the debut of future Hall of Famers with the dominance of established legends. From Kirby Puckett’s charismatic rookie season to Nolan Ryan’s unmatched longevity and Roger Clemens’ rise to pitching superstardom, each card tells a story that resonates with collectors decades later. Whether you’re chasing high-grade rookies or simply reliving baseball’s 1980s glory, 1985 Donruss offers a compelling mix of nostalgia and investment potential.