The Most Valuable 1985 Topps Baseball Cards: PSA 10 Prices and the Significance of Each Card

The 1985 Topps Baseball set is a vibrant time capsule capturing the sport’s biggest rising stars and enduring legends of the 1980s. With bold designs, iconic rookie cards, and strong player representation, this 792-card set is a cornerstone for vintage card collectors. In this guide, we break down the most valuable cards from the 1985 Topps set, based on PSA 10 value and historical significance.

1. Mark McGwire [1984 USA Baseball Team] #401

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $3,000
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $100–$130
Significance: McGwire’s Team USA card is one of the gems of the 1985 Topps set. One of the most recognizable cards of the 1980s, this early appearance of a future slugger continues to draw interest from collectors. Its patriotic design and connection to a historic career make it a standout from the set, regardless of shifting opinions over time.

2. Roger Clemens #181 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1,100–$1,400
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$60
Significance: This is the rookie card of “The Rocket,” a seven-time Cy Young Award winner and one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. Clemens’ blazing fastball and intense presence made him a must-watch player throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s. His long career and Hall of Fame-level resume (despite being left out due to PED allegations) keep this card in high demand.

3. Eric Davis #627 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $1000–$1,200
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $50
Significance: Eric Davis was one of the most electric players of the late ‘80s, known for his rare power-speed combination. Injuries curtailed what could have been a Hall of Fame career, but his dynamic play and brief period of dominance (notably his 1987 season with 37 HRs and 50 SBs) made this rookie card a fan favorite.

4. Kirby Puckett #536 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $700–$900
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $45–$50
Significance: Puckett’s legacy as a beloved Twin and World Series champion in 1987 and 1991 made him a household name. A 10-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, Puckett's infectious energy and elite hitting skills make this card a must-have rookie for 1980s collectors.

5. Don Mattingly #665

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $600–$700
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30
Significance: Although Mattingly’s rookie is from 1984 Topps, his 1985 card is just as cherished, showing him following his breakout MVP season. He was the face of the Yankees throughout the mid-to-late ‘80s, and his iconic status among fans keeps this card valuable.

6. Nolan Ryan #7

Most Recent PSA 10 Sale: $622.98 (November, 2024)
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $30
Significance: With only 22 PSA 10 copies known to exist, this low-population Ryan card is prized by collectors. The scarcity in gem mint condition elevates its value beyond what might typically be expected from a non-rookie card. Ryan’s legendary longevity and strikeout dominance only add to the appeal.

7. Dwight Gooden #620 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $500–$600
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $40
Significance: “Doc” burst onto the scene with one of the most dominant rookie seasons in MLB history, winning Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the Cy Young in 1985. Though his career was later marred by off-field issues, Gooden’s meteoric rise and electric stuff made him a hobby star in the mid-80s.

8. Cal Ripken Jr. #30

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $500–$600
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $15–$20
Significance: This isn’t Ripken’s rookie, but it captures him at the start of his Iron Man streak and MVP-winning 1983 season momentum. As one of the most respected players in baseball history, any early-career Ripken card is cherished by collectors—especially in top condition.

9. Tom Seaver #670

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $600
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $25–$30
Significance: This was one of Seaver’s final Topps cards as an active player, wrapping up a Hall of Fame career that spanned over two decades. A three-time Cy Young winner and longtime Mets ace, “Tom Terrific” is a legend, and this farewell card holds special meaning for collectors.

10. Nolan Ryan #760

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $400–$500
Estimated PSA 9 Value: $35–$40
Significance: This Nolan Ryan card in the set features him in an Astros uniform and is less scarce in a PSA 10 than his #7 card. However, it still commands a strong premium thanks to Ryan’s legendary career and continued collector demand for high-grade versions of his vintage cards.

11. Pete Rose #547

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $350–$400

12. George Brett #100

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300

13. Tony Gwynn #717

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$300

14. Rickey Henderson #115

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$300

15. Paul Molitor #522

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250

16. Rickey Henderson #706

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$200

17. Ryne Sandberg #460

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$200

18. Lou Whitaker #480

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$200

19. Joe Carter #694 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$200

20. Orel Hershiser #493 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $150–$175

21. Darryl Strawberry #278

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $125–$175

22. Pete Rose #600

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$150

23. Mike Schmidt #500

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $125

24. Tony Gwynn #660

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$125

25. Robin Yount #340

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$125

26. Dale Murphy #320

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$110

27. Wade Boggs #350

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$100

28. Pete Rose #6

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$90

Final Thoughts

The 1985 Topps baseball set is rich in talent and value. From iconic rookies like McGwire, Clemens, and Puckett to legends like Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr., this set remains one of the most desirable from the decade. While the PSA 10 market is fiercely competitive due to centering and print quality issues common in the era, the chase is part of the thrill for collectors.