The Most Valuable 1986 Donruss Baseball Cards: PSA 10 Prices and the Significance of Each Player

The 1986 Donruss baseball card set holds a special place in the hobby, blending the bold dark borders of mid-80s design with a mix of rookie debuts and established legends. While not as celebrated as the flagship Topps release from the same year, this Donruss set is loaded with stars whose careers left a lasting impact on the game. From the explosive rookie campaigns of Jose Canseco and Fred McGriff to the enduring greatness of Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Gwynn, these cards capture an era where power, speed, and personality defined baseball. In PSA 10 condition, certain cards from this set command serious attention from collectors for the legacy of the players they feature. Here’s a detailed look at the most valuable 1986 Donruss cards.

1. Jose Canseco (Rookie) #39

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $400–$500
PSA 10 Population: 831
Significance: Canseco burst onto the scene by winning the American League Rookie of the Year in 1986. He became the first MLB player to join the elite 40-40 club (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases) in 1988 and earned AL MVP honors that same year. Known as part of the A’s “Bash Brothers,” he was a six-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and remains one of the era’s most powerful sluggers.

2. Fred McGriff (Rookie) #28

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $300–$400
PSA 10 Population: 489
Significance: Nicknamed “Crime Dog,” McGriff was one of the most consistent power hitters of the 1990s, finishing with 493 career home runs, 1,550 RBIs, and a .284 batting average. He was a five-time All-Star, two-time home-run leader, won a World Series with the Braves in 1995, and was unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era Committee in 2023.

3. Darryl Strawberry #197

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $200–$250
PSA 10 Population: 27
Significance: Strawberry was a dynamic power-hitting outfielder and the top pick of the 1980 draft. He won NL Rookie of the Year in 1983, was an eight-time All-Star, and tallied 335 career home runs. He won three World Series (one with the Mets, two with the Yankees) and became an iconic figure of the 1980s despite facing personal challenges.

4. Nolan Ryan #258

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $125–$200
PSA 10 Population: 332
Significance: A legendary fastballer known as the “Ryan Express,” Nolan Ryan pitched for 27 MLB seasons, setting records with 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters. An eight-time All-Star and World Series champion, he’s remembered as one of the greatest and most durable pitchers in baseball history.

5. Paul O'Neill (Rookie) #37

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$125
PSA 10 Population: 277
Significance: A fan favorite, O’Neill won five World Series championships — one with the Reds and four with the Yankees and was a five-time All-Star. He led the AL in batting average (.359) in 1994 and uniquely played in three MLB perfect games, making key defensive plays in all three. After retiring, he became a beloved broadcaster for the Yankees.

6. Rickey Henderson #51

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$100
PSA 10 Population: 159
Significance: Widely regarded as baseball’s greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner, Henderson holds MLB records for career stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), and leadoff home runs. A 10-time All-Star, AL MVP in 1990, and Hall of Famer, he redefined the role of a leadoff hitter with unmatched speed and plate discipline.

7. Tony Gwynn #112

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$100
PSA 10 Population: 145
Significance: “Mr. Padre,” Gwynn is considered one of the greatest pure hitters ever. A 15-time All-Star, eight-time batting champion, five-time Gold Glove winner, and Hall of Famer, he hit over .300 in 19 consecutive seasons and retired with a .338 average — the highest since Ted Williams.

8. Don Mattingly #173

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$90
PSA 10 Population: 429
Significance: Mattingly, nicknamed “Donnie Baseball,” was one of the most feared hitters of the 1980s. He won the 1985 AL MVP, three Silver Slugger Awards, and nine Gold Gloves, showcasing his elite hitting and defensive skills. Although back injuries shortened his career, he remains one of the most beloved Yankees in history.

9. Cecil Fielder (Rookie) #512

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$80
PSA 10 Population: 98
Significance: Fielder was a powerful first baseman who made an immediate impact after returning from a stint in Japan. In 1990, he became the first player in over a decade to hit 50 home runs in a season. A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, he led the AL in RBIs three times.

10. Andres Galarraga (Rookie) #33

(No Accent Mark) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$80
PSA 10 Population: 35
(Accent Mark Over Andres) Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 249
Significance: Nicknamed “The Big Cat,” Galarraga was a five-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and NL batting champion in 1993. Known for his combination of power and agility, he hit 399 career home runs and overcame a battle with cancer to return to MLB and produce at a high level. There are two versions of this rookie card — one features no accent over the “e” in his first name on the back of the card, and the other includes the accent mark.

11. Pete Rose #644

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$80
PSA 10 Population: 231

12. Pete Rose #62

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$80
PSA 10 Population: 492

13. Eric Davis #164

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$80
PSA 10 Population: 75

14. Pete Rose (King of Kings) #653

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$75
PSA 10 Population: 158

15. Roger Clemens #172

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$65
PSA 10 Population: 224

16. Kirby Puckett #72

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$60
PSA 10 Population: 272

17. Vince Coleman (Rookie) #181

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$60
PSA 10 Population: 88

18. Wade Boggs #371

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$60
PSA 10 Population: 56

19. Dave Parker #203

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50
PSA 10 Population: 18

20. Fleet Feet (W. McGee, V. Coleman) #651

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 20

21. Cal Ripken Jr. #210

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 308

22. Ryne Sandberg #67

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 317

23. Lou Whitaker #49

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
PSA 10 Population: 22

24. Ozzie Smith #59

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 134

25. Dwight Gooden #75

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 146

26. Darren Daulton (Rookie) #477

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40
PSA 10 Population: 45

27. Harold Reynolds #484

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 126

28. Billy Beane (Rookie) #647

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 39

29. Mike Schmidt #61

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 310

30. Steve Garvey #63

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 52

31. Robin Yount #48

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 41

32. George Brett #53

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 140

33. Lenny Dykstra (Rookie) #482

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 256

34. Hank Aaron (Puzzle Card) #602

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 43

35. Eddie Murray #88

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25
PSA 10 Population: 111

Final Thoughts

The 1986 Donruss set is a time capsule of mid-80s baseball, showcasing the blend of rising stars, prime-year veterans, and Hall of Fame talent that defined the decade. Whether it’s the record-breaking dominance of Nolan Ryan, the pure hitting artistry of Tony Gwynn, or the rookie debuts of players like Jose Canseco, Fred McGriff, and Andres Galarraga, each card tells a story worth preserving. For hobbyists who appreciate both the history and the investment potential of classic cardboard, the 1986 Donruss set delivers in both nostalgia and value.