WHAT ARE VALUABLE BUT OVERLOOKED BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80S

Baseball card collecting has been a popular hobby for decades, and while some cards have soared in value over the years, many cards from the 1980s are often overlooked. The 80s are considered the "junk era" of baseball cards, as there were so many produced that the market became oversaturated, causing their value to decrease. However, there are still some gems from that era that are worth looking out for.


Let's take a look at some valuable 80s baseball cards from the "junk era" that may be overlooked.

 

1989 Upper Deck Dale Murphy Reverse Negative #647
Dale Murphy was a former Atlanta Braves star outfielder and the two-time National League MVP award winner. His 1989 Upper Deck card has two versions with one version being more highly coveted among collectors. The version with the reversed picture of the Braves star is rarer and can fetch a high price, depending on its condition, with a mint condition card (PSA 10) can sell for as much as $1,000.

» Learn More About Dale Murphy 1989 UD Reverse Negative Card

1987 Topps Barry Bonds Rookie #320 PSA 10
Barry Bonds is one of the most iconic baseball players in history, and his 1987 Topps card has a significant value, when found in a high grade condition. There are misconceptions that this card may be an error card, but all cards bear the same error (learn more at the link below). The card can fetch up to $500 in a PSA 10 grade, making it one of the most sought-after cards from the era (there are 1500 PSA 10's out of 21,500 total graded).

» Learn More About Barry Bonds Topps Rookie Card and Whether it's an Error Card or Not
» 10 Barry Bonds RCs to Collect

1986 Donruss Jose Canseco Rated Rookie #39
Jose Canseco was a dominating force in the 80s and 90s, earning many accolades for his incredible playing ability. His 1986 Donruss Rated Rookie card is considered one of the most valuable rookie cards from the junk era, with a pristine grade card selling for up to $400.


1988 Fleer Tom Glavine Rookie Card #539 Tom Glavine was an integral part of the Atlanta Braves' pitching rotation in the 1990s, and his 1988 Fleer card has becomeeincreasingly rare and valuable. A mint condition card can fetch prices up to $1,500.


1989 Upper Deck Randy Johnson #25 Randy Johnson's 1989 Upper Deck card is considered one of the most valuable from the junk era due to its rarity and high demand among collectors. The card features a bright and striking image of the left-handed pitcher, and it can fetch up to $500 in a PSA 10 grade.


1989 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. RC #41T Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the most iconic players in baseball history, and his rookie card from the 1989 Topps Traded set is highly coveted. It is often overlooked because it was produced in smaller numbers than Griffey's other rookie cards, making it rarer and more valuable. The card can fetch up to $700 in a high-grade condition.


1985 Topps Mark McGwire RC #401 Mark McGwire was a dominant player in the late 80s and early 90s and still holds a spot in the record books. His 1985 Topps rookie card is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and value, selling for upwards of $300 for a mint condition card.


1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens #U27 Roger Clemens is one of the greatest pitchers of all time, and his 1984 Fleer Update card features him in his Red Sox uniform, making it highly desirable among fans. The card is tough to find in high-grade condition, and when found, can sell for up to $300.


1982 Topps Lee Smith RC #234 Lee Smith is one of the most dominant relievers in baseball history, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2019. His 1982 Topps rookie card has become highly valuable due to its rarity and Smith's reputation, fetching prices up to $300 for a mint condition card.


1980 Topps Rickey Henderson #482 Rickey Henderson is a baseball legend, with unbreakable records and an induction into the Hall of Fame. His 1980 Topps card has become incredibly valuable in recent years, largely due to its rarity and Henderson's excellent career. A mint condition card can fetch prices up to $500.
In conclusion, the 1980s era had an oversaturation of baseball card production, leading to low values when compared to newer cards. However, there are still many valuable cards from this era, and collectors looking to find hidden gems should keep an eye out for these 80s baseball cards that may have been overlooked.

What's My Baseball Card Worth? What does the market say?


  


Questions? Contact Us

Denver Vintage Sports is always available for questions, appraisals or conversations about your collection or individual items.

Many appraisals start by sharing photos of your items. This helps us gauge the items, types, conditions, etc. and many times, appraisals can be done via email. Always best to prepare by having photos of your items (high-res, front and back) as most times that will be the first thing we ask for.

Contact us with your questions or for a free review of your items.

We'll never share your email with anyone else.
Enter your answer to the equation 6 + 3 (to reduce bot spam)