The 1980s is perhaps most associated with the start of the Junk Wax Era, which saw overproduced cards tank in value.
But, despite that, us collectors can still look back to the decade and reminisce about some of sports’ greatest names, and some of the best and most iconic sports cards that have ever been released.
I’ve listed the 10 most iconic rookie cards from the 80s, below.
It’s crazy to think that owning all 10 of these cards, in a PSA 10 grade, would set you back about $1 million!
10 Iconic Rookies From The 1980s
10. 1986 Topps Steve Young #374
PSA 10 Average Price: $20k-$25k
While it’s a bit strange seeing Steve Young in a Bucs uniform, his rookie card from 1986 is one of the most popular and top-selling football cards of the 1980s.
It took a while for Young to become a hobby favorite, but his rookie holds high standing, among football cards of the ‘80s, today.
9. 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Bo Jackson #50T
PSA 10 Average Price: $5k-$6k
The 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Bo Jackson rookie is a recognizable card, which captures the dual-sport phenom during his baseball days.
The Tiffany version adds a bit of scarcity, relative to its era, and value to the almost identical regular version.
8. 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany Barry Bonds #11T
PSA 10 Average Price: $5k-$6k
Love him or hate him, Barry Bonds’ 1986 Topps Traded Tiffany rookie is among the top baseball cards of the 1980s.
It’s the closest thing you’ll get to scarcity for a Barry Bonds rookie, as it comes from a ‘limited’ edition release – That helps it stand above Bonds’ other rookie cards.
7. 1985 O-Pee-Chee Mario Lemieux #9
PSA 10 Average Price: $40k-$45k
Mario Lemieux left a lasting legacy as one of the NHL’s greatest ever, and his O-Pee-Chee rookie card is one of the hobby’s hockey gems.
It’s one of the most valuable sports cards of the 1980s; The Canadian O-Pee-Chee version is almost identical to the Topps version, but rarer and more expensive.
6. 1986 Topps Jerry Rice #161
PSA 10 Average Price: $75k-$80k
Jerry Rice’s oldest and most valuable card is his only official rookie; It’s the 1986 Topps card, which features the distinguishable design that makes it hard to miss.
He’s a player that redefined the wide receiver position and his rookie card remains one of the most notable football cards of his era.
5. 1981 Topps Football Joe Montana #216
PSA 10 Average Price: $40k-$45k
The sole rookie card of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana is his most valuable NFL card, and one of the most coveted rookie cards of its era.
It’s as smooth as Joe Cool’s clutch performances in big games.
4. 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson #482
PSA 10 Average Price: $95k-$100k
Rickey Henderson’s 1980 Topps rookie card is a beauty, and a legendary card among baseball collectors.
He’s a player who broke many records throughout his career, and his rookie is still treasured today as one of the recognizable cards in the hobby, not just from the ‘80s.
3. 1980 Topps Scoring Leader Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson
PSA 10 Average Price: $400k-$500k
This one is unique: Two Hall of Fame NBA players sharing the same rookie card, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson; Another HoF inductee, Julius Erving, features as well – It’s a hoop lover’s dream.
It’s not only one of the most valuable sports cards from the 1980s, but it’s also no doubt one of the most popular and iconic.
2. 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. #1
PSA 10 Average Price: $2k-$2.5k
The Kid’s rookie card is a home run in the collecting world. Ken Griffey Jr. brought a new wave of excitement to baseball with his electrifying play and iconic swing, and this legendary rookie is one of the most graded cards of all time.
Although it’s a victim of the Junk Wax Era’s huge production runs, there’s no doubt about the card’s high standing in the hobby.
1. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan #57
PSA 10 Average Price: $150k-$200k
It’ll probably come as a surprise to no one to see the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan card at number 1.
It isn’t just one of the most valuable cards from its decade, for me, the instantly recognizable card is the crown jewel of ‘80s sports cards and one of the most iconic sports cards ever released.
Average prices based on PSA’s previous public sales data.
