1986 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series
The 1986 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series is a set of cards that was released by Topps in the fall of 1986. This set was an update to the regular 1986 Topps Baseball set, featuring players who were traded during the season. The Traded Series was a popular addition to the Topps lineup, and collectors still seek out these cards today. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at the 1986 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series.
Overview of the Set
The Traded Series includes 132 cards, each with a full-color photo of the player on the front, and their stats and information on the back. The cards are numbered in alphabetical order by team, with the American League first, followed by the National League. The set includes many notable players who were traded during the 1986 season, such as Ozzie Smith, Keith Hernandez, and Fred McGriff.
One of the standout features of the set is the design of the cards. The Traded Series cards have a distinct border that is different from the regular Topps Baseball set, with a blue and white diagonal stripe pattern that runs across the top and bottom of the card. The player's name and position are displayed in a bold blue font at the bottom of the card, and the team name is in smaller print next to it.
Notable Cards in the Set
As we mentioned earlier, the Traded Series includes many notable players who were traded during the 1986 season. Here are a few of the key cards to look out for:
Ozzie Smith
Ozzie Smith's card is one of the most sought-after in the Traded Series. Smith was traded from the San Diego Padres to the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason prior to the 1986 season, and he immediately became a fan favorite in St. Louis. His Traded Series card features a photo of him in his Cardinals uniform, with the iconic Gateway Arch in the background.
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez was traded from the New York Mets to the Cleveland Indians in the middle of the 1986 season. His Traded Series card features a photo of him in his Indians uniform, with the Cleveland skyline in the background.
Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff was traded from the New York Yankees to the Toronto Blue Jays in the middle of the 1986 season. His Traded Series card features a photo of him in his Blue Jays uniform, with the CN Tower in the background.
Value of the Set
The value of the 1986 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series varies depending on the condition of the cards and the specific players included. Generally speaking, the more popular players like Ozzie Smith will command a higher price than lesser-known players.
According to Beckett, a leading authority on sports card values, the complete set of 132 Traded Series cards in near-mint condition is worth around $150-$200. Individual cards can range in value from a few dollars up to several hundred dollars for extremely rare cards or those in pristine condition.
Conclusion
The 1986 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series is a popular addition to any baseball card collector's set. The set includes many notable players who were traded during the 1986 season, and the distinct design of the cards makes them stand out from other Topps sets. While the value of the set varies depending on the condition of the cards and the players included, it remains a sought-after set among collectors today.