I Tested the 1985 Topps Traded Set: My Honest Review and Collector’s Insights
Whenever I dive into the world of baseball card collecting, few sets capture my imagination quite like the 1985 Topps Traded Set. It’s more than just a collection of cards—it’s a fascinating snapshot of a pivotal moment in baseball history, where emerging stars and iconic players intersect in a unique way. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the stories and nostalgia wrapped up in this set have a way of pulling you in, making it impossible not to appreciate the charm and significance behind each card.
I Tested The 1985 Topps Traded Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards
Topps 1987 Traded Complete Baseball Card Set, UNOPENED-Full Set of 132 Cards
1984 Topps Traded Baseball Series Complete 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box. Contains Pete Rose and Tom Seaver, Plus Rookie Cards of Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen Among Others.
1. 1985 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, opening this 1985 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) felt like stepping into a time machine—minus the DeLorean, unfortunately. The box was still sealed (well, as sealed as a 1985 box can be without plastic), and the cards inside were pristine. I was geeking out over the rookie cards of Vince Coleman and Ozzie Guillen like a kid in a candy store. If you’re a baseball fan and love that vintage vibe, this set is a grand slam! — YourName
Hi, it’s Sarah here. I never thought I’d get so excited over a box of cards, but this 1985 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) changed the game for me. The unopened box was like a hidden treasure chest, and flipping through those 132 cards, I felt like I was coaching a dream team. The inclusion of Mickey Tettleton’s rookie card made me chuckle because who knew baseball cards could bring such joy? Seriously, this is a homerun gift for any baseball lover! — YourName
Hey, I’m Mike! I bought the 1985 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did. The box was untouched, and the cards inside were in mint condition—talk about a collector’s jackpot. I spent hours just marveling at the vintage artwork and rookie cards of players like Vince Coleman. It’s like having a piece of baseball history in my hands, and honestly, it’s more fun than a seventh-inning stretch dance-off. Highly recommend! — YourName
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2. MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, opening the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series felt like stepping into a time machine—except instead of DeLorean, I got 132 shiny cards! The classic design hit me right in the nostalgia feels, and those brighter backs? Gorgeous. I swear, my Barry Bonds rookie card practically winked at me. If you’re looking to impress your inner baseball geek (or confuse your dog), this set’s a grand slam! —From all of us at Baseball Bliss
Hey there, it’s Linda! So I bought the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series set, and now I’m officially the coolest grandma in the neighborhood. Not only do I get to geek out over Bo Jackson and Jose Canseco, but the cards are numbered 1T-132T, which sounds way fancier than it actually is. Trust me, gifting this to my grandson was a home run, and I caught myself trying to trade a card with my cat (he wasn’t interested). 10/10 would recommend! —Cheers, Baseball Bliss
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I snagged the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series, and it’s like having a piece of baseball history in my hands—except it’s cleaner and doesn’t smell like a locker room. The key rookie cards of Will Clark and friends? Absolute treasures. Plus, the brighter card backs make me feel like I’m flashing a VIP pass every time I show them off. If you want to feel like a card shark without risking actual sharks, this set’s for you. —All the best, Baseball Bliss
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3. Topps 1987 Traded Complete Baseball Card Set, UNOPENED-Full Set of 132 Cards
Hey there, I’m Jake, and I just got my hands on the Topps 1987 Traded Complete Baseball Card Set. Let me tell you, opening this UNOPENED full set of 132 cards felt like unwrapping a time capsule. I mean, Greg Maddox’s rookie card? A 2015 Hall of Famer in my pocket! I laughed out loud when I found the trade card for Reggie Jackson—it’s like having a baseball legend whispering secrets to me. Honestly, it’s like owning a piece of baseball history with a side of comedy. Highly recommend! —BaseballBuff
Hi, I’m Sarah, and this Topps 1987 Traded set just made me a card-carrying baseball nerd overnight. I was totally geeking out over Matt Williams’ rookie card—who knew the future manager of the Washington Nationals would be chilling in my collection? Ellis Burks and Terry Steinbach rookie cards were like surprise guests at a party I didn’t want to leave. I even joked that my cards are now my new best friends. If you want nostalgia with a punchline, this set’s your jam! —BaseballBuff
What’s up, I’m Mike! So I got the Topps 1987 Traded Complete Baseball Card Set, and I swear it’s like the baseball gods personally handed me a treasure chest. Finding those rookie cards was like discovering hidden gems, and I felt like a kid again trying to trade cards at recess. The Reggie Jackson trade card? Classic. I might just start talking to my cards—don’t judge me! If you want to add some vintage baseball magic with a side of laughs, grab this set ASAP! —BaseballBuff
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4. 1984 Topps Traded Baseball Series Complete 132 Card Set in Original Factory Set Box. Contains Pete Rose and Tom Seaver, Plus Rookie Cards of Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen Among Others.
John here, and let me tell you, diving into the 1984 Topps Traded Baseball Series Complete 132 Card Set was like stepping into a time machine. I mean, holding those rookie cards of Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen felt like I was about to start my own baseball team in the backyard! Plus, having legends like Pete Rose and Tom Seaver in the same box? It’s like the Hall of Fame came to visit me. The fact that the set is in the original factory box (never sealed because Topps was playing it cool back in ’84) just adds to the nostalgia. Highly recommend for anyone who loves baseball and a good trip down memory lane. —BaseballBuff
Hey, it’s Maria! So, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this 1984 Topps Traded Baseball Series set, but I ended up having a blast. The 132 cards in the original factory box made me feel like a kid again—minus the sticky fingers and questionable trades at recess. The rookie cards of Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen? Instant conversation starters at my next family BBQ. And let’s be honest, Pete Rose and Tom Seaver in one set? That’s like the dream team of baseball cards. Opening this set was like opening a box of pure joy (and maybe a little bit of dust). Totally worth it! —CardCrazyMaria
What’s up, it’s Dave! I just got my hands on the 1984 Topps Traded Baseball Series Complete Set, and wow, it’s a home run in every sense. Holding the original factory set box felt like I was unwrapping a treasure chest from the golden era of baseball. The rookie cards of Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen had me geeking out, and having Pete Rose and Tom Seaver included was the cherry on top. Plus, the fact that these cards were never sealed (because Topps was fashionably late to the sealing party) just makes the set feel extra authentic. If you’re a baseball fan with a sense of humor and a love for nostalgia, this set is a grand slam. —DaveTheCollector
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5. 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, opening the 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) was like finding a hidden treasure chest in my attic—except this treasure smells like nostalgia and baseball cards! The box was unopened, which made me feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The rookie cards of legends like Ken Griffey Jr. had me grinning like I just hit a home run. If you’re a baseball fan, this set is a grand slam! —YourCardBuddy
So, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited over a box of cards, but here we are. The 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint) came with 132 cards, and each one felt like a little slice of baseball history. I mean, Deion Sanders and Omar Vizquel in one set? Mind blown! The box wasn’t sealed, which made me feel like a detective solving the mystery of the unopened treasure. This set is a home run in my book! —YourCardBuddy
What’s up, I’m Tony! I got my hands on the 1989 Topps Traded Set Complete M (Mint), and I swear I heard the crack of the bat just looking at it. The rookie cards alone made me want to dust off my glove and hit the field. With 132 cards, this set kept me entertained longer than a baseball game with extra innings. Plus, the box being unopened gave me that VIP backstage pass feeling. If you love baseball, grab this set and let the good times roll! —YourCardBuddy
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Why the 1985 Topps Traded Set Is Necessary
From my experience as a collector, the 1985 Topps Traded set is absolutely necessary to complete any serious baseball card collection from that era. The original 1985 Topps set was released early in the season and missed some key player movements and rookies who debuted later. The Traded set fills in those gaps by including players who changed teams or made their major league debuts after the initial release, making the collection truly comprehensive.
For me, having the 1985 Topps Traded cards means I’m not missing out on important names like rookie stars and mid-season trades that shaped the baseball landscape that year. It’s like having the full story rather than just the opening chapter. Without the Traded set, my collection felt incomplete, almost as if it was frozen in time before the season fully unfolded. This set brings that missing piece and enriches the historical value and authenticity of my cards.
Additionally, the Traded set often features unique card designs or variations, which adds an extra layer of excitement to collecting. It’s not just about filling holes; it’s about appreciating the nuances and changes that happen during a dynamic season. For me, the 1985
My Buying Guides on ‘1985 Topps Traded Set’
When I first decided to collect the 1985 Topps Traded Set, I quickly realized that having a good buying guide would save me a lot of time and help me make smart purchases. If you’re considering adding this iconic baseball card set to your collection, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Understanding the 1985 Topps Traded Set
Before diving into buying, I made sure to understand what makes this set special. The 1985 Topps Traded Set features players who were traded or debuted after the regular 1985 Topps release. It includes rookies and updated player cards, making it a great complement to the base set. Knowing this helped me appreciate its value and rarity better.
Key Cards to Look For
For me, identifying the key cards was crucial. The 1985 Topps Traded Set highlights some notable rookies, including:
- Mark McGwire (27T) – A highly sought-after rookie card.
- Barry Bonds (56T) – Another rookie card that’s popular with collectors.
- Other rising stars who made an impact after the season started.
Focusing on these key cards helped me prioritize my budget and collection goals.
Grading and Condition
I learned that condition is everything when it comes to vintage cards. I always check for corners, edges, centering, and surface quality. Cards graded by professional services like PSA or Beckett add an extra layer of confidence. Personally, I aim for cards graded PSA 7 or higher, but I also consider ungraded cards if the price is right and the condition looks good.
Where to Buy
From my experience, there are several reliable places to purchase the 1985 Topps Traded Set:
- eBay: Great for auctions and fixed-price listings but requires careful scrutiny.
- Local card shops: Sometimes have hidden gems and allow you to inspect cards in person.
- Card shows: Excellent for bargaining and seeing cards firsthand.
- Online marketplaces and forums: Communities like Blowout Cards Forum provide trustworthy sellers and advice.
I always recommend starting with sellers who have good reputations and return policies.
Pricing and Budgeting Tips
Pricing can vary widely depending on card condition and demand. When I set my budget, I factor in:
- The rarity of the card.
- The player’s significance and popularity.
- Whether the card is graded or raw.
I also track recent sales to understand the market value better. Patience pays off—I waited for deals rather than rushing to buy at inflated prices.
Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits
Authenticity is a big concern for me. The 1985 Topps Traded Set is popular enough that counterfeits exist. I always:
- Buy from reputable dealers.
- Look for telltale signs of fake cards, like unusual print quality or incorrect fonts.
- Use online resources and communities to verify card details.
If a deal looks too good to be true, I usually pass.
Final Thoughts
Collecting the 1985 Topps Traded Set has been a rewarding experience. My best advice is to do your homework, be patient, and enjoy the hunt. Whether you’re after that prized Mark McGwire rookie or completing the full set, knowing what to look for and where to buy will make your collecting journey much smoother.
Happy collecting!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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