1985 Donruss

bri2327 · December 12, 2005 12:01PM

Newbie here, long time collector.....starting a 1985 donruss, preferably in psa 10 whenever possible. I was just wondering if anyone out there has any feelings on the set....love/hate.....or anything they may be interested in parting with

ldferg · December 12, 2005 1:01PM

good luck. these are nice with the sharp black borders. i saw some 10s on the bay this weekend. ebay id was coolstufffast or something like that. personally i like the black border sets (85d, 85t ftb, 71t bsb, 86t bsb).

RayBShotz · December 12, 2005 8:41PM

I am working on the 84' D set and would recruit anyone to join the fray there. The 85's and 86' Donruss are also attractive and in triguing with the darker borders. Now I'm scaring myself.

RayBShotz

ArnyVee · December 12, 2005 8:46PM

I'd love to start the '85 and quite possibly the '86 Donruss sets as well. But, with the few sets that I'm already working on, I can't even start to pursue those.

Good luck, those '85 Donruss are killers with those borders! Plus, do you know what a Clemens in PSA 10 is going for?

bri2327 · December 12, 2005 9:16PM

I love all the black borders myself......i picked up all those 10's that coolstuff had over the weekened.......and once upon a time i was up to around 15th place or so on the 71 topps registry.....i think i had roughly 150 psa 8's at the time.....been considering an 85 football, but they are ALOT of $$ for 9's, and especially 10's right now. I think the 85 donruss is one of the best bargains out there in 10's right now....those borders will always keep the pops relatively low........been considering an 84 & 86 donruss as well.

bri2327 · December 12, 2005 9:19PM

And that 85 donruss clemens isnt too bad, it can be had for just over $200 in PSA 10, which to me is a MUCH better bargain than buying a psa 9 84 fleer update........much nicer looking card than the 84 update in my book

ArnyVee · December 12, 2005 10:32PM

Only $200 for an '85 Donruss Clemens in PSA 10? Wow, I haven't seen one go for less than $350 in a long time. That's not terrible, but I see them offered for around $500 or so pretty regularly.

bri2327 · December 12, 2005 10:47PM

I am really surprised at the lack of interest in the registry that 85 donruss has right now.......anyone have any thoughts as to why ? I mean, we all know the 84 donruss is a primo set with alot of interest, but is the 85 set that far below to command that little interest ? Maybe its just my love for the black borders, but the 85 will definately hold up well in the long term, especially with low interest now keeping prices down, and 84's going for so much due to their popularity.

ArnyVee · December 13, 2005 1:27AM

'84s are always going to be popular because it was right at the beginning of the big 80's push of card collecting and when the crazy really took off. That, coupled with the fact that the ever-so-popular Mattingly rookie plus the superb photography and classy design make it a collector's favorite.

Personally, I think that the '85s are right there with them. When I finish a couple of these other sets, I'm looking at my next sets that I might jump on and the ones that I'm thinking about are the following....

'85 Topps Football
'85 Donruss Baseball
'71 Topps Baseball
'67 Topps Baseball

.....that's just a quick list of the main sets that I'm looking to get into. But, there are many others that I am thinking of pursuing as well.

I think that it's smart to start jumping on the '85s now since there aren't a ton of folks going after them right now.

BugOnTheRug · December 13, 2005 1:43AM

Arnie,
You're scaring me. Along with really liking the 85 and 86 donruss offerings, you jot down doing possibly 71's and 67's which happen to be my other 2 all-time favorites. Gee, at this rate, we'll be life-long friends - hey and that's fine with me!

Sounds by the tone of this thread like it's welcome to 'Club Donruss'. When both 84D sets are finished I may just buy a ton of raw 85/86D and do a super raw set of each. Then if the time comes when I feel the itch to grade, there will be top-dog examples to submit from.

Looks like the future is bright for Club Donruss......................

ArnyVee · December 13, 2005 1:55AM

Bill, just keep me posted and maybe we can do the other sets at the same time and help each other out by buying large lots and splittin' them or something. Believe me, in this expensive hobby it's always good to have a lot of friends around to help. Plus, it gives a nice boost to each other to have someone to collect along the way with as you move up the ranks.

I know that because I was both helped and motivated by both Dave and Jami (among many others) with the '72s and until you came along, I really didn't have anyone to share my '84 Donruss enthusiasm with. But now, maybe we can have us and a few others jumping into the many sets that we enjoy.

Keep me posted on which are your next potential conquests and maybe we can get started at the same time or something.

bri2327 · December 13, 2005 4:21AM

I had a real nice 71 going for a while, but needed the $$ at the time......most of the low pop 8's can be had for far less than i had paid for them around 2 yrs ago.

mcastaldi · December 13, 2005 5:18AM

Why not much interest in 85D among the registry? Well, let's see. . .
1) Black borders show a inordinate amount of chipping.
2) The overwhelming method of obtaining these is wax boxes - which are disproportionately priced because of the Clemens RC. I've seen rack, and I'm sure there are probably factory sets, but they're tougher to find. With most of the product sourced through wax, it contributes to problem #1.
3) Size of the set - it's a large set, relatively worthless, but damned tough to find worthy of PSA10s. People often choose to spend their money on something worth more and/or easier to find PSA10-quality stuff.

For those who like the 85D set but have reservations about doing a graded set, why not consider 85 Leaf? Same design as 85D, but the set is only about 250 cards. Same considerations as 85D. Boxes are usually pretty available.

Mike

ArnyVee · December 13, 2005 7:13AM

I'm actually going to start with the Leaf set if I go this route. Lot smaller set and still with both Clemens and Puckett. Made that decision this morning/afternoon while going through the thread here. But, there aren't a lot out there. Plus, the Clemens and Puckett cards go for about 30 to 40% more because it's not so easy to find out there.

RayBShotz · December 13, 2005 7:36AM

C'mon Arny! Tackle the Big Boy. You knoW you can do it!

Forget about them there Canadiens.
RaybShotz

For the record, I have one card PSA graded from this set. 659 to go.

mcastaldi · December 13, 2005 10:07AM

Arny,
If you want to do an 85 Leaf set, let me know.

The Puckett has a pop 3 in PSA 10 - all in the above invoice. The Mattingly DK and Gooden are 1/1 as well

Mike

bri2327 · December 13, 2005 10:22AM

If you are looking to unload any of the leafs let me know, I am definately interested.....real nice lot you have there

ArnyVee · December 13, 2005 10:35AM

Mike, I'm definitely interested in the PSA 9 or better Leafs (w/no qualifiers of course) that anyone has. I've got the Gooden in 9, but if the 10 is 'affordable' I'm interested.

Drop me an e-mail at SCMAuctions@aol.com or send me a PM here on the boards.

mcastaldi · December 13, 2005 11:12AM

There's almost always a box or two of 85 Leaf on ebay, but I have noticed the prices have gone up some. They used to go in the $40-$45 range, but have been higher lately.

Mike

andrewlaw · December 13, 2005 11:33AM

I am currently #1 with 56.67% complete in a 9.18 grade

Mademily's '85 Baseball Black Wonders

I have been chipping away at this set for a few years but this set is a low priority for me...If anyone is interested in taking over my quest feel free to shoot me an email or pm and we can discuss a fair deal...

andrewlawsmith@yahoo.com

qualitycards · December 15, 2005 1:59AM

<< The 85's and 86' Donruss are also attractive and intriguing with the darker borders. >>

RAY - The '84, '85 & '86 complete graded set project would be a Ruthian task, but sounds like alot of fun.
2000 different cards will indeed keep you busy.
I always was a fan of Donruss, and didn't like the news that MLB rejected them for the 2006 season...jay

downgoesfrazier · December 15, 2005 2:49AM

I have roughly 1/4 of the set graded at this point. I believe I have in the neighborhood of 100 10's...all the big boys are in there--ED, Gooden, Rickey, Roger, etc. I make it a habit to submit a handful whenever I piggyback a submission. They're fantastic lookin' cards when they're right. Good luck with it,

dgf

ArnyVee · December 31, 2005 10:24PM

I'm waiting for the 1985 Leaf set to be added so that I can show off a few stars that I've picked up in the last few weeks. I have about a dozen of the star cards and have picked up a couple of raw sets (yet to arrive) to submit those common cards.

I'm trying to limit myself and go for the smaller sets from now on because these big boys are killers!

mcastaldi · December 31, 2005 11:36PM

Arny> The only thing I don't like about the 85 Leaf is that there's no regular card of Mattingly or Ripken. Ripken has a Diamond King and Mattingly has a DK and is on the Two For The Title card, but no regular card.

Have you been finding wax boxes lately?

Mike

ArnyVee · January 1, 2006 12:13AM

I also don't like the fact that there's no regular card of Ripken and Mattingly. Plus, I would've liked a regular card of Sandberg too.

I haven't found any boxes lately. Although, I've only been keeping track of the bigger unopened dealers and not on eBay. Too much wax on eBay is damaged and I don't really trust the seller didn't search the packs. So, I'd rather go with one of the bigger dealers. Have you seen any unopened stuff on eBay lately though?

mcastaldi · January 1, 2006 1:08AM

Arny> There are two boxes on eBay now - at $75!!! Plus, judging by the pictures I'm not inclined to trust that the boxes are in real nice shape and/or haven't been picked through. Oddly enough, I have picked up boxes from Kruk Cards via eBay in the past and have been happy with them. Otherwise, BBCX is still the best for unopened.

Mike

tennesseebanker · January 2, 2006 3:07AM

You guys are really makin me think hard about jumping into the 85 Donruss venture. 85 Donruss is probably my favorite set of the 80's and I have been tempted to e- mail Mad emily and ask him how much he wants for his. I am usually a football collector and I am fairly high in a few registries, However I wanted to start a baseball this year and 85 Donruss looks as good as any. Does anyone have any experience with buying unopened racks of 85's and how well they are centered? or is chipping of the borders the main issue here ? IS centering a problem with this set ? Being a collector of 70's football I am all too familiar with bad centering. You guys may hear from me soon on the 85's I need to do a little investigating on the set first. Hope to see ya soon !

tennesseebanker · January 2, 2006 4:16AM

I also noticed the set hasnt been weigthed yet, anyone wanna help me do that ??

ArnyVee · January 2, 2006 7:31AM

I'm going to show off a few of the '85 Leafs that I've picked up so far!

gregm13 · January 2, 2006 8:13AM

I'm looking for any Bill Buckner cards. Does anyone have any for sale?

Regards,

Greg M.

ArnyVee · January 2, 2006 11:33AM

Greg, on eBay they have an '85 Topps Mini test issue PSA 9 Bill Buckner. I stumbled across it as I was doing some other searches. But, I forgot to get the link. Check it out...I hadn't seen it before.

TheVon · January 2, 2006 1:19PM

I burned all my Buckner cards years ago . . . every year on his birthday I'd gather all the Buckner cards I bought that year and ignite them. It helped a little. But just a little.

zef204 · January 2, 2006 1:23PM

<< And that 85 donruss clemens isnt too bad, it can be had for just over $200 in PSA 10, which to me is a MUCH better bargain than buying a psa 9 84 fleer update........much nicer looking card than the 84 update in my book >>

I don't know about $200. I sold one about 3-4 months ago for $500 and one ended about an hour before mine and went for $525. I would say buy all you can at $200. I busted a 3 rack case and actually pulled 4 clemens and one miraculously got a 10.

Lothar52 · January 2, 2006 1:28PM

<< I burned all my Buckner cards years ago . . . every year on his birthday I'd gather all the Buckner cards I bought that year and ignite them. It helped a little. But just a little. >>

MUUUWHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

gregm13 · January 2, 2006 1:30PM

<< I burned all my Buckner cards years ago . . . every year on his birthday I'd gather all the Buckner cards I bought that year and ignite them. It helped a little. But just a little. >>

Let go my friend...let go....

gregm13 · January 2, 2006 1:31PM

<< Greg, on eBay they have an '85 Topps Mini test issue PSA 9 Bill Buckner. I stumbled across it as I was doing some other searches. But, I forgot to get the link. Check it out...I hadn't seen it before. >>

Thanks Arnie - I just picked one up. Do you have an 85 Leaf Buckner?

Regards,

Greg M>

bri2327 · January 2, 2006 9:40PM

ArnyVee, those are some fine lookin leafs you picked up !

And my earlier post about the Clemens....I meant to say just over $300, not $200...kinda big difference !

ArnyVee · January 2, 2006 9:43PM

Greg, I have an ungraded one. But, I might be sending it in...has a shot at a 9, I think. If I get any others I'll let you know. Do you want a PSA 9 at least?

Bri, thanks for the comments! Luckily, a friend on this very thread was able to let me purchase some of his Leafs! I've got about another half dozen stars in PSA 9 (Carew, Reggie, etc) coming soon. I'll see if I can post those too.

By the way, anyone need a D.Gooden Leaf rookie in PSA 9? If so, drop me a PM.

Wabittwax · January 2, 2006 10:40PM

I think one reason the 85 Donruss and Fleer sets didn't get much respect over the years is because of the inclusion of the McGwire RC in the Topps set. Since about 1987, the Topps product has vastly overshadowed the other two when it comes to which packs to open and which sets to buy. That is a good thing if your looking to make a Donruss or Fleer Set now.

robr1967 · January 2, 2006 11:27PM

I saw this thread and was curious.

What does 85 Donruss unopened material go for?

Back in the hey day when the hobby became a huge business I bought cases of 85 Donruss. I have since sold the wax cases I had years ago, but I still have a rack case.

Just wondering what something like that would go for today with all the grading going on.

tennesseebanker · January 2, 2006 11:29PM

A rack case usually goes for between 500 - 600 bucks.

sandmanfromlv · January 9, 2006 10:27AM

Decided to start this one for the new year...looking at ~2 years I believe and lots of $$$...one of my favorite sets as a kid...

mcastaldi · January 9, 2006 11:21AM

I seem to remember that BBCX currently has an unopened rack case of 85D for like $525.

Mike

ArnyVee · February 12, 2006 10:53PM

Boy, I don't see many of the '85 Donruss/Leaf cards out there. Anyone know of where I can find a few of these things?

I hit a wall after getting about 20 cards for the set.

bri2327 · February 12, 2006 11:08PM

I havnt seen any 85 donruss/ leaf come up in raw, graded, or unopened in a while.....alot tougher than I thought to find.

mikeschmidt · February 12, 2006 11:59PM

<< Boy, I don't see many of the '85 Donruss/Leaf cards out there. Anyone know of where I can find a few of these things?

I hit a wall after getting about 20 cards for the set. >>

I think wax boxes are pretty darn easy to find. But few get these graded, but for the few star cards in the set. The cheapest way to build this set, I think, is to buy wax and submit the nicest examples. There simply isn't that much interest elsewhere besides the Clemens and a few player registry collectors.

~ms

ArnyVee · February 13, 2006 12:09AM

I've picked up a few complete sets out there, but not a lot of submittable cards.

Does anyone know where I can pick up some unopened '85 Leaf product?

mikeschmidt · February 13, 2006 12:30AM

Ebay

ArnyVee · February 13, 2006 12:36AM

I should've been more specific.

Aside from eBay, is there anywhere that I can purchase a few boxes?

Fabfrank · February 13, 2006 1:31AM

Arnyvee- I've cracked tons of 85 Donruss over the years. Best bet for grading is factory sets and rack boxes. Pay the slight premium for racks and you'll get better results. The problem with wax, especially with this issue, is that if it's not from a sealed case the cards tend to be knocked around. You'll find many dinged corners and indentations onthe side of the cards. You'll also find indentations on the side of cards from raks. That's from the pack being "thumbed"
Look for this on racks and if you don't see it, the box should be fine.

mikeschmidt · February 13, 2006 1:34AM

Fabfrank:

I think ArmyVee was specifically looking for 1985 Leaf - which, I believe, only came in wax...

Marc

1985 Donruss

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