The 1987 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic sets in the history of the hobby. It featured stars like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Mark McGwire during their early MLB careers. While most cards from the ’87 Topps set hold nominal value today, some have skyrocketed in price due to their significance and the players featured. Here are the 10 most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC (Card #249) – Griffey’s rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1987 Topps set and one of the most iconic rookie cards ever printed. Even in low grade, the card routinely sells for well over $1,000. High-grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000, making it the most valuable card from the set by a wide margin. Griffey was one of the best players of his generation and his rookie card is a must-have for any serious baseball card collector.

Barry Bonds RC (Card #248) – Bonds went on to become one of the greatest home run hitters of all time, but this card commemorates his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Even though his career took off after moving to San Francisco, his Topps rookie card from 1987 is highly sought after. PSA 10 copies can sell for over $4,000 due to his historic playing career and the card’s significance as his first MLB appearance on a trading card.

Frank Thomas RC (Card #200) – “The Big Hurt” had one of the best and most durable careers of any hitter from the 1990s. His rookie card holds value as it captures the beginnings of a Hall of Fame tenure. High-grade PSA 10 versions still fetch over $1,500. Like Griffey and Bonds, the card’s rarity and importance as Thomas’ first Topps issue makes it a must-have. Finding one in pristine condition is highly sought after among collectors.

Mark McGwire (Card #250) – McGwire’s rookie card carries additional significance as he went on to break the single-season home run record. While character issues have diminished his legacy a bit, his 1987 Topps issue remains among the most in-demand rookie cards from the set. PSA 10 copies sell in the $800-1200 range depending on market conditions. An investment-grade example in mint condition retains strong long term value.

Greg Maddux (Card #216) – Maddux enjoyed one of the best pitching careers in MLB history and his rookie card is well-regarded. Widely considered the top pitcher of the 1990s, PSA 10 copies have sold for $750-1000 given his Hall of Fame induction and accomplishments. His dominance on the mound adds to this card’s appeal for collectors.

Tom Glavine RC (Card #254) – Glavine was a mainstay at the front of Atlanta’s rotation for over a decade and became a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His rookie card gained attention after his 300th career victory. In high grade, examples can sell for $400-600 based on his successful career and being the first Topps issue highlighting his MLB player debut.

Dave Justice (Card #233) – Justice had a long, productive career playing for Atlanta and Cleveland during the late 1980s through early 2000s. As an All-Star power hitter on dominant Braves’ clubs, his rookie card carries nostalgia from those championship seasons. Higher graded PSA 10 copies have topped $425 due to his championship pedigree and prominence on competitive teams.

Jeff Bagwell RC (Card #564) – Bagwell went on to have a Cooperstown career based on his offense as a premier first baseman in Houston. His rookie card is extremely scarce with only PSA 9’s known. Those high graded copies have sold above $350 levels. Scarcity and his induction into the Hall of Fame add value to his inaugural Topps issue.

Craig Biggio RC (Card #429) – Biggio broke into the majors with Houston in 1988 and enjoyed a decorated career primarily with the Astros. He collected 3,000 hits and was a multi-positional standout. PSA 10 examples have cracked the $300 mark. His longevity, prolific stats and Houston tenure give his first Topps card sustained demand.

Tim Belcher RC (Card #556) – While Belcher didn’t achieve superstardom, he had a long, steady MLB career primarily with the Dodgers and Reds that lasted over a decade. His rookie card holds attainable value compared to the other RCs on this list, with PSA 9’s selling around $175. Belcher’s serviceable career does provide collectors a more affordable, high-quality option from the 1987 set.

While flagship 1987 cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Bonds, Maddux and others are highly coveted, there remains niche demand for respected veterans like Justice and rookie prospects who panned out like Biggio. The combination of star power, significance as a player’s first cardboard appearance, and the 1987 Topps set’s nostalgic design continues to make select issues highly valuable modern collecting gems over 30 years later. With mint condition examples hard to find, prices should remain strong long term for true high-grade elite cards of significant players featured in this legendary release.