The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the iconic and coveted releases from the late 1980s. With lively designs, vibrant photography, and highlighting stars from that era, the 1987 Donruss set remains a fan favorite today among collectors. Let’s take a closer look at the various cards, key rookies, grading factors, and estimated values based on the latest price guides.
The base set for 1987 Donruss totals 792 cards spanning all 26 Major League teams at the time. Some notable stars featured include Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman, and Kirby Puckett. The design theme is very flashy with colorful borders, team logos, and action shots of the players. On the front is the player photo along with their name and team written in a bold font. On the back is the standard career stats and biography section common in cards from that era.
Condition is extremely important when determining the value of any older issued card. For 1987 Donruss, the most sharply cut and centered cards that also maintain bright colors with no creases, bends, or edge wear will demand the highest prices. Anything graded Gem Mint 10 by professional companies like PSA or BGS can sometimes fetch over $100 for certain stars. Most common players in top- graded condition may sell in the $5-10 range. For raw, uncirted cards still in near mint state, expect $1-3 each on average.
Some key rookie cards from the 1987 Donruss set that drew much attention include Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire. Maddux’s famously low card number at #498 has made his one of the most iconic in the hobby. A PSA 10 grade would value around $1,500-2,000 today, while a high-grade raw copy may reach $100-200. Glavine at #661 and McGwire at #490 are also highly sought by collectors, with PSA 10’s of each around $300-500. Even in very nice near mint to mint condition, these rookie gems still demand $50-100 each.
A couple insert sets were also included with the base 1987 Donruss issue. The “Glossy Sendbacks” promotion included 33 short printed parallel puzzle backs to complete. Values range widely based on the particular player, from $3-10 for most common to $50-100 for stars. The Cup O’ Joe collector’s edition boxes also provided autographed cards of the 1987 Red Sox. In any grade, these autographed inserts reach $50-150 depending on the signed player.
There were also team leader subset cards mixed into factory wax packs that year. Highlighting the top playerstats on each club, stars featured included Wade Boggs for the Red Sox and Ozzie Smith for the Cardinals. As short prints, these parallel cards hold slightly more value than base versions. Even in well-loved condition, expect $3-15 each based on the player featured and specific grade.
When it comes to the truly rare and one-of-a-kind gems from 1987 Donruss, error cards and test issues take the cake. A miscut Mike Schmidt with part of the next card showing fetches well over $500. Test product promo samples of eventual starters like Mark McGwire number drastically less, running $100-250. Then ultra-rare proofs without statistics on the back bring massive sums upwards of $1,000-3,000 for elite talent in pristine condition. Considered the true “holy grails” by collectors.
The 1987 Donruss baseball card set remains a pillar of the vintage era that defined the hobby’s boom. Future Hall of Famers like Maddux and Glavine cemented their early careers with iconic rookie cards. Classic designs coupled with the excitement of the time period enshrined ’87 Donruss at the table of coveted sets from decades past. While common base cards hover around a few dollars or less, grading and short prints boost value significantly. The true gems approach price tags rivaling the rarest modern parallels. Condition is king, so preserving these vintage pieces properly honors their enduring legacy in the cardboard collecting world.
