The 1987 Fleer baseball card set has long been one of the iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby. The set brings back nostalgia for many born in the 1970s and 80s who collected cards as kids when these were released. Now, as adults, it can be fun to revisit the memories of chasing this 660-card rainbow and appreciate the investment potential of holding a complete set in pristine condition some 35 years later.
While there were larger sets in the 1980s, such as Topps’ issues that neared 700 cards most years, the 1987 Fleer set stands out for featuring some true icons of the era in impressive photographic style on the cardboard. Roster highlights include Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemen, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and more all-time greats of their generation. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers such as Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine are present and can add big value depending on grade.
A complete 1987 Fleer baseball set in mint condition could reasonably be expected to fetch $4,000-6,000 today if cross-shopped on the major auction houses or marketplaces. There are a few key factors driving this valuation:
Scarceness – While popular as a kid-friendly set in the 1980s, the production numbers on 1987 Fleer cards were not exceedingly high compared to brands like Topps. Combined with 35 years of cards leaving circulation through losses, damages, or youth collections broken up over time, fully intact sets have grown relatively scarce.
Condition sensitivity – Like most ‘80s-era issues, the cardboard and printing quality of 1987 Fleer meant these cards were very susceptible to even light wear and grime over decades. To achieve top prices, a set needs top-tier centering, corners, edges and surfaces on virtually every card. A single slightly off-center card could cut hundreds off an offer.
Key rookies and stars – Huge demand exists today for the star rookie cards mentioned earlier in mint or graded condition to cross-collect or invest. Their presence adds value to a complete rainbow collection versus selling individually. Heritage of sport memorabilia also drives collectors.
Inflation – $4,000 in circulation in 1987 has less purchasing power than the same figure today. Collectibles broadly have gained as higher-income generations look for alternative stores of wealth. Sports art and assets adjusted for this over the long run.
Comparable sales – When properly shopped against recent sales of other approximately graded 1987 Fleer sets, an asking price in the $4-6k range proves supportable. Sets below this valuation typically show more wear, flaws or lack true completeness.
Of course, not all 1987 Fleer complete sets will meet the stringent condition standards required to command these top prices. Most examples retained in attics and basements over the decades have endured far too much stress and wear. But for collectors who have maintained superb care of their childhood collections or investors who have located pristine preserved sets, there is an opportunity for strong returns versus original purchase cost as vintage sports card markets evolve.
Aside from grading highly to verify condition, there are some tips collectors can consider to maximize a 1987 Fleer set’s value:
Consider submitting cards of the top rookie cards like Maddux, Glavine, Larkin to professional grading services like PSA or BGS if they grade out as gems. Doing so can multiply their individual values exponentially versus raw cards.
Carefully confirm the set contains all documented variations and parallels from 1987 Fleer beyond the base 660-card checklist. Small print runs of special inserts in the late ‘80s are very valuable today slabbed or preserved raw.
Consider breaking out star cards like Don Mattingly and Wade Boggs for cross-shopping both as singles and as part of the complete set. Condition and demand differs at those rarified levels.
Presentation matters when attempting to sell a full set. Store cards safely in premium custom binder pages like one-touches inside a custom portfolio or display case to convey the investment quality upfront.
So while throwing away one’s youthful baseball card collections in the ‘80s and ‘90s was a common occurrence, those who held onto pristine 1987 Fleer sets now have the opportunity to realize strong returns. As mid-1980s issues grow even rarer and more nostalgically desirable to new generations of collectors, valuations should continue trending upwards over time for truly elite preserved copies. With care and consideration of all the factors noted here, this iconic set holds great potential as a long-term vintage memorabilia investment.
