The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set is considered one of the pinnacle releases in the modern era of collectible sports cards. The set marked the first time Fleer used their “Proofs” subset concept and featured only 200 copies of each card printed on high quality card stock. Given the extremely limited print run and iconic rookie cards included, 1987 Fleer Limited Editions have become hugely desirable for collectors in PSA Gem Mint 10 graded holders.
Released in late 1986 as Fleer’s follow up to their hugely popular mainstream 1986 set, the 1987 Limited Editions centered around a “Proofs” concept where select cards were reproduced in proof quality on heavier card stock. Only 200 copies of each proof card were produced, making the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions one of the most scarce modern sets ever created. Included were proof parallels of several star players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg. It was the rookie cards of pitcher Gregg Olson, outfielder Barry Bonds, and shortstop Gary DiSarcina that made this set hugely popular among collectors.
Gregg Olson’s rookie in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions is one of the most coveted cards in the entire set. As the fourth overall pick in the 1988 MLB draft, Olson went on to become a dominant closer, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1989 while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles. His error-free performance and ability to consistently hit triple digits on the radar gun made Olson a fan favorite. With such a legendary career ahead of him, Olson’s rookie proof parallel from the ultra-limited 1987 Fleer release took on immense significance and value among collectors immediately.
Another hugely popular card in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions was the Barry Bonds rookie proof. As one of the greatest players in MLB history, Bonds’ accomplishment are well known – 7 MVP awards, 8 Gold Gloves, 14 All-Star appearances, and 763 career home runs to break the all-time record. Naturally, collectors were incredibly excited when Bonds was included in the 1987 Fleer rookie class given his future superstardom. Much like Olson, Bonds’ proof parallel skyrocketed upwards in demand and price as his legendary status continued to grow over his 22 year MLB career spent mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.
Rounding out the top rookie cards was Gary DiSarcina’s proof. Drafted in the 5th round by the California Angels in 1986, DiSarcina enjoyed a respectable 11 year MLB career mostly as a utility infielder. While not a true superstar, DiSarcina’s legendary status comes more from his extreme rarity in the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions set rather than his on-field performance. With only 200 copies made, DiSarcina proofs are among the most difficult 1987 Fleer cards to acquire in high grade.
Beyond the star rookies, the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions also gave proof parallels to veteran stars still early in their Hall of Fame worthy careers. These included Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox, Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs. Each were multiple time All-Stars and Gold Glove winners by 1987 who would go on to solidify legendary careers and Cooperstown inductions. Their proofs in the ultra-high-end 1987 Fleer release took on immense desirability among collectors aiming to obtain the rarest, highest quality versions of cards featuring these future immortals.
Perhaps the most iconic aspect of the 1987 Fleer Limited Editions revolves around the Gem Mint 10 graded copies pursued by the most avid collectors. As a set with only a tiny print run of 200 copies per card, finding pristine, flawless examples in a PSA 10 holder presents an immense challenge. The rigors of the grading process means far less than 200 of any given 1987 Fleer Limited card can achieve the coveted PSA 10 status. This makes each 1987 Fleer PSA 10 one of the most valuable sports cards in existence thanks to a perfect combination of amazing on-card talent, extreme limited quantities, and verifiable authenticity and preservation provided by professional grading.
Prices for top 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 cards have skyrocketed in recent years as more collectors pursue condition sensitive vintage sets. The Gregg Olson rookie proof in a PSA 10 has been known to eclipse $100,000 at auction. The Barry Bonds rookie proof counterpart has cracked $200,000. Even role players like Gary DiSarcina have reached $30,000 in a PSA 10. As the careers and legacies of included players like Olson, Bonds, Smith, and Boggs continue getting cemented in Cooperstown, prices for 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 gems are all but guaranteed to keep appreciating rapidly. For elite collectors, acquiring even a single 1987 Fleer proof in a PSA 10 has become one of the holy grails of the collecting hobby.
In summation, the 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set stands tall amongst collectors as one of the most desirable vintage sports card releases of all-time. Between the unprecedentedly tiny print run, inclusion of several all-time great rookies, proof parallels of future Hall of Famers, and phenomenal returns on high grade PSA 10 specimens, 1987 Fleer Limited Editions rightfully earn their place in the hobby’s stratosphere of elite rarity, history, and investment. For anyone aiming to build the most legendary vintage collection, acquiring a 1987 Fleer Limited Edition PSA 10 is a must.
