The 1987 Leaf Baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to its scarce print run and inclusion of major stars from the 1980s. With cards numbering only 198 total, including variations, finding high quality versions of the top rookie and star players from this set can be a challenge. Mint condition copies of the right cards can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to dedicated collectors.
Perhaps the single most valuable card from the 1987 Leaf set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, the Griffey Jr. captured his electrifying talent and superstar potential perfectly in his rookie season. With a photogenic smiling face and smooth left-handed swing depicted on the front, there is no doubt why this card draws such high prices. In near mint to mint condition, a 1987 Griffey Jr. Leaf rookie in a respected independent grading service holder like PSA or Beckett can fetch $10,000 or more. Perfect gem mint 10 versions have been known to sell for over $50,000 at major card shows and auctions.
Another exceptionally valuable 1987 Leaf card is the Frank Thomas rookie. Like Griffey, Thomas’s future Hall of Fame prowess was evident from the get-go in his rookie campaign with the Chicago White Sox. With his towering physique and effortless left-handed power, “The Big Hurt” quickly became a fan favorite on the South Side. High grade Thomas rookies often trade hands for $3,000-$6,000 or more depending on condition. The scarcity and Thomas’s enduring popularity with collectors ensures his 1987 Leaf RC remains a blue chip investment piece over thirty years later.
A third rookie card that consistently fetches big money from collectors is that of Tom Glavine from the 1987 Leaf set. Glavine went on to accomplish virtually every statistical milestone imaginable in his illustrious career, one that saw him rack up 305 wins and two Cy Young awards primarily with the Atlanta Braves. Among the premier left-handed pitchers of his generation, Glavine’s placid on-card demeanor hints at the competitive fire within. Graded mint 9 copies can sell for $2,000 or more, with rare pristine 10’s commanding over $5,000 on the open market.
In addition to coveted rookie cards, the 1987 Leaf set contains several other highly valuable star cards due to the players’ legendary careers and the rarity of finding high grade copies today. Perhaps the most iconic of these is the Ozzie Smith card, featuring “The Wizard” in his trademark backbend pose, giving collectors a glimpse of his otherworldly defensive skills at shortstop. High grade Ozzie Smiths consistently put up big auction prices, with a PSA 9 recently selling for over $1,200. Another defensive maestro, Kirby Puckett, delivers a powerful swing on his 1987 Leaf card that exemplifies his winning approach at the plate as well. Pristine Puckett gems have crossed the $2,500 mark.
Pitching greats also fetch top dollar from collectors. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, still in his prime with the Houston Astros at age 40, mows down hapless batters with his blazing fastball on his iconic 1987 Leaf issue. Top grades of this card often command well over $1,000. Meanwhile, the card of another legendary flamethrower, Roger Clemens, has also gained steady value with collectors. Depicting “Rocket” in mid-windup for the then-World Champion Red Sox, high grade Clemens can elicit auction bids up north of $800.
Beyond the biggest stars, there are also several other key 1987 Leaf cards that hold significant collector value. San Diego Padres fan favorite Tony Gwynn, in the early stages of his hit parade, can approach $500 for pristine copies. Atlanta’s terrific tandem of Ron Gant and David Justice, early in their powerful careers, have also proven to be smart long term collects. Graded examples regularly sell for $150-$300 depending on the player grades. And for Expos fans, there is the flashy Tim Raines card, showing him in the midst of a steal attempt with his electrifying speed, graded gems of which have topped $400 at auction.
While not the largest set around, the 1987 Leaf Baseball issue managed to capture images of some of the most significant players from the late 80s era all in one tidy package. Finding high grade copies of the superstar rookies like Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine as well as the legends like Ryan, Smith, and Puckett make this one of the single most valuable vintage sets around. With its small print run and timeless subjects, the 1987 Leaf cards represent both a worthwhile sports collectible investment and a portal back to a special time in baseball history thirty years ago. With values likely to keep rising for its most desirable pieces, this set remains an exciting one for savvy vintage card traders and investors to consider adding to their collections.
