The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was released at the height of the 1980s baseball card boom. These cards featured players from the American and National Leagues and had impressive photography and designs that appealed greatly to collectors at the time. While nowhere near as valuable as early cardboard from the 50s and 60s, 1987 O-Pee-Chee does retain solid nostalgic value for those who enjoyed the cards as kids over 30 years ago.
The set totaled 324 cards and had a large focus on star players who were excelling in the 1987 MLB season. This included Future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Mike Schmidt as well as up and coming young talents like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco who would help usher in baseball’s renaissance in the late 80s and 90s. The cards utilized glossy photo stock and vibrant colors that made the images really pop compared to more basic designs from previous decades.
In terms of rarity and condition factors, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set is considered fairly common in the world of vintage baseball cards. Production numbers were high during the boom and many of the cards survived in circulation for years after without much care or protection. As a result, well-centered, clean copies in Near Mint or better condition of even star players can generally be acquired for $1-5 each. Raw ungraded common player cards in worn Fair-Good condition often sell in lots for just pennies apiece.
There are a handful of standout rookie and star cards that have more meaningful value today however. The main headliners include Ken Griffey Jr.’s exciting rookie card, Mark McGwire’s powerful debut, and Don Mattingly’s amazing run production in 1987 that makes his card more sought after. In pristine Near Mint-Mint condition, Griffey PSA/BGS 9s have recently sold for $80-125. McGwire 9s bring $30-50 and a Mattingly gem can fetch $15-25. But even these premium cards require top grades to command four-figure prices like their ’90s counterparts.
Outside of a select few true star rookie debuts, grading and condition are absolutely crucial to retain any real value with 1987 Topps/O-Pee-Chee. Even heavily centered and clean copies of popular players need at least a BGS/PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5 grade to be worthwhile to most collectors beyond a few dollars. Anything in the 7 range or lower is generally only of interest to true set builders looking to check off boxes cheaply. For common veterans and depth players, even mint condition is still only worth around a buck or two.
For the average collector, sealed unopened 1987 O-Pee-Chee packs, boxes and factory sets offer some of the best long term potential value propositions still available at a reasonable price point. A complete 324 card factory set in mint sealed condition has been selling in the $100-150 range in recent years. And unopened rack packs and wax boxes hold 10-15 cards each and can often be found online for under $20 still sealed with their mystery and nostalgia intact. Over decades, as the supply shrinks, prices should gradually appreciate for pristine sealed 1987 cardboard.
The 1980s boom produced glut after glut of mass produced cards that today have minimal value outside of true gems. But the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set still holds its nostalgic allure for baseball fans who remember ripping packs as kids. While extremely high grade star rookies or Hall of Famers may command four figures, most examples are findable for cheap. Pristine sealed product holds the best long term potential and affordable enjoyment for those seeking a fun piece of 80s collectibles history without breaking the bank in the process. Overall the 1987 O-Pee-Chee cards remain an iconic but very attainable vintage baseball collectible.
