The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most beloved and iconic releases in the history of the hobby. While not quite as valuable as some of the more iconic vintage sets from the 1950s and 60s, 1987 Topps cards remain popular items that show up for sale online frequently. This massive release featured cards of all major league players and included an amazing 792 total cards in the base set alone. With the large number of cards printed and popularity of the players and teams from that era, 1987 Topps is an affordable vintage set that is still obtainable for casual and serious collectors alike.
Some of the most notable aspects of the 1987 Topps design featured team nameplates across the bottom of each card along with Topps’ familiar yellow banners on the top stating the player name, position, and other vital stats. The photography and design were sleek and modern for the 1980s while still retaining the classic cardboard feel that made the larger size Topps cards such iconic collectibles. Roster updates and late season call-ups were included in the base set as well with checklist cards to accompany them. The back of each card contained the standard player biography and career stats layout pioneered by Topps since the early 1950s that provided key information to fans and collectors.
The level of star power and talent featured in the 1987 Topps release is what makes it such an appealing set to this day. Legends like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Mike Schmidt, and Tony Gwynn were all in their primes and featured prominently. Meanwhile, superstars of the next generation like Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds had their rookie cards included which still excite collectors today. Even big boppers like Darryl Strawberry and sluggers like Pedro Guerrero who would go on to have productive MLB careers added to the appeal. The breadth of talent across all teams at that moment in baseball history is well represented.
When it comes to the most valuable 1987 Topps cards to look out for when purchasing singles or sets for sale, the obvious choices start with the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. Ken Griffey Jr.’s stellar rookie which features him with the Mariners hat logo on the front in mid-swing consistently ranks among the most desirable in the set. The other major attraction is Barry Bonds’ rookie card showing him as a lean outfielder just starting his storied career with the Pirates. In high grades, these two especially can demand thousands of dollars or more for single copies. Other notable rookie cards like Mark McGwire with the A’s and Wally Joyner with the Angels also hold value.
Beyond the rookies, key stars on contending teams have always been popular among 1987 Topps collectors. Wade Boggs’ card while with the World Champion Red Sox is an iconic image from that season. Any Hall of Fame star cards like Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, and Tony Gwynn in top condition will also command healthy prices. Error cards are another area of high demand, especially ones showing corrected text. One of the scarcest is Mike Schmidt’s card with his last name misspelled as “Schidmt” which has sold for over $1000 in the past. Another famous error is Ozzie Smith’s card featuring him as a “shortstop” rather than his actual position of “shortstop.”
The 1987 Topps set is very accessible for collectors at all levels and income brackets. Outside of the absolute star rookie cards in pristine condition, complete common base sets in average worn condition can typically be found for $50-$100. Individual current star cards might run $1-5 each. Sets graded and encapsulated by PSA or BGS in high Mint or Gem grades can still be had for a few hundred dollars as well compared to some other more elusive vintage years. Those looking to put together a team collection on a budget will find many affordable options from this release. As the hobby has boomed in recent years, 1987 Topps has also seen appreciating values overall.
The popularity of the 1980s baseball card era combined with the legendary players and timing of their careers captured have made 1987 Topps a guaranteed long-term blueprint set. Even unopened wax boxes can be obtained for collectors looking for a vintage opening day experience. With so many cards printed and distributed worldwide, there remains a large supply of this release hitting the market through individual seller sites like eBay, COMC, and online card shops. Demand stays high for key singles, but values remain reasonable enough that completion of common base sets and targeted team/player collections is reasonable as well. The combination of nostalgia, talent, and availability help ensure the 1987 Topps baseball card set as a whole stays a staple for casual collectors, investors, and experts alike for decades to come.
