The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it does not contain rookie cards of future all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, or Tom Glavine, there are still several key cards that can bring in big money for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards that can really boost the value of any collection.
One of the true gems of the 1987 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still regarded as one of the most talented outfielders to ever play the game. His smooth swing and effortless style in center field made him a fan favorite for many years. The Griffey rookie is widely considered the key card from the 1987 Topps set. In near-mint to mint condition, examples can sell for over $1,000. Well-centered copies in gem mint 10 grade have been known to fetch upwards of $3,000.
Another huge name and highly sought-after rookie is the 1987 Barry Larkin issue. Larkin was a terrific all-around shortstop who won an MVP award in 1995 with the Cincinnati Reds. He combined solid hitting ability with elite defense and base running skills. The Larkin rookie is very scarce in high grades due to print issues. A pristine Near Mint-Mint 8 copy in a third-party holder could sell for around $500-$600. A BGS or PSA 10 gem is truly a trophy card worth $1,000 or more for serious Larkin PC collectors.
Staying on the theme of future Hall of Famers, the Nolan Ryan card from the 1987 Topps set is also extremely valuable. Ryan was already a legend by this point in his career but hadn’t yet notched career win number 300. He would continue intimidating batters with his blazing fastball well into his 40s. High grade Ryan rookies from his early 1966 Topps days are out of reach financially for most. His 1987 issue offers collectors a very affordable alternative. Examples in NM-MT 8 condition can be found for $100-150.
One of the more interesting rookie cards to track down from 1987 Topps is that of Mark McGwire. By the late 1980s, McGwire was already showing signs of the incredible raw power that would make him a multi-time home run champion. His rookie has taken on added significance in light of the steroid era. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies in modern slabs are very scarce and can demand over $1,000 given McGwire’s infamous legacy in the sport’s record books. Even lower graded examples still trade hands for a couple hundred bucks.
Switching gears to pitching staff aces, the Fernando Valenzuela card is a standout from the 1987 checklist. “Fernandomania” had taken Los Angeles by storm earlier in the decade and he was cementing his status as one of baseball’s most dominating hurlers. High grades of his 1987 issue don’t come around too often. Near-mint to mint 8s in a third-party holder have sold for $250. Anything obtaining that elusive pristine BGS/PSA 10 black label pops up even more rarely and would bring an absolute premium for serious Fernando collectors.
Last but not least, the set is also made much more collectible and valuable thanks to the inclusion of veteran superstars still producing at an all-time caliber. One such card is that of Wade Boggs with the Boston Red Sox. The “Hitting Machine” was a five-time batting champ and would go on to amass over 3,000 hits for his career. His 1987 issue doesn’t have the true “investment” potential of the rookies mentioned, but it’s still a widely popular card amongst Red Sox and Boggs PC collectors. Clean examples can still pull in $75-$100 even today.
While the 1987 Topps baseball set may lack some huge modern stars in their rookie seasons, it still holds great nostalgia and investment upside thanks to gems like the Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, Nolan Ryan and Fernando Valenzuela issues. For completionists, iconic veterans like Wade Boggs also add collecting pop. With a combination of these key cards and prudent grading, a 1987 Topps baseball collection can truly gain tremendous long-term value. It represents a classic 1980s release that any serious vintage or team set builder would welcome into their portfolios.
