The 1987 Topps baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the 1980s. With 792 total cards in the base set, it was one of the largest releases from Topps during that era. The allure and demand for rookie cards and stars from that time period have kept the 1987 Topps set highly relevant in the hobby ever since. Let’s take a closer look at valuations and pricing trends for some of the top rookie cards and notable veterans from the 1987 checklist.
One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from any set is that of Ken Griffey Jr. from the 1987 Topps issue. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and athleticism in center field made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His rookie card, found in pack #338 of the base set, has only grown in popularity since his retirement. In near-mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell now for $500-800. For a true mint PSA 10 gem, expect to pay $1,500-2,500 depending on the market. The Griffey rookie is truly a benchmark in the hobby and exemplifies how star power and on-field success can drive a card’s longterm value.
While not at the level of Griffey, several other notable rookies from the ’87 Topps set still retain excellent price tags in top condition decades later. Reds 3B Chris Sabo’s rookie, pack #1, hovers around the $150 mark for a PSA 9. The Athletics’ Mark McGwire rookie, found in pack #431, has been elevated since the home run chase days and sells for $250-400. Twins 2B Frank Viola’s rookie in pack #650 commands $100-150. From the back end of the set, Astros P Steve Avery’s star-crossed career prevents his pack #792 RC from exceeding $50 even in mint grade. Still, these represent some of the more affordable star rookie options for collectors trying to check entries off their want lists.
Moving beyond the rookies, the 1987 Topps set saw tremendous multi-sport crossover appeal due to the presence of baseball icons who were also making names for themselves in other sports at the time. Michael Jordan’s memorable baseball card cameo as a White Sox prospect, pack #156, continues climbing beyond the $1,000 mark for a PSA 10. Bo Jackson’s dual-threat Athletics card from pack #673 brings $400-500. Even lesser lights like Deion Sanders in a Yankees uniform on pack #765 pull $100-150 with their contemporary football fame added in. Of course, established legends like Nolan Ryan on pack #138 and Ozzie Smith on pack #560 hold steady values of $50-75 across all grades due to sustained collector interest.
The sheer scope and star power of the 1987 Topps checklist have made it enduring among vintage collectors. With such an extensive selection of rookie cards, electrifying multi-sport heroes, and beloved veterans, it represents one of the most diverse and investable baseball card sets ever produced. Even with 792 total issues to chase, key individual values remain strong due to the special players and moments they commemorate. Whether seeking affordable vintage cards or coveted high-grade gems, 1987 Topps offers viable options at every budget level. Its place as a touchstone release from the industry’s boom period is still felt strongly today in the robust pricing and collecting passion that defines the modern marketplace.
