The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable vintage issues of all time. This was the 26th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that 1987 MLB season. It is considered by many collectors as the “golden age” of baseball cards thanks to stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemen and Ozzie Smith appearing on the cards.
While graded cards through Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) have become extremely popular and valuable in recent decades, many key 1987 Topps rookies and stars remain ungraded in original mint condition. Finding high quality original copies still in their raw, PSA-ungraded state offers collectors a rare opportunity to potentially acquire valuable vintage cards at lower price points than their certified counterparts.
Of particular interest for collectors hunting 1987 Topps PSA-ungraded cards are rookie or early career issues of hall of fame players like Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. Even in lower pristine grades of PSA 8 or PSA 7 once certified, these rookies can command prices in the thousands. But still in their original unaltered packaging they provide affordable options to add coveted pieces to a collection.
Other top prospects to seek out include Ben McDonald, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Witt and Moises Alou. While they didn’t have the career arcs of some others, their 1987 Topps rookies remain quite scarce in high grades. Ungraded mint condition copies offer an more budget friendly entry point for collectors before prices potentially skyrocket further if and when they are eventually sent off to PSA.
Key stars that regularly sell for multiple thousands certified even in EX-MT condition include Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs. Their base cards from ’87 Topps are fixtures in the $100-$500 raw price range depending on quality, a relative bargain compared to graded valuations. For set builders, locating pristine but PSA-unslabbed versions of these blue chip veterans provides a cost-effective alternative.
When hunting for desirable 1987 Topps cards in their PSA-ungraded form, there are several factors worth considering beyond just visual condition alone. First, closely examine the card surfaces under bright light for any nicks, dings or scratches that could ultimately downgrade them if submitted to be certified. Centering should also be as precise as possible front to back as well as top to bottom for a card’s best chance at a PSA 8 or 9.
Even slight indentations along edges from pressure over time in boxes could cause a potential grader to knock the card down. Another key item is verifying the card stock itself remains intact without any creases, folds or damage. 1987 Topps had a thinner stock versus earlier issues, making them more susceptible to physical flaws over the decades. Take note of any glue residue, stains or other issues on the reverse that PSA standards may view as detracting from an otherwise pristine grade.
As always, condition is king for vintage baseball cards. But especially so when evaluating 1987 Topps candidates in their pre-graded, raw form. Careful examination under magnification can help identify true gems with multi-hundred or even thousand dollar potential down the road as a PSA 8, 9 or MT. Meanwhile, their unslabbed state allows affordable acquisition today versus certified—though patience is required to realize maximum graded value over time.
Either way, 1987 Topps remains among the crown jewels of the vintage card collecting hobby thanks to its true all-star roster and iconic designs still coveted some 35 years later. And PSA-unslabbed copies open the door for collectors at any budget level to seek out and find those elusive pristine specimens just waiting to be authenticated and unlocked to much higher values. For those willing to do the sleuthing, bountiful treasures remain among the sea of ungraded 1987 cardboard gradually being rediscovered.
