The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While packs and boxes of these cards could be found cheaply for years after they were released, certain legendary rookie cards and Hall of Famer cards havestood the test of time and grown tremendously in value—especially high-grade vintage presented professionally slabbed and graded by PSA.
One of the rookie cards that regularly demands top dollar is that of Ken Griffey Jr., who was just starting his epic career with the Seattle Mariners in 1987. Griffey’s athleticism, sweet swing, and movie-star looks made him an instant fan favorite. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, which signifies a virtually flawless card, the Griffey rookie has sold for well over $10,000 at auction. Even PSA 9s (Near Mint+) can fetch thousands. The incredible rarity and demand for the perfect specimen have made Griffey’s ’87 Topps the undisputed crown jewel of the set.
Another rookie that retains strong appeal is Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman Kelly Gruber. Though not in Griffey’s stratosphere fame-wise, Gruber put together a fine career and his sharp-looking card remains highly collectible particularly in top grades. PSA 10s have sold for around $2,000 while 9s go for $500-700. Other notable rookies like Randy Velarde, Gregg Olson, and Gary Sheffield also command healthy prices depending on condition.
Of course, the true all-time greats have cards in the ’87 Topps set that are in high demand three decades on. A PSA Gem Mint 10 of Nolan Ryan, even at age 40 during his final MLB season, has gone for over $4,000 at auction. Similarly graded copies of Tom Seaver, Reggie Jackson, and Mike Schmidt routinely pull in $3,000-3,500 each. Pedro Martinez, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs garner $1,500-2,000 for PSA 10s as well. Most any other future Hall of Famer like Ozzie Smith and Andre Dawson can sell in the $800-1,200 range if in pristine condition.
While the headliner cards get top billing, there is value to be found throughout the ’87 Topps set in top grades. A PSA 10 of slugging outfielder Dave Parker’s action photo sold recently for just over $500. Philadelphia Phillies hero John Kruk’s card hit $375 for a Gem Mint copy. Even less heralded players like Bob Horner, Chris James, or Von Hayes can attract bids of $100-200 in PSA’s finest holder. Condition is absolutely king, as comparable Near Mint copies of nearly any card would sell for half as much or less.
To preserve and encapsulate all 660 cards from the base 1987 Topps set in PSA 10 glory would be an incredibly challenging undertaking. Only a select few true perfectionist collectors have managed to complete the entire set in Gem Mint condition. But hunting down and assembling teams, divisions, subsets or individual favorite players in pristine PSA slabs continues to be a very popular and rewarding area of vintage baseball card collecting today thanks to the timeless visual design and significant increase in value. While the bust boxes may have been bountiful, finding high-grade 1987 Topps today requires deep pockets or the patience of waiting for the rare strong condition copy to surface on the secondary market.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set acts as a classic reminder of baseball in the pre-steroid era. While production numbers were enormous at the time leading to an oversupply, certain key rookie cards and true legends of the game encapsulated in PSA’s highest Gem Mint 10 grade have proved hugely valuable investments over decades. With Griffey’s rookie as the pinnacle, and Hall of Famers holding steady appeal, the vintage charm and escalating prices for ’87 Topps in top condition show this once abundant junk wax release remains a widely popular and enduring vintage baseball cardboard classic.
