The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the hobby’s history. For Cardinals fans and collectors of Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, the ’87 Topps card remains a standout in the legendary defender’s collection of baseball cards.
Widely considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time, Ozzie Smith established himself as a superstar during the 1980s while manning shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. His flashy defense, elite range, cannon arm, and highlight-reel plays made him a fan favorite on one of baseball’s premier franchises. On the 1987 Topps card (#90), Smith is depicted in a classic throwing motion from his knees during an inning-ending play.
While not the flashiest card in the set visually, Ozzie Smith’s ’87 Topps is highly coveted by collectors for several key reasons that drive its strong market value today:
Iconic Player: As a 12-time Gold Glove winner and 6-time Rawlings Platinum Glove winner, Ozzie Smith is universally respected as the best defensive shortstop of all time. His elite skills made him a perennial All-Star and key player on Cardinals teams that reached three World Series in the 1980s.
Hall of Fame: Smith was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility. Any card featuring a Hall of Famer, especially from the peak of their career, takes on greater historical significance.
1987 Milestones: The ’87 season saw Smith tie and break the single season records for games played and chances accepted by a NL shortstop. He won his 8th consecutive Gold Glove and was named to the All-Star team for the 7th straight season.
Scarcity: The 1987 Topps set had fewer cards printed compared to modern issues, so high-grade specimens of key cards like Ozzie Smith remain quite scarce in the population. Mint condition examples are especially rare and coveted.
Iconic Uniform: The classic 1980s Cardinals pullover jersey and red cap silhouette Smith’s memorable style from his St. Louis playing days. This nostalgia fuels interest among collectors.
Perfect Addition: Given his talent and accolades, any serious collection of Ozzie Smith cards demands his flagship ’87 Topps rookie card from his award-winning season.
In Gem Mint (GM) 10 condition, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps card can fetch upwards of $1,000 at auction. Even well-centered Near Mint-Mint (NM-Mt) 7-9 grades command $300-600 based on recent sales. For avid Cardinals collectors, a pristine Smith ’87 is a true prize. Most ordinary Near Mint copies can be acquired for $75-150.
As with any high-value vintage card, subtle gradations in centering, corners and edges are critical to valuation. Small flaws can drastically reduce a Smith ‘87’s price tag, so discerning condition is paramount. Raw ungraded specimens may sell cheaper, but certification greatly enhances value and demand in the marketplace.
PSA and BGS are the leading services for vintage baseball card authentication and grading. Even higher population PSA 8 copies have brought over $500 at auction. But the real trophies remain PSA 10 Gems, of which there are likely fewer than 100 certified copies in existence. A perfect Smith ’87 may trade privately for multiple thousands according to seasoned vintage market analysts.
While not quite the household name of flagship rookies like Ken Griffey Jr. or Mickey Mantle, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps baseball card stands tall as an iconic piece of cardboard chronicling one of the greatest defenders in MLB annals. For devoted Cardinals and Ozzie Smith collectors, finding high grade specimens of his career-defining ’87 remains a worthy quest especially considering the tremendous respect, on-field success, and Hall of Fame career he achieved during his playing days.
