The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. While not quite as sought after as some earlier releases from the late 50s and 60s, the ’87 Topps cards still contain several highly coveted rookie cards and key veteran cards that drive nostalgia for collectors of a certain age. Unlike modern sets that are heavily produced, the initial 1987 Topps printing had a smaller run that has led to scarcity over the decades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most important “key” cards from the 1987 Topps baseball set that still generate excitement among collectors today.
Perhaps the single most valuable card in the entire ’87 Topps set is the rookie card of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time who racked up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards, there is huge demand for Maddux’s visually simple but iconic rookie card from ’87 Topps. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $10,000 in recent years, with even lower graded examples still demanding thousands due to Maddux’s status in the game. The rookie card is part of what is known as the “Big 3” of ’87 rookies, along with Ben McDonald and Wally Joyner who are also highly sought after but don’t carry the cash value of Maddux.
Another absolutely critical piece in any ’87 Topps collection is the flagship card of fan favorite Kirby Puckett. Often considered one of the most charismatic and beloved Twins players ever, Puckett’s career was tragically cut short but not before he led Minnesota to 2 World Series championships. His ’87 Topps card shows him grinning in a Twins uniform and is a nostalgia-packed representation of Puckett’s early career success. High grade examples in PSA 9-10 condition have sold for over $1,000 due to the player’s local hero status and untimely passings in 2006. No vintage Twins collection is complete without the smiling Kirby Puckett rookie.
Two of the most expensive buyback cards in ’87 Topps come from another member of the “Big 3” rookie class, Ben McDonald. The Orioles fireballer’s career was waylaid by injuries but his rookie cards maintain interest decades later. The Black Back (#67) buyback variation, where the card has an all-black backdrop instead of white, has sold for over $3,000 in PSA 9 condition. Likewise, the much rarer Gold Stamp (#78) buyback which has a physical gold stamp on the front has achieved prices up to $6,000 for top quality examples in recent years. Both versions showcase alternate designs that are imperatives for serious ’87 collectors.
While some of the true “keys” so far have been rookies, several huge star veterans from the ’87 set command big bucks as well. Arguably the biggest star of the era, the Mike Schmidt card (#33) is a pivotal piece of the set. As a 10-time All-Star and 3-time MVP for the Phils, Schmidt’s career mark of 548 home runs is even more impressive considering it came entirely as a third baseman. His slick on-card action shot paired with his lofty baseball accomplishments translate to high demand, with PSA 10 copies trading hands for well over $1,000.
Similarly, ’87 marked one of Rickey Henderson’s best individual seasons and his flashy speed made him a fan favorite as he stole a career-high 100 bases for the A’s. As the all-time stolen base king, Henderson’s iconic leadoff skills are memorialized in his ’87 issue (#42). High quality PSA 9-10 editions have sold for $400-600 range, proving that Rickey’s revolutionary baserunning still enthralls collectors today. Another A’s legend Dwight Gooden also had a monstrous junior campaign in 1986 and his massive potential is encapsulated on his ’87 card (#44) which has likewise exceeded $400 in top condition.
While the previously mentioned stars drive the true premium prices for ’87 Topps, there are several other instrumental veterans and prospect hits that flesh out the complete set. Arguably the best defensive catcher ever, the Johnny Bench (#39) issue remains a foundational piece of this classic set as he neared the end of his Hall of Fame Reds tenure. Dozens of big boppers like Andre Dawson (#34), Darryl Strawberry (#56), and Dave Winfield (#59) showcase the raw power of the late 80s era. Younger talent like Bo Jackson’s (#91) dual-sport dominance adds to the intrigue as well.
While most vintage card releases have their share of “keys”, the 1987 Topps baseball set stands apart due to the perfect confluence of all-time great rookies, iconic veterans, and colorful parallel variations that stir the collector soul. Maddux, Puckett, Bench, Schmidt, and others represent the sport’s storied past, while esoteric variants like the Ben McDonald buybacks hint at the layers of complexity that drew so many enthusiasts to the hobby. For those with affection for the late 80s game, ’87 Topps provides a compelling visual microcosm of that unique period in baseball’s history.
