The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. Though not the flashiest design compared to modern sets, the ’87 Topps release featured several young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers as well as key rookie cards that remain highly desired by collectors today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards that can fetch big money for enthusiasts.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#149) – Probably the most well-known and coveted card from the ’87 set, Junior’s rookie is the undisputed heavyweight champion in value. Even low-grade examples in Poor-Fair condition can sell for well over $1,000. Near Mint copies have sold for over $10,000 and a pristine Mint condition card reached an amazing $25,200 at auction in 2018, setting the current record price for any ’87 Topps card. Griffey was just starting to showcase his prodigious five-tool talents as a 17-year old with the Mariners and would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie is the cream of the crop for ’87 collectors.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#180) – The smooth-fielding shortstop for the Reds had a tremendous 19-year big league career that landed him in Cooperstown. Larkin’s freshman Topps issue is the second most expensive behind Griffey’s, with high-grade copies selling in the $2,000-$5,000 range. Mint 9 rookies have brought over $10,000. An ultra-rare factory error version without the “BARRY LARKIN” nameplate stamped on it is the true holy grail, valued well over six figures if it ever surfaces publicly. Larkin was a star from the beginning and his rookie remains a crown jewel for many collectors.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card (#166) – Before he owned the single-season home run record, “Big Mac” was just starting to display the prodigious power that would make him a star with the A’s. His ’87 Topps rookie is highly significant as McGwire’s earliest mass-produced card appearance. High-grade copies in the Mint 8-9 range have sold for around $1,000, with true Near Mint 10 specimens reaching the $2,000 mark. While not in Griffey/Larkin territory, McGwire’s freshman issue is highly coveted as one of the best power hitter cards from the decade.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#141) – The smooth lefty went on to 300 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards for the Braves, but was just a rookie in 1987 with the Mets. Glavine’s first Topps card still garners strong demand from collectors given his Hall of Fame career. Pristine Mint 9 copies have reached the $800-$1,000 price point in recent years. Near Mint 8 versions are found in the $300-$500 range. As one of the set’s more notable pitcher rookies, Glavine’s card maintains relevance and value decades later.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#632) – Mad Dog followed up his ’86 Donruss rookie with this sophomore issue from Topps as a 21-year old with the Cubs. Already showcasing pinpoint control and movement, Maddux was on his way to a storied career and four career Cy Youngs. High-end Near Mint+ copies of his ’87 Topps card have topped $500 price-wise. The more affordable Mint 9 condition level still fetches around $250. Like teammate Glavine, owning a piece of Maddux’s early cardboard is a priority for devoted Cubs and baseball card collectors alike.
Nolan Ryan (#167) – As one of the most distinguished and accomplished pitchers in MLB history, any early Ryan issue demands attention. This action shot from his days with the Astros depicts the fireballer in his prime. Gem Mint 10 copies have reached $400. Most Near Mint+ editions trade hands in the $150-$250 range. While not quite the value of his true rookie cards several years prior, Ryan’s intimidating stare on his ’87 Topps issues is still an imposing sight for enthusiasts.
Other Valuable Stars – Additional sought-after ’87s outside the rookies include #1 Kirby Puckett ($150-250 NM), #91 Dwight Gooden ($100-200 NM), #232 Ozzie Smith ($75-150 NM), #239 Wade Boggs ($60-100 NM), and #277 Roger Clemens ($50-100 NM). Lower-print late additions like #711 Darryl Strawberry and #720 Don Mattingly also carry strong demand. For older veteran stars popular in the ’80s, high-grade copies of #10 Steve Carlton, #62 Nolan Ryan, #129 Mike Schmidt, and #152 George Brett can reach $50-75 each as well.
Error Cards – Beyond the conventional rookie cards, errors and anomalies hold tremendous collector interest from the ’87 set. One-of-a-kind errors like the Larkin nameplate misprint are holy grails. Lesser known errors like inverted backs, missing ink lines, crooked registration blocks also exist. Even non-errors like #1 update cards which represented late roster changes have a following. With over 700 total cards to scour, ’87 still reveals mysteries three decades later.
The 1987 Topps baseball set is among the most beloved by collectors for good reason. Capturing many future Hall of Famers in their earliest cardboard appearances combined with quirky errors and one-of-a-kind variations, it’s a veritable time capsule of the late 1980s game. Anchored by incredible stars like Griffey, Larkin, McGwire and others, the high-end rookie cards remain blue-chip investments. Even common players from the set maintain relevancy and nostalgic appeal decades later for enthusiasts. For both career value and nostalgia factors, ’87 Topps cemented its status as one of the hobby’s true landmark issues.
