The 1988 Topps baseball card set was one of the more iconic issues from the late 1980s. While not as sought after as some other years, it still contained rookies and stars that have become valuable to collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and desirable cards from the 1988 Topps set.

One of the true iconic rookies and most valuable from the 1988 set is Ken Griffey Jr. While still early in his career in 1988, Griffey was already showing signs of becoming a true star and future Hall of Famer. His rookie card is among the most recognized and sought after from the late 80s/early 90s era. In pristine gem mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now sells for well over $1000 and into the $2000-3000 range. Even in more played condition it still commands $500-1000. This is a true landmark rookie that ended up living up to the hype.

Another huge star rookie from 1988 was Tom Glavine. The smooth lefty went on to have a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Atlanta Braves, winning 305 games and two Cy Young awards. Like Griffey, Glavine’s rookie card predicted greatness. Now in near mint to mint condition, it can sell for $500-1000. Even well-centered excellent or good condition examples still bring $200-500 showing its lasting popularity. Glavine wasn’t as iconic as Griffey out of the gate, but his stellar career made this an equally valuable rookie to find in collections.

While not rookies, two superstar veterans have made their 1988 Topps cards extremely valuable finds. The first is Nolan Ryan. Arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher ever, Ryan’s express train fastball and longevity as a dominant starter well into his 40s cemented his Hall of Fame plaques. His 1988 Topps card shows him with the Astros, and in pristine gem mint sells for $1500-3000. Even in near mint to excellent condition examples still command $500-1000. Then there is Ozzie Smith. Known as the Wizard for his baseball skills and glove work at shortstop, Smith brought flair to the position unlike anyone before. His 1988 card which captured him in his prime with the Cardinals sells in gem mint for $800-1500, showing near mint for $300-800.

Ken Griffey Jr. and the star rookies weren’t the only young prospects that 1988 Topps highlighted. Future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin was entering his 3rd season and full time role with the Reds. His card from this set in top grades now sells for $300-800 as he lived up to the potential. Another underrated but solid star was Fred McGriff. The Crime Dog hit over 500 home runs in his career and his 1988 Topps card in pristine condition can net $250-500. Both were future All-Stars that the 1988 issue aptly featured as stars in the making.

In addition to the rookies and veterans, 1988 Topps also contained many young talent of players who had breakout seasons. Two in particular stand out for their card value today. The first was Mark McGwire. Big Mac hit 33 home runs and finished 3rd in MVP voting in 1987, establishing himself as a true slugger for the Athletics. His 1988 Topps card now sells for $150-400 in top grades as arguably his most recognizable pre-home run record breaking image. Another breakout star was Will Clark, who won the 1989 NLCS MVP. Known as the Thrill, Clark was a star first baseman for the Giants and Cardinals in the late 80s-90s. His desirable 1988 Topps card sells in the $100-300 range, showing he still resonates with collectors of the era.

While stars and rookies drove much of the enthusiasm, 1988 Topps also contained valuable short prints that early collectors scrambled to find. Arguably the most coveted was the Jose Canseco all-star card, which was only randomly inserted in 1 out of every 131 packs on average. In pristine condition, examples can sell for $1000-2000. Other desirable short prints included the Ozzie Smith Express double print error that has sold for over $500 in high grades. Even basic stars like Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs had desirable short prints reaching $150-500 at the top end.

While not quite as high profile as 1987 or 1989 Topps issues, the 1988 set provided a great glimpse at talent on the rise with stars of the day. Finds like rookie phenoms Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine along with veterans Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith make raw mint examples incredibly valuable today in the $500-3000 range. Young studs like McGwire, Larkin and McGriff along with desirable short prints add to the allure of this classic 1980s release for collectors. With iconic names and a perfect storm of variables, the 1988 Topps baseball card set remains a highly collectible and potentially profitable venture for investors to pursue.