The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the modern era. While it may not be as famous as some of the early 1950s and 1960s sets, the ’87 Topps set featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of that time period. As such, many of the cards from that year have increased tremendously in value over the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards that collectors seek:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#116): Widely considered one of if not the most valuable card from the 1987 set, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $5,000+. Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most iconic in the modern era, which has sustained strong demand and prices over time.
Roger Clemens (#181): Another star of that era, Clemens’ dominance on the mound makes his ’87 Topps card highly sought after. Pristine mint copies have sold for $15,000+, with most well-centered near mint examples in the $3,000+ range depending on condition. Clemens won multiple Cy Young awards in the late 80s and 90s, cementing this as an important rookie card for one of the game’s great pitchers.
Barry Bonds (#250): Bonds’ Hall of Fame career and status as one of the home run kings of all-time gives his rookie card lasting value. Top-graded gem mint 10 Bonds rookies have reached $10,000, with most nice near mint copies selling between $2,000-$4,000 depending on centering and edges. Like Griffey, this card captured the beginning of what became one of the most dominant careers in MLB history.
Mark McGwire (#316): Big Mac’s monster home run seasons in the late 90s power his rookie card to the top of many ’87 Topps wish lists. Pristine mint copies have sold for over $7,500, with most well-centered near mint examples in the $2,000-$3,500 range based on recent sales. McGwire’s record-breaking home run chase alongside Sammy Sosa in 1998 keeps nostalgia for this card high.
Jose Canseco (#512): As one of the leaders of the “Bash Brothers” era in Oakland, Canseco’s rookie card holds significant value. Near mint copies typically sell between $1,000-$2,000, with the very best specimens reaching $3,000+. Canseco’s 40/40 season in 1988 only adds to the lore and demand surrounding his early career card.
Tom Glavine (#569): One of the premier pitchers of the 1990s, Glavine’s Hall of Fame career makes his rookie card a key piece for Atlanta Braves collectors. Pristine mint 10 grades have reached $4,000, with most nice near mint copies selling in the $800-$1,500 range based on recent sales. Five Cy Young awards and two World Series rings cement this as an important vintage card.
Greg Maddux (#570): Maddux is considered one of the greatest pitchers ever, and strong demand exists for his rookie due to his dominant career. Very high-end mint 9 or mint 10 grades have reached $3,000, with most nice near mint copies in the $500-$1,000 range. Four Cy Youngs and a huge win total gives this card lasting appeal.
Randy Johnson (#629): “The Big Unit’s” intimidating presence and record-setting strikeout prowess fuels interest in his rookie card. Pristine mint 10 grades have sold for over $2,000, with most nice near mint copies trading hands between $400-$800 based on recent eBay sales. Five Cy Youngs and a perfect game make this an iconic pitching card.
Dwight Gooden (#633): As one of the most electrifying young pitchers ever, “Doc’s” rookie is a staple for Mets fans and ’80s collectors. Very high-end mint 9 or 10 grades have reached $2,000, with most nice near mint copies selling in the $300-$600 range. Gooden’s 1985 Rookie of the Year season and No-Hitter make this a highly popular card.
Other valuable and sought-after ’87 Topps cards include Ozzie Smith (#35), Wade Boggs (#65), Kirby Puckett (#139), Don Mattingly (#155), Cal Ripken Jr. (#161), Andre Dawson (#190), Darryl Strawberry (#214), Eric Davis (#242), Will Clark (#266), Kevin Mitchell (#287), and Dennis Eckersley (#547). Each star player holds nostalgia and strong collector demand due to memorable MLB careers in the 1980s and 90s.
Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage baseball card. For the highest-valued examples listed above, a pristine mint or near mint grade is usually required to achieve top dollar figures. There is also a strong market for nicely centered, sharp near mint copies that are not flawless, as completion of sets takes priority for many collectors over absolute perfection. The 1987 Topps set endures because it captures so many all-time great players at the early stages of their careers. For condition-sensitive investors and nostalgic collectors, it remains one of the most iconic releases from the modern era.
