The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. It marked Topps’ 30th anniversary of producing baseball cards and featured 660 total cards including player, manager, league leader, and record breaker cards. The design had a classic vintage baseball feel to it with team logos across the top and player stats along the bottom.

Some of the notable rookies from the ‘87 Topps set included Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, and Wade Boggs also had prominent cards. The sheer number of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats make ‘87 Topps a very desirable vintage set for collectors.

Grading with Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has become extremely popular for high-end vintage baseball cards like those from the 1987 Topps issue. Sending cards to PSA allows collectors to verify the condition and grade of a card to establish its value. PSA uses a 1-10 grading scale with 10 being flawless gem mint and 1 being poor condition. Here is a brief overview of what to expect from 1987 Topps cards at each PSA grade level:

PSA 1: Cards graded a 1 by PSA would be in extremely rough shape. There would likely be severe creasing, bending, staining or other flaws that make the card barely recognizable. A PSA 1 ‘87 Topps card would only be of value to a dedicated set builder looking to complete their collection.

PSA 2-3: Cards falling in the PSA 2-3 range would have significant wear and flaws visible even in a sleeve. Bends, creases, fading, scruffing or edge issues would be easy to spot. These lower graded ‘87 Topps cards still have value to collectors but prices would be relatively low.

PSA 4: At the PSA 4 level, cards start showing more normal wear signs of aging but still have clear images. There may be minor bends, surface scratches or edge flaws visible under close inspection. Common rookie and star player PSA 4 ‘87 Topps cards can still fetch $20-50 depending on the name.

PSA 5: A PSA 5 grade signifies a card that looks very good at a glance with only slight wear noticeable on closer examination. Surface scratches may be seen under light and edges could have some slight whitening. Hall of Famer and star rookie PSA 5 ‘87 Topps cards range from $50-150 based on player demand.

PSA 6: PSA 6 cards from the 1987 Topps set show minimal wear and still have a nice vintage look. Surface may have a few light handling marks but images remain sharp and edges clean. All-time greats and top rookie PSA 6 ‘87 Topps can reach $150-500 depending on scarcity.

PSA 7: At the PSA 7 level, ‘87 Topps cards are starting to appear very crisp and gem-like. Surface will be smooth with images bright and edges sharp. Only very minor flaws, if any, will be noticeable. Hall of Famer PSA 7 ‘87 Topps cards can sell for $500-1000 or more for the most coveted names.

PSA 8: PSA 8 graded ‘87 Topps cards look phenomenal – like they just came out of the original pack. Surfaces will be pristine, corners razor sharp and color/registration perfect. Only true gem specimens qualify for an 8 grade. Hall of Fame PSA 8 ‘87 Topps cards have sold for well over $1000 each.

PSA 9-10: Reaching the ultra-rare PSA 9 or PSA 10 level means a 1987 Topps card is in absolutely flawless condition. A 9 grade signifies mint with only the most minute flaw possible. A 10 is the holy grail – the card looks as if it was printed and sealed yesterday in the factory. Needless to say, PSA 9-10 ‘87 Topps cards of the game’s all-time greats can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands depending on the player.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds tremendous nostalgia and collectability for fans and investors alike. Having cards graded and encapsulated by PSA allows collectors to properly showcase the condition and establish fair market value. From common players to rookie stars to Hall of Famers, 1987 Topps cards in high grades continue to excite collectors and drive strong prices decades after their original release. As one of the most iconic 1980s issues, the 1987 Topps set endures as a favorite for vintage baseball card enthusiasts worldwide.