The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. Produced during baseball’s golden age, the ’87 Topps set featured superstar players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco on the cusp of their prime. While it may lack the star power of some previous decades, the ’87s hold nostalgia for many collectors and contain several valuable rookie cards.
The standard 1987 Topps baseball card set contains 792 cards issued in wax packs, boxes and factory sets. The design features a centered player photo with team name and position below in a simple white border. Statistics are listed on the back along with a short career recap. Some key rookie cards from the ’87 set that hold value include Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Gregg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. While they may not reach the heights of the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie, these players went on to Hall of Fame careers.
In gem mint condition, the highest valued cards from the 1987 Topps set are:
Barry Larkin rookie card #402 – Around $150 in NM-MT condition. Larkin was the player picked in the 1985 MLB draft and went on to a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Cincinnati Reds.
Mark McGwire rookie card #494 – Around $125 in top condition. One of the most famous rookie cards in the sport, demand remains high for Big Mac’s first Bowman issue despite steroid controversies.
Tom Glavine rookie card #653 – Around $100 in top condition. The two-time Cy Young Award winner and 300-game winner’s rookie is highly sought after.
Gregg Maddux rookie card #686 – Around $80 in top shape. Maddux was just starting his incredible career with the Chicago Cubs in ’87. He would go on to win four Cy Youngs of his own.
Ozzie Smith #1 – Around $50 in top condition. Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, the “Wizard of Oz’s” flagship card holds value despite being the first card in the set.
Wade Boggs #150 – Around $30 in top condition. The hitting machine and career .328 hitter’s card is iconic from the late 80s era.
Jose Canseco #420 – Around $25 in top shape. Canseco blasted 33 home runs as a rookie in 1986 and his star was rising fast when this card was issued.
Roger Clemens #680 – Around $20 in top condition. The Rocket’s dominance was just beginning in 1987 with the Boston Red Sox. He’d go on to win seven Cy Young Awards.
While the 1987 Topps set lacks true gem mint 10 graded cards at auction above $1,000, there is strong demand for high-grade examples of the key rookie cards. In PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 condition, prices start at $50 for Maddux or Glavine and can reach $300-400 for a PSA 10 Larkin. The McGwire and Canseco rookies in top grades can also break $100. For common stars and solid condition 8s, prices are $5-10 but rise up to $20-30 for the biggest names.
The 1987 Topps set is a classic of its time that brings back memories of the players, teams and baseball card culture of the late 1980s. While it may not contain the true investment gems of some previous decades, there is nostalgia value and the key rookies show why the players featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers. For collectors of the era or teams represented, a complete ’87 Topps set in nice condition can usually be acquired for $100-200 depending on included stars. The right single cards in top grades still hold value for investors and enthusiasts of the players and time period as well.
While it lacks true ultra-high-end gems, the 1987 Topps baseball card set remains iconic for its time and features several valuable rookie cards that hold nostalgia and strong demand due to the Hall of Fame careers of Larkin, McGwire, Maddux, Glavine and others. For collectors of the players, teams and era, a complete set or choice singles represent an attainable investment that brings back memories of 1980s baseball card culture.
