The 1988 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the modern era. While it may not contain any true “gem mint” cards that could fetch millions, there are still several cards from the ‘88 Topps set that hold significant value depending on the grade and condition. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and sought after 1988 Topps baseball cards that collectors search for.

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1) – Griffey’s rookie card is arguably the most iconic and valuable card from the 1988 set. In pristine gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies can sell for $500-1000. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league and his card remains a must-have for any collection.

Roger Clemens (card #138) – Clemens won the AL Cy Young award in 1986 and 1987 prior to the ‘88 season and was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. High grade versions of his ‘88 Topps card have sold for $800-1000. It’s an important card for any Red Sox or pitcher collector.

Ozzie Smith (card #165) – Known as the “Wizard” for his incredible defensive skills, Smith was a fan favorite and 13 time Gold Glove winner. His smooth, flashy style of play made him the ideal shortstop of the 1980s. Pristine mint copies have sold for over $500.

Don Mattingly (card #198) – As the best player on the Yankees in the late 80s, Mattingly was one of the most popular players of that era. His sweet left-handed swing was a thing of beauty to watch. High grade versions in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for $300-500.

Dwight Gooden (card #205) – “Doc” Gooden burst onto the scene in 1984-1985 by winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. He was one of the most dominant pitchers of the mid 80s. Mint copies have sold for over $400. Even well-centered near mint copies can fetch $100-200.

Kirby Puckett (card #250) – Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Twins and led them to 2 World Series titles. His rookie card from ‘88 is one of the more valuable commons from the set, with gem mint examples selling for $300-400.

Greg Maddux (card #262) – Maddux would go on to have one of the greatest pitching careers of all-time, but in ‘88 he was just getting started with the Cubs. Top graded versions have sold for $300-400 given his eventual Hall of Fame status.

Rickey Henderson (card #268) – “Rickey Being Rickey” as he was known, stole over 1300 bases in his career and was a dynamic offensive force in the late 80s and 90s. His ‘88 is highly sought after by collectors, with PSA 10’s selling for $400-500.

Barry Bonds (card #279) – Bonds rookie card is a true gem, not just because of his huge offensive numbers, but also because he was so exciting to watch in his early Pirates days. Top graded examples have sold for well over $1000.

Mark McGwire (card #288) – McGwire’s prodigious power was on full display in the late 80s. He smashed 49 home runs in 1987. Pristine mint copies of his rookie card have topped $400.

Cal Ripken Jr. (card #292) – As the iron man who played in over 2600 straight games, Ripken was the definition of durability and toughness. His rookie card remains highly valuable, with gem mint 10’s selling for $300-500.

Jose Canseco (card #295) – Canseco burst onto the scene by winning the Rookie of the Year and slugging 42 home runs in 1986. His power hitting style was ahead of its time. Top graded versions have sold for $300-500.

Willie Stargell (card #306) – “Pops” was the heart and soul of the 1979 World Champion Pirates teams. His final card pays tribute to a true legend of the game. High graded examples have sold for $200-300.

Tim Raines (card #314) – “Rock” was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of the 1980s. He was a key member of the Expos and later White Sox/Yankees. Mint copies have sold for $200-300.

Dale Murphy (card #321) – Murphy won back-to-back NL MVP awards in 1982-83 with the Braves and was one of the most popular players of the 80s. His final Topps card before moving to Phillies has value around $150-250.

Kevin Mitchell (card #327) – Mitchell had a breakout season in 1987 by slugging 47 home runs and winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. Top graded versions have sold for $200-300 due to his huge ‘89 season.

Tom Glavine (card #337) – Glavine went on to win 305 career games and 2 Cy Young awards. His rookie card holds value for Braves collectors around $150-250.

David Cone (card #343) – Cone was on the verge of stardom with the Royals and Mets in the late 80s. He’d go on to win 194 career games. Near mint copies sell for $100-200.

Bret Saberhagen (card #348) – Saberhagen won the AL Cy Young award in 1985 at age 21 and was one of the best young pitchers in baseball. Near mint copies sell for $150-250.

Chuck Knoblauch (card #353) – Knoblauch made his debut in 1991 as a speedy 2B and won the Rookie of the Year award. His rookie card holds value at $100-200.

Bobby Bonilla (card #362) – Bonilla was a feared power hitter for the Pirates in the late 80s. He had seasons of 29 & 28 home runs in ‘88-89. Near mint copies sell for $100-150.

Andres Galarraga (card #368) – “The Big Cat” slugged 26 HR in 1987 and was a feared hitter for the Expos and Cardinals in the late 80s-90s. Near mint copies sell for $100-150.

Dennis Martinez (card #373) – Martinez tossed a perfect game for the Expos in 1991 and was a durable starter throughout the 80s-90s. Near mint copies sell for $75-125.

David Justice (card #378) – Justice was an All-Star for the Braves in the 1990s and part of their 1995 World Series team. Near mint copies sell for $75-125.

Wally Joyner (card #383) – Joyner was a consistent slugger for the Angels in the late 80s, hitting over 20 HR four times. Near mint copies sell for $75-100.

Scott Cooper (card #388) – Cooper’s rookie season was cut short due to injury in 1988 but he’d go on to hit 20+ HR twice in the early 90s. Near mint copies sell for $75-100.

Tim Salmon (card #393) – Salmon was one of the best power hitters for the Angels in the 1990s. Near mint copies sell for $75-100.

Tom Pagnozzi (card #398) – Pagnozzi was a solid defensive catcher for the Cardinals in the late 80s-90s. Near mint copies sell for $50-75.

This covers some of the most notable and valuable 1988 Topps baseball cards to look out for. While the set may not contain true “gem mint” cards that could sell for millions, there are still plenty of high value cards from future Hall of Famers and stars of the late 80s era that collectors seek. The rookie cards of Griffey, Bonds, Ripken, and others will likely only continue to appreciate over time as well.