The 1987 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. While not the flashiest design compared to modern parallels and short prints, the ’87 Topps set features several hugely popular rookies and Hall of Famers that have stood the test of time. Not surprisingly, many of the set’s most valuable cards highlight these young stars or all-time great players. Let’s take a look at some of the prized possessions from the 1987 Topps set that still command high prices over 30 years later.
Kicking off our list is arguably the most coveted rookie card of the entire set – Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most talented players of his generation, Junior’s rookie exploded in popularity throughout the 1990s as his career took off. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s magnificent smile greets collectors from the #218 card. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, this legendary rookie has sold for as much as $25,000 in recent years. Even in lower graded conditions, the Griffey Jr. rookie still fetches thousands. Its high demand and iconic subject matter make it the undisputed heavyweight champion of ’87 Topps values.
Right behind Griffey in terms of 1987 Topps card valuations is another future Hall of Famer and rookie sensation – Barry Bonds. Known more for MLB home run history than his cardboard, Bonds’ #619 rookie is a different story in the hobby. Like Griffey, the Bonds rookie enjoys immense demand and has changed hands for over $10,000 in a PSA 10 over the past decade. Condition is critical, as lower graded copies can still bring $2,000-5,000 based on eye appeal and centering quality. What makes the Bonds even more intriguing is that it was printed with a photo of him as a Pittsburgh Pirate, foreshadowing his massive power numbers to come with that franchise.
Rounding out the rookie superstar trio of the ’87 Topps set is Mark McGwire. Before the steroid era took hold and home run records were re-written, McGwire was adored by fans as the Fresh Prince of Oakland Athletics baseball. His thick muscled frame and prodigious pop made for one of the most recognizable and powerful rookies ever. McGwire’s #592 is another all-time desired card, especially in high grades. A PSA 10 copy recently sold on an online auction for just under $10,000. Most Gem Mint examples live in the $5,000-8,000 range depending on the day, with lower graded versions falling in the $1,000-3,000 spectrum. Big Mac’s first card remains an icon for vintage baseball collectors.
Shifting gears away from the rookie trio, two of the sports’ all-time pitching legends headline the list as well. Nolan Ryan’s #277 highlights one of the most intimidating deliveries to ever storm onto a MLB mound. Despite being well into his storied career, Ryan’s popularity never waned. His 1987 Topps card endures as a cornerstone for any collection, graded or ungraded. High-grade gems command $2,000-5,000, with most copies finding new homes between $500-1,500 depending on condition. Meanwhile, Ryan Expressionism teammate Roger Clemens dominates the 1987 set with his #132 card. Known for his rocket arm and pitching prowess, Clemens was already a superstar by 1987. As a result, his Topps card has proven quite resilient in the hobby. Graded PSA 10’s often exceed $3,000, with most raw or lower-graded copies residing in the $500-2,000 range. Ryan and Clemens exemplify pitching longevity and excellence that translate well to ’87 Topps values.
Rounding out the most lucrative cards from the memorable 1987 Topps baseball release are a few delightful veterans that remain must-have pieces for collectors. Tom Seaver’s #160 offers a portrait of “Tom Terrific” in all his glory, fielding his position on the mound. Seaver’s Hall of Fame talent and name recognition fuel demand that has maintained his 1987 Topps card’s worth for decades. Even raw copies in average condition push $500, with high grades reaching $2,000+. Another pitching legend who stole the show in ’87 Topps was Steve Carlton of the Cleveland Indians. His mustache and windup are iconic on card #304. A PSA 10 fetched $1,800 recently, with most copies staying in the $500-1,200 range depending on attractiveness. An underrated gem is Dave Winfield’s #561 in a California Angels uniform during his later years. His effortless swing and 6’6″ frame jump off the cardboard. Pristine PSA 10 versions exceed $1,000, with most in the $200-700 spectrum.
The 1987 Topps baseball set remains a cherished release thanks to its mix of rookie stars, pitching legends, and memorable veterans that withstood the test of time. While it may lack modern parallels, the ’87s Classic design and influential rookie class make cards like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, and Dave Winfield perennial blue-chip investments from a set over 30 years old. Condition sensitivity remains critical to maximizing returns, but the hobby’s finest examples continue smashing estimates. Overall, 1987 Topps proves you don’t need flashy parallels or short prints to produce coveted classics.
