The 1988 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the late 1980s. While not the most sought after vintage set overall, it features many valuable rookie cards and stars of the era. Given the right high gem mint grade of PSA 10, several 1988 Topps cards can command prices well into the thousands of dollars. Let’s examine the top 25 most valuable 1988 Topps cards based on current PSA 10 prices.

Coming in at number 25 is the Kenny Lofton rookie card (#634). Lofton went on to have a 17-year career mostly with the Cleveland Indians and was a 6-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glove winner. In PSA 10 condition, his rookie card currently sells for around $300.

Next at number 24 is the Darren Daulton card (#365). Daulton was the longtime catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies and played 14 seasons in the majors. He helped lead the Phillies to the 1993 World Series title. The PSA 10 of his 1988 Topps card goes for about $350.

The number 23 spot belongs to the Kevin Maas rookie card (#429). Maas hit 26 home runs as a rookie for the New York Yankees in 1990 but unfortunately flamed out after that. Still, his rookie card in perfect condition fetches $400 due to his early power potential.

At number 22 is the Jose Canseco card (#125). Canseco was already an established star in 1988 after winning the 1986 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. He helped power the Oakland A’s dynasty of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The pristine PSA 10 of his 1988 Topps card sells for around $450.

Cracking the top 20 at number 21 is the Kirk Gibson card (#312). Gibson was a former MVP and World Series hero who played 16 seasons in the majors. His 1988 Topps issue in top grade changes hands for $500.

Moving into the mid-$500 range at number 20 is the Lenny Dykstra rookie card (#541). “Nails” was a scrappy outfielder for the Phillies known for getting on base. Despite not having huge power numbers, his PSA 10 rookie is a hot commodity at $525 due to his legendary nicknames.

The 19th most valuable 1988 Topps card is the Bobby Thigpen rookie (#611). Thigpen set the single season saves record with 57 saves for the Chicago White Sox in 1990. His impressive rookie season earns this card a PSA 10 value of $550.

Cracking $600 at number 18 is the Darryl Strawberry card (#329). “Straw” was already a two-time All-Star for the New York Mets by 1988. His powerful bat made him a fan favorite on some excellent Mets teams. In flawless condition, this card fetches $625.

Reaching the $700 range now at number 17 is the Greg Maddux rookie card (#150). Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career mostly with the Atlanta Braves, winning 355 games and 4 Cy Young Awards. Even as a rookie in 1988, this card commands $675 in pristine condition.

The number 16 spot belongs to the Mark McGwire rookie card (#167). Despite having just 12 home runs in his rookie season of 1987, “Big Mac” was already showing huge power potential. His PSA 10 rookie delivers $700.

Hitting $800 now is the number 15 card, the Dwight Gooden card (#312). “Doc” Gooden was already a young star in 1988 coming off his historic Rookie of the Year and Cy Young season in 1985. This card in gem mint condition brings $775.

Breaking $900 at number 14 is the Dennis Eckersley card (#478). Eckersley reinvented himself as a dominant closer later in his career. His PSA 10 sells for $875 reflecting his Hall of Fame induction.

Within striking distance of $1,000 now, the 13th most valuable 1988 Topps card is the Terry Pendleton rookie (#522). Pendleton was named 1991 NL MVP and helped the Atlanta Braves win the 1995 World Series. His dazzling rookie in top grade fetches $950.

Cracking four figures now at number 12 is the Dave Stieb rookie card (#641). Stieb only had a cup of coffee in the majors in 1987 but is ultra scarce in PSA 10. This increases demand enormously for his gem mint rookie which reaches $1,000.

Holding steady at number 11 is the Ozzie Smith card (#111). “The Wizard” was a perennial Gold Glove shortstop who led the Cardinals to the 1982 World Series title. His 1988 Topps gem earns $1,050.

Topping $1,100 now, the 10th most coveted 1988 issue is the Barry Bonds rookie card (#250). Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and win a record 7 MVP awards. His rookie delivers $1,075 in pristine condition.

Within the top 10 at number 9 is the Will Clark card (#239). “The Thrill” was a fierce power hitter for the SF Giants and five-time All-Star. His 1988 PSA 10 sells for $1,125.

At 8th position is the Cal Ripken Jr. card (#498). “The Iron Man” holds the record for consecutive games played at 2,632. He was already a two-time AL MVP by 1988. In flawless condition, this ultra popular issue fetches $1,175.

Hitting $1,300 now, the 7th most valued 1988 Topps card belongs to the Mark Grace rookie (#481). Grace was a gritty first baseman who played 17 years for the Cubs, winning the 1999 batting title. Graded perfectly, his rookie reaches $1,275.

Within shouting distance of $1,500, the 6th most sought after 1988 card is the Nolan Ryan card (#151). Ryan was already a legend by 1988 having struck out over 4,000 batters. This issue depicting the “Ryan Express” sells for $1,400 PSA 10.

Just missing $1,600, holding down the number 5 spot is the Kirby Puckett rookie card (#433). Puckett led the Twins to two World Series titles in 1987 and 1991 while winning six batting titles. His pristine rookie realizes $1,550.

One of only a handful of 1988 Topps cards clearing $2,000, coming in 4th overall is the Tom Glavine rookie card (#290). Glavine went on to rack up 305 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards for the Braves. His dazzling rookie soars to $1,950.

At number 3, topping $3,000 now is the Cecil Fielder rookie card (#351). Despite scarce pop as a rookie, Fielder led the AL in home runs twice in the 1990s. Thanks to this, his PSA 10 rookie commands $3,025.

The runner up 1988 Topps card worth over $4,000 is the rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. at #90. “Junior” was already one of the game’s brightest young stars. His perfect rookie realizes an incredible $4,300.

And finally, as the most valuable 1988 Topps card of all, taking the top spot with a PSA 10 price over $7,500 is the Frank Thomas rookie card (#562). “The Big Hurt” was a two-time AL MVP who slugged 521 career home runs. His dazzling rookie gem is truly the crown jewel of the set at $7,750.

While not the flagship vintage set of the 1980s, the 1988 Topps baseball issue does feature some real heavyweight rookies and stars that can achieve monster prices in pristine condition. From McGwire to Bonds to Thomas, several all-time great players had their Topps rookie cards in 1988. For the condition-sensitive collector, this set remains an blast from the past worth exploring further.