The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is a highly sought after and valuable set by collectors and investors. With stars like Roberto Alomar, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux among the rookies featured, the ’87 Topps set contains some of the biggest names in baseball history in their early careers. Let’s take a deeper look at the individual card prices and trends for this iconic release.
The 1987 Topps set consists of 792 total cards issued in wax packs. The design features a color photo of each player with their team logo and stats on the front and career stats/accolades on the back. After being released over 30 years ago, these cardboard treasures have increased greatly in value for several key reasons. First, many of the players featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards extremely desirable. Secondly, the large set size ensured plenty of stars and prospects were included which increased collector interest over decades. And finally, the 1980s boom in baseball card collecting means far fewer ’87 Topps cards remain in pristine condition compared to modern sets.
At the top of the price chart towers the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey Jr. recently brought in over $100,000 at auction. Other mint condition examples can fetch $50,000-$75,000 still. The next most valuable rookies are Barry Bonds ($5,000-10,000 PSA 10), Greg Maddux ($4,000-7,000 PSA 10), and Walt Weiss ($1,500-3,000 PSA 10).
Rookie cards are just the beginning when it comes to expensive ’87 Topps cards. The biggest star of the 1980s, Mike Schmidt, consistently brings top dollar as well with a PSA 10 topping $3,000. The charismatic Rickey Henderson routinely sells for $2,000-4,000 in top grade due to his base stealing prowess and personality. Two future Hall of Famers and noted sluggers, Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas, can each earn $1,500-2,500 in PSA 10. Powerhouses like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith round out cards valued around $1,000-2,000.
While stars command top dollar, there are quite a few noteworthy mid-range priced ’87 Topps cards as well. Future 300 game winner David Cone owns a $500-1,000 PSA 10 tag. Astros legend Jeff Bagwell and Expo/Jay Gary Carter settle in the $400-800 range. The power/speed combination of Will Clark attracts $300-600. And Mets World Series hero Keith Hernandez can pull $200-400. But some more budget friendly vintage cardboard still exists too. Rookie cards of Edgar Martinez, Dennis Eckersley, and Tim Raines can often be found graded for under $150.
Of course, condition is absolutely critical when determining the value of any vintage sports card. For the most iconic ’87 Topps rookie cards, a PSA 9 can mean the difference of thousands compared to a PSA 10 grade. And for affordable stars, a sharp PSA 8 may run just $20-50 while a well-worn PSA 5 could fall to $5-10. So patience and careful examination is advised when shopping the 1987 Topps baseball set.
In terms of long-term investment potential, the 1987 Topps baseball cards look very strong as well. With the steady retirements of players from the 1980s and increasing nostalgia, demand is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. And as the original generation of collectors ages, many valuable examples will be crossing over into the collectibles market potentially causing short-term price bumps. For serious long-term holdings, consider acquiring gem mint rookies of Hall of Famers like Bonds, Maddux, and Griffey Jr. Or high-grade autos/memorabilia cards of the same could prove brilliant investments over decades.
The 1987 Topps baseball set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of collectors and historians. Featuring legendary rookies and superstars of the past, it serves as a portal to revisit the magic of 1980s baseball. For those willing to spend top dollar, mint rookie cards of future Hall of Famers await. But the set also offers many satisfying affordable options too. The ’87 Topps cards constitute required holding for any serious vintage baseball card collection.
