The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie card releases in the hobby. While it didn’t feature the same star rookies as the flagship Topps set that year, there are still several noteworthy rookie cards and key cards that can be quite valuable, especially in top grades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1987 Fleer cards that are most desirable to collectors and hold significant value today.
One of the headlining rookies from the 1987 Fleer set is Milwaukee Brewers pitcher B.J. Surhoff. While he didn’t become a true superstar at the major league level, Surhoff enjoyed a long and productive career that spanned 18 seasons. His rookie card is one of the key chase cards from the ’87 Fleer set. High grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $100 raw in recent years. Graded gem mint (GM) 10 versions by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett have sold for around $300-400 each.
Another rookie from the 1987 Fleer collection that has gained collector interest over time is Scott Cooper of the Cincinnati Reds. A 1B/3B, Cooper played parts of 8 seasons in MLB but never truly lived up to expectations as a rookie. Still, his card remains an iconic piece of ’80s card history. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies in top condition have sold for $150-200 in recent months, while most raw copies in solid shape go for $10-20.
Two future Hall of Famers also had their rookie cards released as part of the 1987 Fleer offering – Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals and Tony Gwynn of the Padres. Gwynn’s is generally considered the more desirable and sought after of the two. High grade PSA/BGS gem mint examples regularly sell in the $300-500 range. Even well-centered, sharp raw Gwynn rookie cards in the $50-100 range are attainable with patience. Ozzie’s rookie, while still iconic, is a bit easier to obtain for $30-50 even in top shape thanks to higher print run quantities.
Among the set’s key veterans and stars at the time, the highest valued cards generally belong to Hall of Famers and franchise legends. Don Mattingly of the Yankees is always a favorite among collectors. His ’87 Fleer is considered a must-have for any serious vintage card collection. Pristine mint grades sail for $400-600, while pricey raw copies still go for $150-250 in solid condition. Another perennial MVP candidate, Mike Schmidt’s ’87 Fleer has also maintained high demand. Near-mint to mint examples can be found in the $150-300 bracket.
Kirby Puckett had already begun his star ascension with the Twins by 1987, and his Fleer card reflects this. Top grades command $300-500, with raws around $100 proving a worthwhile pickup. Another 80’s offensive force, Dale Murphy’s sheer popularity as an Atlanta Brave leads his ’87 Fleer to consistently sell in the $75-150 range depending on quality level. Andre Dawson’s stardom with Montreal during this era makes his issue from the set valuable at $75-150 as well.
For collectors looking for iconic rookie cards on a budget, the 1987 Fleer set provides some hidden gems. Outfielders Lance Johnson (White Sox), Oddibe McDowell (Angels), and Tim Raines (Expos) all debuted that year. While more common than the true star rookie cards, examples in nice shape can still be acquired for $10-30 each. Reliever Randy Myers also had his first card released by Fleer in ’87. More of a cult favorite today, a quality example can often be found in the $15-30 range.
Overall condition and centering greatly impact pricing on all the key 1987 Fleer cards mentioned. Well-centered near-mint to mint graded gems typically command the highest sums. But even average centered, moderately played raw copies hold value in the $10-50 range depending on the player involved. For collectors working within a budget, this set provides a fun trip back to the late 1980s while allowing affordable opportunities to add iconic staples to a vintage card collection. Top stars like Mattingly, Gwynn, and Schmidt in particular make for impressive showcase pieces. With increased vintage card popularity, the 1987 Fleer classics look primed to retain and appreciate their worth for years to come.
