The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the hobby. Produced from 1986 to 1987, the ’87 Topps set featured some all-time legends and rookie sensations that have stood the test of time. With hundreds of cards to choose from in the set, here’s a breakdown of the 20 most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 gem mint condition:

Ozzie Smith (#422) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith’s flashy style of play made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His 1986 Topps card is one of the most iconic in the hobby. The 1987 issues value comes from his superstar status at the time. PSA 10 value is $300.

Ryne Sandberg (#382) – The 1984 and 1985 NL MVP was in his prime for the Cubs during this era. Sandberg hit .290 with 19 home runs and 84 RBI in 1987. He’s one of the best second basemen ever. PSA 10 value is $325.

Jim Abbott (#450) – Abbott made history in 1993 when he threw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees despite being born without a right hand. His rookie card from 1987 is a feel-good story card. PSA 10 is $350.

Mark McGwire (#428) – Big Mac hit .283 with 25 home runs as a 23-year old rookie for the A’s in 1987, foreshadowing his monster power. His rookie card holds value given his steroid controversy later on. PSA 10 is $375.

Barry Larkin (#629) – The hometown Cincinnati Reds star shortstop was a superstar by 1987. He hit .296 that year and won the NL ROY award in 1986. Larkin made 12 All-Star teams in his HOF career. PSA 10 is $400.

Eric Davis (#249) – Known as “Smokey” for his blazing speed, Davis had 31 home runs and 100 RBI in 1987 for the Reds. He was an elite five-tool player until injuries hampered his career. PSA 10 value is $425.

Will Clark (#252) – “Thrill” had a monster rookie campaign for the Giants in 1986, hitting .286 with 28 HR and 117 RBI to win ROY. He was a 5-time All-Star and the face of the franchise. PSA 10 is $450.

Bo Jackson (#476) – Even in his rookie season of 1986, Jackson’s rare athletic gifts were on full display. He hit .276 with 13 HR and 41 RBI while also starring in the NFL. His cards have immense career-what-if value. PSA 10 is $475.

Kirby Puckett (#397) – The beloved Twins star started his Hall of Fame career with a bang, hitting .332 in 1987 with 14 HR and 99 RBI. He defined clutch playoff performances. PSA 10 value is $500.

Dave Winfield (#340) – Already a 12-time All-Star at this point in his career with the Yankees, Winfield was the model of consistency. He hit .270 with 18 HR and 80 RBI in ’87. PSA 10 is $525.

Roger Clemens (#125) – The Rocket dominated in 1987, going 20-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 287 K’s to repeat as the AL Cy Young winner. His famous foul ball shredded jersey garners attention for this card. PSA 10 is $550.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#521) – After winning the AL ROY and MVP in 1982/83, Ripken was a perennial All-Star and the iron man of baseball by 1987. He epitomized consistency and durability. PSA 10 is $575.

Dwight Gooden (#184) – Dr. K followed his Rookie of the Year 1985 season by going 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 276 K’s in 1987. His skills were video game-like in his heyday. PSA 10 is $600.

Tom Seaver (#109) – The Hall of Fame ace and ace was still effective at age 41 in 1987, going 5-1 with a 2.57 ERA in limited action for the Red Sox. His pedigree and accomplishments raise the value. PSA 10 is $650.

Wade Boggs (#551) – Mr. Automatic hit .363 in 1987 and led the AL in batting for the 4th straight year. He was the consummate contact hitter and batting champ. PSA 10 value is $700.

Mike Schmidt (#429) – While in the twilight of his career, Schmidt could still rake, hitting .295 with 31 home runs in ’87. His entire Phillies tenure and status as the greatest 3B ever drive prices sky high. PSA 10 is $750.

George Brett (#447) – Brett was the heartbeat and star of the Royals teams that won the World Series in ’85. In 1987 he hit .328 with 29 home runs and 115 RBI. Scarcity pushes PSA 10 value to $800.

Ozzie Smith (#422) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith’s flashy style of play made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His 1986 Topps card is one of the most iconic in the hobby. The 1987 issues value comes from his superstar status at the time. PSA 10 value is $1000.

Frank Thomas (#626) – The Big Hurt shattered rookie records in 1990, but his rookie card in the ’87 set gained value from his Hall of Fame career hitting .301 lifetime with 521 home runs. PSA 10 value is $1200.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#139) – The Kid’s iconic upper deck rookie card reigns supreme, but his Topps RC from 1987 in this set holds immense value due to his superstar status. He was still a teenager yet already showed promise as a five-tool star. PSA 10 value is a whopping $1500, making it the most coveted card from the 1987 Topps set.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set remains a staple in the hobby due to featuring all-time greats at the peak of their powers like Ripken, Gooden, Schmidt, Brett and Boggs. Having star-studded rookies like Griffey Jr., Thomas, and McGwire enhances the longterm legacy of this incredible vintage release from Topps. The tales of these players’ careers are relived each time their ’87 Topps cards change hands between collectors.