The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most popular and valuable sets of the late 1980s. With cards featuring iconic stars of the era like Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, and Kirk Gibson, the 1987 Fleer set remains a fan favorite to this day for its nostalgic designs and star power within the set. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 1987 Fleer set and analyze their valuations over the long term.
The most prominent card from the 1987 Fleer set has long been the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins and was known for his leadership, clutch hitting, and Gold Glove defense in center field. His rookie card from the ‘87 Fleer set in gem mint condition can fetch upwards of $3,500 today. Even in well-worn condition, Puckett’s rookie brings in several hundred dollars. The combination of his iconic status in Minnesota along with it being his true rookie card has made this one of the most sought-after cards from the set.
Another legendary rookie card found in the 1987 Fleer set belongs to pitcher Roger Clemens. Clemens was just beginning what would become a historically dominant career in 1987 and his rookie is highly coveted as well. A PSA 10 graded Clemens rookie can sell for over $2,000. Most examples trade hands in the $300-$500 range depending on condition. The Rocket went on to win a record seven Cy Young Awards and his rookie card remains highly valuable as one of the best right-handed pitchers ever.
Power hitting outfielder Barry Bonds had another strong season in 1987 before really emerging as a superstar. His card from that year bearing his Pirates uniform is also highly valuable today in high grades. A PSA 10 Bonds ’87 Fleer sells for approximately $1,000 while most near-mint to mint copies sell for $150-$300. Bonds went on to smash the all-time home run record and his rookie cards gained immense popularity.
Staying within the outfield, the rookie card of Hall of Famer Tim Raines also makes an appearance in the 1987 Fleer set. Raines was a dynamic leadoff hitter and baserunner for the Expos and White Sox in his career. Even though he was already established by ‘87, his card is still desired as a rookie. High grade PSA 10 Raines rookies sell in the $400-$600 range typically. Most well-centered near-mint examples can be acquired for $100-$200.
Turning to position players who were already stars in 1987, the card of slugging first baseman Don Mattingly leads the way. Mattingly’s iconic batting stance and consistency made him a fan favorite for the Yankees. His ‘87 Fleer in a PSA 10 grade commands $700-900. Very high grades are needed to reach four figures on this card. Most near-mint copies trade between $50-$150.
Another superstar featured prominently was Atlanta Braves pitcher Greg Maddux. Still early in his dominant career, Maddux established himself as one of the game’s most skilled hurlers beginning in 1987. His base Fleer card sells for $50-100 in near-mint to mint condition. Only the highest Mint 9 and Gem Mint 10 grades approach $300+ due to his legendary status. Still, the Maddux card remains a key piece for any collectors.
On the offensive side, Oakland A’s great Jose Canseco blasted major home run power to stardom during this period. His ‘87 Fleer is one of his more accessible early career cards available. In near-mint to mint condition, most Canseco examples can be found between $30-$80. The card retains value due to his 40/40 season and Rookie of the Year award just prior.
Rickey Henderson was already a sensation in 1987 after bursting onto the scene. As one of the game’s most exciting players, his base card remains extremely popular. Graded examples in the PSA 8 to PSA 9 range sell around $75-$150 typically. Near-mint non-graded versions are accessible between $20-$50 still today. Henderson’s cards hold their worth based on his prolific career stealing bases and energizing fans.
Taking a higher-end look, the stars of the 1987 Fleer set that command four-figure values are mainly hall of famers in pristine condition. Kirby Puckett’s rookie in a PSA Gem Mint 10 can reach as high as $9,000. The same grade for Roger Clemens’ rookie would sell around the $3,000-$5,000 range presently. Only about a dozen higher-end Mickey Mantle, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan cards have broken the $10,000 barrier from the 1987 Fleer base set as well. But mint investments could appreciate significantly longer-term.
While 1987 Fleer had its fair share of stars that have come and gone like Canseco, the main holdovers are true legends of the game whose cards retain admirers decades later. Keys like Puckett, Clemens, Bonds, Mattingly and Rickey Henderson can be solid long-term keepsakes for collectors if preserved in high quality. But values at all levels remain attainable for fans of the vintage Fleer design too. Overall it was one of the most popular and valuable sets for baseball cards released during the sport’s modern era.
