The value of a complete set of 1987 Topps baseball cards can vary greatly depending on the condition and grade of the individual cards in the set. The 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars and Hall of Fame players. It was the 66th year Topps produced baseball cards and is considered one of the more iconic and popular vintage sets from the 1980s.
To give an estimate of value, it’s important to first understand the different grade levels cards can receive. The standard grading scale used is the 10-point scale from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). On this scale, a card in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition would grade between 7-10. Anything 6 or below is considered worn. Most complete 1987 Topps sets on the secondary market today would grade somewhere between Good-Very Good (G-VG), or 4-6 on the scale.
In G-VG condition, a well-centered 1987 Topps complete base set with no stars or rookies could fetch between $300-$500. This assumes the cards are all present with minor flaws like light edge wear or small surface scuffs. If several key cards grade a bit higher around EX-NM, the set could reach $600-800. Now, finding a complete 1987 set all NM/MT 7 or above would be extremely rare and valuable, potentially reaching $2,000-$3,000 given the sheer number of high grade cards needed.
Of course, the inclusion of stars and rookie cards in the set greatly increases its value. The ’87 Topps set features the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Griffey’s widely considered one of the most iconic and desirable baseball cards ever made. His ’87 Topps rookie in Gem Mint (GM) 10 grade has sold for over $10,000 individually. Even a lowly PSA 7 could fetch $1000+. Finding the Griffey as part of a complete set would add major value.
Key stars of the era like Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also drive up interest if their cards grade well. A high-grade ’87 Clemens rookie could add $500 to a set alone. Overall condition of these chase cards is critical – even a single BBGS/PSA 6 star or rookie greatly devalues an otherwise higher-end complete set.
Beyond individual card grades, there are other factors influencing a ’87 Topps set’s worth such as the market at a given time. During hot sales periods for vintage cards, a G-VG set might sell for closer to $700-900. Conversely, it could fall under $300 if the vintage card market is dipping. There may also be premiums applied if the set is especially fresh and nicely presented in original storage such as complete sheets.
While a complete 1987 Topps baseball card set can vary widely based on condition grades, presence of stars/rookies and current market trends – most G-VG quality sets in individual sleeves or binder pages would conservatively sell in the $300-800 range today. Top condition sets with many 7+ graded cards including stars could reach $2,000-3,000, with any high-end Griffey RC dramatically increasing value from there depending on grade. With such a large set, condition is king in determining true worth to collectors and investors.
