The 1987 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the entire sports card industry. While it may not contain cards that rival the extreme values of the 1972 and 1986 Topps sets, there are still several 1987 Donruss rookies and stars that can carry substantial monetary worth depending on the grade and condition of the individual card. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards collectors are seeking from the 1987 Donruss release.
Perhaps the most desirable rookie card in the entire set is that of Toronto Blue Jays superstar Joe Carter. As the American League MVP in 1989 and World Series hero with his walk-off home run for the Blue Jays in 1993, Carter went on to have a stellar career. His rookie card from the 1987 Donruss set is among the key chase cards for any vintage collector. High grade examples of the Carter rookie in near-mint to mint condition can often sell for $100-200, but elite pristine or gem mint 10s have been known to command upwards of $500 or more in auction.
Another highly valuable rookie from 1987 Donruss is that of “Nails” David Cone. The former Cy Young Award winner and 20-game winner had a long, successful career pitching for several contending ballclubs. His rookie is clearly overshadowed by bigger star rookies from the late 80s, but it remains a key piece for any Donruss or Yankees collection. Expect to pay $50-100 for a nice near-mint Carter, with the best specimens over $150.
Beyond the rookie cards, collectors are also seeking 1987 Donruss examples starring some of the game’s biggest stars of the late 80s era. Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser, who won a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988 en route to a Cy Young and World Series MVP, has a very desirable flagship card from the set. High grades in the 6-9 range can be $20-40+ while true gem mint 10s have cleared $100 auction prices. Another Dodger, the young and talented pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, also has a very collectible regular issue card due to his popularity from his early career dominance and Rookie of the Year season. Near-mint and better “Fernandomania” cards frequently sell in the $15-30 range.
Moving across town, the 1987 Donruss set featured standout cards chronicling the careers of some of the most iconic Los Angeles Angels of that period as well. Bo Jackson’s third year card, highlighting his exploits as a two-sport star, has steadily increased in demand in recent years. Near-mint 7s are attainable for $15-30 while 8s and above can clear $50 or more. Pitching ace Chuck Finley, a key part of the Angels rotations throughout the late 80s and 90s, also has a highly collectible issue from his breakout 1987 campaign that often sells for $10-25 each.
Staying in the American League West, collectors seek out the flagship cards in the 1987 Donruss set starring some of the biggest names on the formidable Minnesota Twins teams of that era as well. Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, in just his third major league season but already establishing himself as an All-Star caliber player, has an extremely recognizable and desirable regular issue card. Well-preserved examples in the 7-9 grading scale routinely sell in the $25-50 range, with 10s reaching triple digit prices. Similarly, fellow Twin all-star pitcher Frank Viola, the 1987 AL Cy Young winner, has a popular card that is consistently a $15-30 acquisition for most grade levels.
Moving east, collectors love obtaining high quality copies of the 1987 Donruss set highlighting sluggers like Red Sox star Jim Rice, fellow Bosox slugger Mike Greenwell in his rookie season, and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Eddie Murray, among others. Each of these star cards can achieved prices of $10-30 depending on condition, with Jim Rice’s all-time great signature card potentially reaching over $50 for pristine specimens. Over in NYC, Mets nemeses like Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden and Gary Carter each possess must-own cards that accumulate strong fan followings as well.
While the 1987 Donruss set may not achieve the same acclaim as the holy grail releases of the early 70s, it still contains a treasure trove of rookie and star cards that hold significant nostalgic and intrinsic collectible value for dedicated hobbyists and investors. Keys like the Joe Carter, David Cone and Bo Jackson rookies alongside signatures of Hershiser, Jackson, Puckett and others make this vintage baseball issue a cornerstone for any collection. With patience and a discerning eye, astute collectors can still uncover reasonably priced gems from the 1987 Donruss archives to appreciate for years to come.
