The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. With 714 total cards issued, the 1987 set featured every player in the major leagues at the time and had some hugely popular rookie cards. Completed sets in Near Mint to Mint condition can fetch high prices from serious collectors. Here’s an in-depth look at the 1987 Topps Baseball Card complete set value today:
One of the biggest storylines from the 1987 season was the Toronto Blue Jays winning their first World Series title. Led by excellent rookies like Fred McGriff and Dave Stieb, the Blue Jays topped the Minnesota Twins 4-3 in the Fall Classic. As a result, several key Blue Jays players from that championship squad received prominent cards in the ’87 Topps set that are quite desirable for collectors today. A complete 1987 Topps set in Near Mint to Mint condition can ranges in value significantly depending on factors like the quality of the individual cards, but Comps from the past year show intact sets selling privately for anywhere from $900 to well over $2,000.
Some noteworthy rookies featured in the 1987 set include Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Jon Matlack, Jeff Reardon, and Orel Hershiser. But the true heavyweight rookie card chase is Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kelly Gruber’s #497 issue. Gruber went on to have a solid 12-year career, but his rookie card is one of the most sought after and valuable from the entire ’87 checklist due to his role on the Jays’ championship team. High-grade Gruber rookies in Gem Mint 10 condition have sold at auction for over $400 in recent years.
Another highly desired rookie from 1987 Topps is Mets closer John Franco. As a rookie reliever for the ’86 World Series champion Mets, Franco’s #450 card finds itself amongst the more pricey offerings from the set. His pedigree and popularity as a long-tenured big leaguer drives collector interest. Near Mint to Gem Mint graded Franco rookies often trade hands for $150-$250 range depending on the quality level.
Some additional noteworthy rookies/players from the 1987 Topps set include Cincinnati Reds superstar Barry Larkin (#652), Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens (#573), Atlanta Braves first baseman/future Hall of Famer Fred McGriff (#646), and California Angels pitcher Chuck Finley (#400). All are strong candidates to find in higher grades if chasing a complete set.
The biggest stars who graced the 1987 Topps covers included San Diego Padres third baseman/National League MVP Kevin Mitchell on the regular issue card (#20), and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb on the returning champion Blue Jays subset card (#B1). Many collectors seek these key cards in pristine condition when assembling a full set. Creatively designed World Series cards recapping the ’86 championship Mets (#672) and the ’87 World Champion Blue Jays (#673) also hold value.
Getting into more detailed condition and rarity aspects, the overall print run for the 1987 Topps Baseball set is believed to have been substantial, at around 55-60 million total cards produced. As such, most regular base issue cards from the checklist are considered relatively obtainable in higher grades. There are a handful of short printed stars and parallels that present challenges. One example is the Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens’ base card (#573), which is scarcer in Mint condition and can sell for over $100 on its own in a PSA/BGS 10 grade.
Some notable short printed cards from the 1987 Topps checklist include Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda (#690), Kansas City Royals ace Bret Saberhagen (#511), and Blue Jays slugger George Bell (#653). On the parallel front, the photo variation cards with black borders instead of the traditional design are considered more coveted collectibles. A few examples of the black border photo variations include Red Sox star Wade Boggs (#505), Pirates outfielder Andy Van Slyke (#652), and Mariners ace Mark Langston (#533). Assembling a true “complete” set involves acquiring both the base issues as well as these tougher parallels.
When it comes to evaluating 1987 Topps Baseball complete sets for purchase, authenticity and condition are king. Using slabs from grading leaders like PSA, BGS, SGC brings assurance and transparency to the overall quality. Sets where all (or vast majority) of the cards grade NM-MT 7 or higher will command the higher end of the $900-$2,000+ price scale. Any flaws, defects, or lower graded inclusions can potentially reduce the return cost significantly. The 1987 Topps set remains one of the most cherished issues from the junk wax era and pristine level collections continue gaining value as the vintage hobby booms. With its exciting rookie class featuring future Hall of Famers and champions, this complete set will retain its appeal for decades to come.
