The 1987 baseball card set holds quite a few gems that can be worth significant money depending on the player, card number, and condition. The 1980s were the golden era of baseball cards when production numbers were high but interest and demand remained strong. Let’s take a look at some of the top 1987 baseball cards that old-time collectors are seeking out and are still bringing hefty prices at auction today over 30 years later.
One of the most coveted and valuable 1987 cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped young prospects to enter Major League Baseball in decades and “The Kid” lived up to expectations with a stellar career. His rookie card from the 1987 Topps set is the true Holy Grail card from that year. In near-mint to mint condition, Griffey rookie cards have sold for over $400 at auction. Higher graded versions in the PSA 9-10 range can sell for thousands of dollars. Even well-worn copies still fetch over $100 due to enduring interest in Griffey’s rookie season.
Another highly sought after rookie card is Mark McGwire from the 1987 Topps set. Like Griffey, McGwire’s raw power potential was apparent from an early age and he went on to smash the single-season home run record. PSA 9-10 graded versions of his rookie sell in the $400-600 range. Even lower graded copies still sell for $100-300 depending on condition details. McGwire is forever etched in baseball history and collectors are still eager to add his rookie to their collections.
While not rookies, some veteran star cards from 1987 hold immense value as well. One of those is the Frank Thomas rookie star card from 1987 Topps. Thomas would not officially debut until 1990 but he was already making waves in the minors in 1987. His rookie star card sells for around $200-300 in top condition. Another veteran pickup is the Nolan Ryan card from 1987 Topps. Ryan was already a living legend by 1987 after piling up milestones but collectors still love his cards from the era. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan fetches around $150-200.
Moving over to 1987 Donruss set, the main rookie draws are Ben McDonald and Barry Larkin. McDonald was a highly-touted Orioles pitching prospect who showed promise during his career. A PSA 10 McDonald rookie recently sold for $400. Larkin on the other hand became a future Hall of Famer and his impeccable skill was on display from the start. High-graded Larkin rookies sell consistently in the $300-500 range. Another star performer was Bo Jackson, who was already making waves in football too before his short but electric MLB career. A PSA 10 Bo Jackson rookie from 1987 Donruss sold for $625 in early 2021.
Condition is king when it comes to maximizing the value of any card from the 1980s era. Yet even in lower grades, certain star players from 1987 still command prices well above the average due to enduring popularity. For example, a PSA 5 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie recently sold for $240 while a PSA 5 Mark McGwire went for $130. Of course, mid-range graded versions in the PSA 6-8 range sell proportionately higher, usually landing in the $150-300 range depending on card centering, corners and edges.
The 1987 Topps Traded set also has a few gems including rookie cards. One is the PSA 10 graded version of Ellis Burks rookie that is routinely worth $150-200. Even lesser condition Burks rookies sell for over $75. Another rising star was Lenny Dykstra who became a fan favorite during his career. His 1987 Topps Traded rookie in PSA 10 grade has sold for as much as $350 in recent auctions. The set also featured rookie call-ups for Ruben Sierra ($100 PSA 10), Devon White ($150 PSA 10) and Scott Cooper who wasn’t a star but the card still holds value in top grades.
Overall condition is extremely important when considering the values from over 30 years ago. PSA and BGS slabs with grades of 9-10 exponentially increase worth but even lesser grades retain appeal and value due to the star power of certain players. Storage matters too as cards kept in attics and basements tend to show more wear over time versus those placed carefully in binders. But regardless of condition details, securing a Griffey, McGwire, Bo Jackson or an underrated star like Ellis Burks rookie still proves a worthwhile addition to any collection from the bountiful 1987 card year. Prices remain high and interest stays strong for these ’80s cardboard icons.
The 1987 baseball card season has provided collectors with many valuable and sought after pieces of cardboard over the decades. Rookie sensations like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire obviously top the chart due to their all-time careers. But others like Bo Jackson and Ellis Burks also hold lasting appeal. Factor in star veterans and comeback players too which add notable value depending on grading scale. Condition is critical but even well-loved, worn copies still retain monetary worth. For nostalgia and investment purposes, prominent 1987 rookies and stars deserve a home in any vintage collection.
