The 1987 Topps Tiffany set is one of the most coveted and valuable subsets in all of baseball card collecting. Cards from this exclusive printing run possess a distinctive color palette and surface texture that makes them instantly recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. With only a small number of Tiffany cards known to exist, finding one in pristine condition today would represent an incredible feat and reward for any dedicated collector.
The story of the 1987 Topps Tiffany cards begins with the regular 1987 Topps set, which like most modern issues came with a paper stock that had a somewhat glossy and slick finish. This general design and printing technique had been Topps’ standard for decades. In 1987 Topps decided to experiment with a test run of cards printed on a finer, higher quality card stock with a matte or Tiffany finish. Exact numbers are unknown but it’s believed only a few hundred to a couple thousand sets were overprinted on this premium substrate.
The most evident differences between regular 1987 Topps and the Tiffany version are in the card stock and colors used. Where the standard issue had a signature shiny and slick paper surface, Tiffany cards possessed a soft, finely textured feel. They also featured a more muted, rich color palette compared to the brighter, more saturated hues of the mainstream release. The Tiffany paper stock took ink and colors differently, giving images a softer, subtly different appearance. The end result was a classier, more finely-detailed look and feel.
Another key characteristic of 1987 Topps Tiffany cards is the presence of fine “line spidering” visible on the fronts when properly held up to light. This intricate web-like pattern was caused during manufacturing as the ink interacted with the high-quality card stock in a unique way. It proved these were indeed from a distinct premium printing run and not average 1987 Topps cards undergoing alteration. The line spidering is a dead giveaway sign of authenticity for seasoned graders.
In terms of player selection and design layout, Tiffany cards are exactly the same as the regular 1987 Topps issue. Rarity only stems from the limited print run and different production process involved. The same 660 player and manager photo cards are present along with all standard statistical and franchise info found on the back. Serial numbers, trademarks and wording is a perfect match between the two variants as well.
Upon their initial release, knowledge of the Tiffany print run was tightly guarded by Topps. Few in the larger collecting community were even aware of its existence. Over the following decades, as some of these rare premium printed samples changed hands behind the scenes, awareness of them spread bit by bit. Early enthusiast publications lacked information needed to properly document and define them. As the 1980s collector boom took hold, most Tiffanys remained untracked and undisturbed in original collectors’ hands.
It wasn’t until the 1990s-2000s era that Tiffanys started being identified, authenticated and strong premium pricing established. By this point they had essentially become modern-era relics, with the lowest pop reports of any Topps flagship set variation. Third party grading also played a key role, as professional certification and encapsulation brings Tiffanys to a new level of verifiable authenticity and security in today’s market. Holders scrutinize each card closely under high power magnification for distinguishing Tiffany characteristics.
In the current highly advanced collecting landscape, finding a 1987 Topps Tiffany card in pristine mint condition would represent an incredible one-in-a-million caliber discovery. Even well-centered, sharp examples in excellent state bring five figure sale prices when they surface. Their rarity and uniqueness as a rare limited edition printing run make Tiffanys hugely important historical pieces within the baseball card and pop culture collectibles sphere overall. They stand as a true high water mark achievement for any dedicated collector specializing in Topps or the 1980s baseball boom era.
While not a true counterfeit danger like some error cards, Tiffanys do require experienced expertise to properly identify. Examples further degraded over time can still possess defining characteristics but be risky to assume genuine without certification. Still, the allure of these premium baseball card phantoms continues to captivate collectors. Their subtle intricacies still waiting to be fully uncovered also adds to Tiffanys’ enigmatic mystique as one of the hobby’s greatest puzzles and prized relics from the glory days of the original modern issue era.
