The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. Several factors contribute to the high values of the top rookies and stars featured in the set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps cards and why they command such strong prices in the current vintage baseball card market.
The marquee rookie card in the 1987 Topps set is that of Toronto Blue Jays starter Roger Clemens. As one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Clemens’ rookie is highly sought after by collectors. Fresh off winning the 1986 AL Rookie of the Year award, Clemens was featured prominently on the very last card in the set, #701. In pristine gem mint condition, a Roger Clemens rookie holds a current market value estimated between $4,000-$6,000. This is due to his accomplishments both on the field, having won 7 Cy Young awards over his career, and the rarity of high grade versions of his rookie in circulation.
Ken Griffey Jr. also had his rookie card release in the 1987 Topps set, featured on card #112. Like Clemens, Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is widely considered one of the most talented all-around players of his generation. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. With 13 All-Star selections and 10 Gold Glove awards to his name, Junior’s rookie remains a cornerstone in any elite vintage baseball card collection. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie can fetch over $10,000 due to its iconic status in the hobby. Even lower graded copies still sell for thousands.
Two other 1987 Topps rookies that maintain strong value are those of San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield on card #694 and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tom Glavine on card #666. Sheffield won a World Series title with the Marlins in 1997 and finished his career with 509 home runs, making his one of the more historically significant rookies in the set. A PSA 10 Sheffield rookie hovers around $3,000. Glavine, of course, went on to become a Hall of Fame southpaw winning 305 games over 22 seasons while capturing 2 Cy Young awards. His career achievements paired with his Boston roots help his rookie reach $4,000+ in top condition.
Beyond the rookies, stars like Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rob Dibble also have 1987 Topps cards that continue to retain high dollar valuations. Canseco’s monster 42 HR, 124 RBI season made him the first player to reach the 40 HR/40 SB milestone, putting him on the ’87 Topps cover. This along with his #1 overall selection on card #1 helps it stay desirable, with a PSA 10 pushing $2,000. Meanwhile, Dibble had his finest year as a rookie flamethrower in 1987 capturing National League Rookie of the Year honors. He’s featured on card #500, which has reached over $1,000 PSA 10.
Players like Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser on card #218 and Mets infielder Keith Hernandez on card #132 round out the core group of 1987 Topps cards that consistently sell for $500 PSA 10 or higher. Hershiser’s record 59 consecutive scoreless innings streak during his 1988 Cy Young and World Series MVP season bolstered interest in his ’87 card. And Hernandez enjoyed two tenures of success, highlighted by his 24 HR, .310 season that year with the Mets and subsequent championship.
Perhaps one of the main reasons the 1987 Topps baseball card issue as a whole retains value is due to its memorable design elements and iconic imagery from that late 1980s era. With its bold colors and painterly aesthetic focused around each player photograph, the set carries a wonderful retro flair. The card stock and production quality from Topps were also among the finest during that period. All of these legacy aspects help collectors stay engaged with building complete sets or chasing keys from the release over 30 years later.
The 1987 Topps set provides an investment avenue to acquire flagship cards from future Hall of Famers Griffey, Clemens, and Glavine, while also housing gems from stellar performers like Canseco, Sheffield, Dibble, Hershiser, and Hernandez. Whether assembled as a full set, small group of stars, or single prized rookie, the 1987 Topps cards represent a cornerstone holding for any lifelong collector, providing both nostalgia and future financial potential. Their unique blend of affordable access and prolific talent featured make this one of the most collectible vintage issues among the hobby.
