The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card issues from the 1980s. Produced during the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Donruss set showcased players, rookies, and stars from that season in a very memorable and aesthetically pleasing design. While it may not be as well known today as the flagship Topps set from that same year, the 1987 Donruss issue contains several cards that can be worth significant money in high grades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 1987 Donruss cards that frequently command the highest prices from enthusiastic collectors.
Perhaps the most well known and valuable card from the 1987 Donruss set is the Tiffany version of star rookie Ken Griffey Jr. Only 100 of these ultra-rare Griffey rookie cards were produced on the thicker, glossier Tiffany cardboard stock instead of the standard stock. In pristine mint condition, a 1987 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. Tiffany rookie card can sell for over $100,000. Even well-centered near mint examples in the 8-9 grade range will command five figures. Any Griffey collector desires this iconic rookie card, making it the undisputed heavyweight champion of the 1987 Donruss set as far as value goes.
Another hugely valuable rookie card from this issue is the Ben McDonald card. The first overall pick in the 1989 draft and former Baltimore Orioles/Chicago White Sox starter is one of the most sought-after rookie cards from the late 1980s. In a gem mint 10 grade, the 1987 Donruss Ben McDonald rookie card has sold for around $10,000 individually. Even in a 9.5 mint condition it can sell for several thousand. With his impressive performance early in his MLB career, McDonald became a popular collector target back in the day. Combined with the relatively low print run of his rookie, it remains a highly valuable and hard to find card from this set decades later.
Speaking of print runs, one of the hottest vintage cards today from any issuer is the incredibly scarce 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. upper deck rookie. For 1987 Donruss collectors, the next best Griffey rookie to obtain would be his main rookie card from that set. While not nearly as rare as the Tiffany or 1989 UD RC, the standard 1987 Donruss Griffey rookie has obvious huge appeal due to the player depicted. In pristine mint condition it can reach up to $1,000-$2,000 individually. Even well-centered near mint copies tend to command three-figure sums. The blend of a beloved superstar and his debut issue makes this card a must-have for most vintage baseball card investors and enthusiasts.
Another star rookie from the 1987 Donruss set that retains stratospheric values is the Tom Glavine card. The left-handed Hall of Fame hurler went on to win 305 career games and two Cy Young awards over a stellar 22-year MLB career. On the heels of an impressive debut season that saw him take home Rookie of the Year honors, the 1987 Donruss Tom Glavine rookie is a true holy grail find for Atlanta Braves collectors in particular. In a rare pristine grade of 10, a single Glavine rookie has been confirmed to sell for well over $10,000. Even in top-notch 9 condition it can reach the $3,000-$5,000 price range depending on the day. This illustrates why any decent example of this coveted rookie is a great long-term hold in a collection.
While Griffey, McDonald, and Glavine rookies suck up much of the limelight, there are several other key high-dollar 1987 Donruss cards worth discussing. For starters, the incredibly popular and vibrant style of the checklist card design makes finding higher graded versions quite the prize. A true gem mint 10 copy could go for upwards of $1,000 on its own merit due to rarity. Moving onto future Hall of Famers, mint condition copies of the Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, or Ozzie Smith cards ranging from 9-10 grade usually sell in the $100-$300 range each online. Also, star pitchers like Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden routinely hit $50-$150 per card in top shape as well.
Perhaps the most eye-popping single 1987 Donruss card sale on record involved the Barry Bonds rookie. Back in 2001, a PSA 9.5 mint condition example was confirmed to have sold for an astounding $27,500 to a private collector. While that sale price is almost surely never reached again, it perfectly illustrates the potential value locked inside even a single card from this classic issue if preserved well and involving the right player. In today’s market, while very scarce, a Bonds 1987 Donruss RC in Gem Mint PSA 10 grade could potentially sell in the five-figure range or higher from serious bidding wars between different collectors.
The 1987 Donruss baseball card set holds a special nostalgia for those who collected during the 1980s boom period. While production numbers were high overall, finding intact Gem Mint versions of the flagship rookie cards and stars from that season can still reap impressive returns for savvy collectors and investors. By maintaining the condition of sought-after cards like Ken Griffey Jr, Ben McDonald, and Tom Glavine; an investor stands to profit greatly down the road from the appreciation of true mint vintage cardboard. Coupled with the aesthetically pleasing classic Designer set look, 1987 Donruss endures as one of the most collectible older issues for enthusiasts of the game. With low pop reports on top condition samples, this set’s investment potential remains strong as demand typically outpaces freshly unearthed supply over time.
