The 1987 Topps baseball card set saw the release of many valuable rookie cards that have grown exponentially in value in the decades since. This bountiful rookie class featured future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. It also included infamous stars like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire during the height of the steroid era. With such a historic collection of players in their earliest cardboard form, it’s no surprise that the highest valued 1987 Topps baseball cards have reached truly astounding prices at auction. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 most valuable and sought after ’87 Topps cards on the modern market.
Coming in at the top of the list is none other than the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic baseball card of all-time, Griffey’s debut Topps issue is the undisputed heavyweight champion of ’87 values. In pristine mint condition with a grades of PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Gem Mint 10, Junior’s rookie will fetch well over $100,000. The record sale comes courtesy of Heritage Auctions, where one example smashed expectations by realizing $340,000 in 2016. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind card capturing perhaps the most talented five-tool player ever in the earliest days of his Hall of Fame career.
Close behind is Griffey’s fellow rookie and future 500 home run club member, Mark McGwire. Big Mac’s debut is the second most valuable ’87 Topps card, with PSA 10 copies bringing in the $90,000-$150,000 range in recent years. Demand will likely remain sky high given McGwire’s prominent role in one of baseball’s most iconic records, his 70 home run season in 1998. Condition is critically important, as even slightly played near-mint copies lose hundreds of thousands compared to pristine specimens.
Next up is Tom Glavine’s rookie, a workhorse pitcher who would go on to rack up over 300 wins and 2 Cy Young Awards for the Atlanta Braves. The card honoring ‘Ol Reliable Glavine in his first Bowman issue sits at the #3 spot currently valued at $30,000-$50,000 in PSA 10 condition. Like McGwire, any signs of wear drastically cut into Glavine’s already considerable worth. He remains one of the most talented left-handed starters of his generation and thus a true blue chip rookie on the ’87 checklist.
The 4th priciest ’87 Topps card today is none other than Mr. September himself, Reggie Jackson. Not a rookie by any means in 1987, this iconic “turn and burn” action shot of Reggie remains highly sought after by collectors nostalgic for the era. A PSA 10 copy recently sold for $20,000 on the PWCC marketplace. Condition is less finicky here given the subject’s already established stardom and place in MLB history by the late 80s.
In the fifth position is young slugging sensation Jose Canseco, cementing his dominant rookie campaign with 40 home runs and a Rookie of the Year award. Canseco’s debut is valued around $15,000 in top condition today thanks to his charismatic presence and starring role in one of baseball’s most fascinating eras. It’s also one of the few ’87 cards that picture the player wearing his team’s uniform, enhancing its attractiveness to collectors.
Rounding out the top six is another future Hall of Famer and Minnesota Twin, Kirby Puckett. Puckett had already established himself as an All-Star caliber player by 1987 but his card remains a fan favorite due to his perennial greatness both at the plate and in center field for the Twins. A PSA 10 will earn $12,000-15,000 on the open marketplace. Beyond stats and accolades, Puckett’s warm personality and leadership made him a fan favorite that endures to this day.
In seventh place is yet another dominant pitcher who would win a Cy Young that year, with the Nolan Ryan card taking the seven slot. By 1987, Ryan was already a living legend but his mystique and still-powerful 100 MPH fastball made him box office magic. His ’87 Topps PSA 10s now get attention in the $8,000-$10,000 range.
Los Angeles Dodgers fireballer Orel Hershiser comes in next at number eight, on the heels of his record 59 consecutive scoreless innings during the 1988 season. Hershiser’s rookie card value is buoyed by that dominating season a year later, even with him still establishing himself in 1987. Pricing has reached the $6,000-$8,000 range for pristine copies.
Rounding out the top ten is slugging Kansas City Royal George Brett. By ’87 Brett was already a 3-time batting champion and the fiery heart of the Royals’ lineup for over a decade. Copies in PSA 10 condition have periodically sold above $5,000 given his accomplished resume and sustained statistical excellence up until retirement.
Beyond these top 10 most valuable ’87 Topps cards, a number of others still command prices into the thousands for gem mint specimens. Future superstar players like Mark Grace, David Wells, and Moises Alou all debut that year, ensuring the 1987 Topps set maintains relevance and collectability for generations to come. With such storied players populating this release, it’s no wonder the vintage rookie class continues appreciated over thirty years later. From Griffey and McGwire to Glavine, Ryan, and Brett, the historic names on this list will remain blue chip investments for discerning collectors of the late 20th century’s most prized cardboard.
