The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable releases from the late 1980s. While not as iconic or celebrated as some other vintage issues like Topps or Fleer, the ’87 Donruss set showcased many future Hall of Famers and young stars at the beginning of their careers. As a result, certain key rookie cards and star players from this 720 card collection have appreciated greatly over the past few decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 1987 Donruss baseball cards and their estimated values today.
One of the biggest stars and most coveted rookies from the 1987 Donruss set is Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg. His card #1 is widely considered the crown jewel of the entire release. In top graded mint condition of gem mint 10, recent sales of the Sandberg rookie have exceeded $15,000. Even well-centred near mint to mint copies in the 8-9 range can still fetch $1,000-$3,000. What makes the Sandberg so highly valuable is that he went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Cubs and is still beloved on the North Side of Chicago. With his success and iconic status with that franchise, the demand stays very strong for this rookie card.
Another immensely valuable rookie from the ’87 Donruss set is Toronto Blue Jays sensation Roberto Alomar. Like Sandberg, Alomar went on to a storied career and was enshrined in Cooperstown. His dazzling defense at second base made him a fan favorite and 12-time All-Star. In a PSA 10 gem mint, the Alomar rookie has also topped $15,000 at auction. Even well-centered PSA 8 copies can go for $2,000-$4,000 still today. Again, his resume and the attractiveness of his vintage Toronto Blue Jays uniform add to the eye-popping prices his rookie commands.
Moving on to established veterans from 1987 Donruss, few are more bankable than Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs. His straightforward action photo and Red Sox uniform on card #90 remains a popular visual from the 1980s. High-grade PSA 10 copies of the Boggs have recently hit $2,500. For the renowned hitter who won 5 batting titles, well-centered PSA 8s hold a value of $500-800. Of course, living Red Sox legends like Boggs will likely maintain strong demand for quite some time.
Continuing with iconic Boston players, the Jim Rice entry from the same ’87 Donruss set at #91 draws impressive numbers as well. Though not graded as finely on average due to the photography, mint PSA 9 Jim Rice’s have been auctioned for $1,200. Near mint to mint copies in the PSA 8 range bring in a healthy $300-500 frequently too. Rice forged a durable power-hitting career largely with the Red Sox and remains revered in New England.
Shifting gears to Los Angeles, no Dodgers collection is complete without Fernando Valenzuela. The charismatic “Fernandomania” that gripped LA and baseball in the 1981 season lives on in the hearts of Dodger faithful worldwide. His action shot on the 1987 Donruss card #275 reflects the sidearm delivery that dazzled batters. Top gem mint PSA 10 graded examples have sold for above $1,000. More accessible PSA 8 copies in the $250-400 range are strong sellers too thanks to the Fernandomania legend.
Switching coasts now, no player loomed larger in the 1980s than Oakland Athletics superstar Reggie Jackson. Known equally for his prodigious home run power as his outspoken personality, Mr. October became a pop culture icon of that era. His card #289 celebrates the five-time World Series champion in his A’s duds. Near pristine PSA 9 Reggie Jackson’s now pull around $900. Very presentable PSA 8 copies can be acquired for $350-550 still. No old school player moves merchandise like Reggie due to his enduring popularity.
Shifting to the National League, few franchises generated as many stars as the New York Mets. One of their prolific sluggers was slugging first baseman Keith Hernandez. His smooth left-handed swing was synonymous with clutch hits for multiple contending Met clubs. His card #306 in the classic blue and orange remains a must-have for Mets collectors. High grade PSA 9 copies have hit $700 lately. For well-centered PSA 8 versions, expect to pay in the $250-400 range. Hernandez is still revered in Queens for his leadership of those 1980’s pennant winners.
Switching to the other borough, the 1987 Donruss set featured some emerging Yankees as well. Arguably the top Bronx Bomber represented was ace pitcher Dave Righetti. “Rags” is immortalized on card #378 hurling for the pinstriped Pinstripers. His dynamic motion and Yankees road uniform create a vintage baseball visual. Near gem mint PSA 9 Righetti’s have crossed $600 in recent sales. Collector-grade PSA 8 copies stay consistently priced between $200-350 too. As a durable homegrown arm during some leaner Yankee years, Righetti remains a fan favorite.
To wrap up this rundown of 1987 Donruss worth, another National League franchise with notable stars was the Cincinnati Reds. One of the most entertaining players of the era was robust third baseman Buddy Bell. Card #556 portrays Buddy taking his rip for the Big Red Machine. Very high end PSA 9 copies have brought $500. More common well-centered PSA 8 versions stay a reasonable $150-250. Bell provided many thrills for Reds followers and collectors still clamor for his cardboard.
In summation, while not the most famous vintage issue, the 1987 Donruss set contains many rookie and star player cards that hold immense value across the board today. Keys like Sandberg, Alomar, Boggs, Rice and others frequently top $1,000 PSA 10. More attainable mid-grade PSA 8s for stars maintain $200-500 prices too. The iconic photography, franchise favorites, and Hall of Fame careers translated to memorable cardboard that collectors crave decades later.
