1987 was a landmark year for Fleer baseball cards as it was the company’s first year producing cards after acquiring the license from Topps. The 1987 Fleer set included cards of many star players from the 1986 season like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith. Given it was the inaugural Fleer baseball card set, prices have fluctuated over the years but there remains strong collector interest in the rookie cards and stars from the ’87 Fleer set.
One of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1987 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young prospects in baseball and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card from the 1987 Fleer set has always demanded big money since he debuted. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie card in the late 1980s could fetch $50-100. Prices steadily rose through the 1990s as his career took off. By the late 90s, mint Griffey rookies were selling for $300-500 and in the early 2000s after he won his awards, prices hit $1000-1500. Today, a pristine Griffey rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint grade can sell for $10,000 or more at auction. Even well-centered near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 grade bring $1,000-$3,000. The card remains one of the crown jewels of the ’87 Fleer set.
Another star player whose rookie card holds value is Mark McGwire from the 1987 Fleer set. McGwire went on to have one of the most prolific home run hitting careers of all-time. In the late 1980s, his rookie fetched $20-30 in mint condition. Through the 1990s as McGwire chased Maris’ home run record, prices increased to $100-200 for a PSA 8 copy. At the height of the steroid era home run chase in the late 1990s, mint McGwire rookies were bringing $500-1000. Even after his admission of steroid use later in his career, the card still retains value given his iconic single season home run records. Today, a PSA 10 McGire rookie would sell for $2000-3000 while PSA 8 and 9 copies trade hands for $300-1000 depending on condition.
Another key rookie from the 1987 Fleer set is Tom Glavine, who went on to win two Cy Young Awards and over 300 games in a Hall of Fame career. In the late 80s, his rookie card sold for $5-10 in mint condition. Prices rose steadily through the 1990s as his career achievements mounted, with PSA 8 copies reaching $50-100 levels. After he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, mint Glavine rookies climbed to the $200-300 range. Today, a pristine PSA 10 copy could sell for $500-1000 while most PSA 8 and 9 editions trade between $100-300. The card remains a strong long-term hold for investors given Glavine’s playing resume.
In addition to rookie cards, the 1987 Fleer set contains the cards of many superstar veterans who were in their primes in the mid-1980s. For example, Roger Clemens’ card has always been a popular pickup given his electric stuff and winning ways. In the late 1980s, a Clemens in PSA 8 condition sold in the $5-10 range. As Clemens racked up Cy Youngs and won two World Series in the 1990s, the value increased to the $20-50 level. After he broke Marichal’s strikeout record and collected more hardware, mint Clemens sold for $100-200. Today, a pristine PSA 10 could bring $500-1000 while most PSA 8 and 9 copies trade between $50-200 depending on the buyer’s passion level for the Rocket.
Another star pitcher whose 1987 Fleer card retains value is Orel Hershiser. After he set the record for consecutive scoreless innings in 1988 and won the World Series MVP, demand rose for his ’87 Fleer card. In the late 1980s, a mint copy sold for $5-10. Values increased to $20-50 in the 1990s. Today, a PSA 8 Hershiser usually sells in the $50-100 range while a PSA 10 could reach the $200-500 level given his iconic 1988 season and the cachet of one of the set’s top arms.
The 1987 Fleer set remains a highly collectible vintage issue due to its star-studded checklist of future Hall of Famers, memorable rookie cards, and iconic veterans from the mid-1980s. While the true gem rookie cards like Griffey and McGwire command the highest prices, there are still many affordable stars and key players to be had. For investors, the long-term potential exists given the cachet of Fleer’s inaugural baseball set only increases over time. Whether spending $50 on a star veteran or $1000 on a rookie, the 1987 Fleer cards represent a solid foundation for any collection.
