The year 1987 saw tremendous growth in the popularity of collecting sports cards. Specifically, baseball cards from the 1987 set featured some of the most desirable rookie cards and legends of the game that have stood the test of time. Whileinflation and unlimited printing have lessened the monetary valueof modern cards compared to vintage, cards from 1987 remain highly coveted by collectors both for their historical significance and potential financial worth.
One of the most well-known and valuable 1987 rookie cards is that of Toronto Blue Jays player Gregg Jefferies. As one of the top prospects in baseball at the time, Jefferies was highly anticipated and his card was in high demand. While injuries hindered his career potential, his rookie card remained iconic. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for over $6,000 due to his flashy skills and status as atruly “rookie” card in the traditional sense.
Another 1987 rookie standout is Tom Glavine’s card. As a pitcher who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career winning 305 games and 2 Cy Young awards, Glavine’s humble beginnings are captured in his Donruss rookie. Examples in top PSA 10 condition have sold for north of $4,000. Much like Greg Maddux’s iconic 1986 card, Glavine’s serves as an affordable alternative to showcase a legend’s early days compared to chasing rarer vintage pieces.
hallmark 1987 rookie is none other than the “Cornelius,” cardsdepicting Gregg Jefferies of the Blue Jays in flashy fashion. As one of the top prospects in baseball at the time, Jefferies was highly anticipated and his card was in high demand
From a legend standpoint, perhaps the most valuable 1987 card is the Nolan Ryan Express Futures insert from Score. Predicting his dominance as a 50-year-old hurler, this insert foresaw greatness and is one of the scarce “hitting the nail on the head” cards in history in terms of foretelling Ryan’s extended longevity. Graded PSA 10 versions have reached upwards of $9,000 in recent years. Another superstar who defined the 1987 Topps set was Ozzie Smith. Considered by many to be the greatest defensive shortstop ever, his iconic backflip pose remains widely recognizable today. In top Gem Mint condition, examples can exceed $2,000.
Stayingwith Score,the1988Donrusssetalsoproducedseveralthought-afterkeycards.RookieslikeTomGlavine,GregMaddux,andMarkGracewouldallbecomeHall of Famers.Glavine’s more affordable rookie has reachedover $4,000 in PSA 10, capturing his humble beginnings compared tohis bigger name peers’ cardswhichcommandegregiouspricesduetotheirrarerdesignsfromother brands. Also highly regarded were star performers like Cards slugger Jack Clark, whose trophy insert parallel reached $3,000 graded a pristine 10.
The “flagship” 1987 Topps set also featured its fair share of Investment-worthy pieces. Perhaps most famously photographed was Ozzie Smith’s backflip pose, depicting the wizard defensively for which he became renowned. In top PSA 10 condition, his iconic image can eclipse $2,000 due to his legendary status. Another Cardinal in the set receiving high grades is future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Few were as gifted in the field as the Wizard and his classic backflip card remains a highly recognizable symbol of defense to this day.
Twoothernotable 1987Toppsrookiecards that have appreciatedwellincludethoseofBryceHarperandKenGriffeyJr.Harper’scardreachedover$1,000inPSA10directlyfollowinghis2019MVPseasondespitebeingprintedabundely as the NLF’s #1 draft pick in 2010. Meanwhile examples of the Kid’s extremely scarce grey bordered variation have climbed above the $10,000 milestone. Although printed years after 1987, demand for their first “rookie” cards remain strong.
In summing up, the 1987 sports card season laid early foundations for investment returns years later. Rookie cards like Jefferies, Glavine and Griffey introduced legends to collectors before stardom. Insert parallels predicting Ryan’s longevity gained new relevance. And signature images like Smith’s backflip sealed iconic status. While inflation means vintage will never regain original penny prices, top conditioned high-grade examples from ’87 maintain relevance as affordable alternatives to showcase all-time great players early in their careers. The combination of on-field performance and innovation in design and parallels gave the 1987 season products roots as classics in hobby history.
