The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. With 702 total cards in the base set, along with additional special subset inserts, the 1987 Topps release featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and has developed a strong cult following over the past few decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key factors that contribute to the worth and long-term value of cards from this highly regarded vintage issuance.
One of the main attributes that makes the 1987 Topps set stand out to collectors and investors is the star power it featured. Legends like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Mike Schmidt, and Don Mattingly were all entering the later stages of their Hall of Fame caliber careers during this period. Young up-and-coming talents like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Roger Clemens were just starting to make names for themselves. Having cards of such iconic players from their athletic primes always adds to the desirability factor long-term.
Another plus is that 1987 saw Derek Jeter, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas make their rookie card debuts in Topps packs that year. While they may not have been the mega-prospects then that they would become, Jeter, Maddux, and Thomas went on to have Cooperstown worthy careers. Their rookie cards, especially the coveted Derek Jeter, now rank among the mostvaluable modern rookie cards in the hobby. For investors, owning graded examples of these rookies could really pay dividends decades after initial purchase.
Beyond star power and rookie cards, the 1987 Topps design itself has become a classic in the eyes of the collecting community. The simple team logo/player headshots on the fronts, with lively action shots on the backs, gave each card a timeless baseball card feel. The color combinations and photo choices also merged well together. Compared to some of the overly Photoshopped or “too cool for school” designs of later years, 1987 Topps felt like a true throwback to the early days of the hobby. This traditionalist aesthetic continues to attract collectors to the set even 35 years later.
Grading and condition of cards is extremely important when assessing the long-term value of any vintage release. From what experts can tell, the 1987 Topps set had above average production quality which has helped many examples hold up very nicely over three+ decades. Population reports from the leading third-party graders show a healthy number of high-grade flagship cards still existing in the marketplace. This includes many star roster cards, team cards, and of course, the star rookie cards. Though not as rare as other pre-1990 sets, condition sensitive collectors still aggressively pursue 1987 Topps gems knowing they will maintain and potentially increase in worth long-term.
In the investment world, supply and demand dictates pricing. With over 700 base cards issued in 1987 Topps, there exists a larger pool of copies for most standard players compared to smaller checklist sets from the 1950s-1970s. As the original collector base from the late 80s ages and the hobby continues gaining new generations of fans, demand for classic 1980s cardboard like 1987 Topps remains strong. Some industry analysts project hobby growth could start to restrict supplies of even larger vintage releases like ’87 Topps within the next 10-20 years. Such potential long-term “buyer’s market restrictions” should keep prices rising steadily for key stars and serial numbered parallel issues.
Beyond just the base cards, subsets found in 1987 Topps are also highly invested in by collectors. The ’87 Topps Traded set, featuring stars that switched teams in 1986, holds value comparable to the flagship series. The Strikinglikeness celebrity subset has become a cult favorite. And high-grade versions of the limited release All-Star Record Breakers/Team Turnbacks subsets can demand four-figure prices. Even inserts like themed Minis and Test Issue samples maintain investor interest in the current collecting environment. Depending on condition, virtually any insert or parallel variation from this era retains lasting collectibility.
Of course, like any other vintage release, absolute gem mint condition exemplars in 1987 Topps will be the true blue-chip crown jewels that appreciate the most dramatically over long periods. The highest graded Jeter and Maddux rookies have eclipsed six-figure prices. But more importantly, across nearly the entire base and insert checklist, strong examples still trade actively on third-party auction sites. This continued marketplace liquidity assures collectors 1987 Topps cards, even standard stars and commons, can still serve as a sound store of value three decades after packs were originally opened.
For both collectors and investors, the 1987 Topps baseball card set provides outstanding qualities that will endure for generations to come. Between the historic players, iconic design, and proven track record of holding strong secondary values long-term, this issue remains one of the cornerstone releases that any portfolio aiming for durable cardboard assets simply can’t afford to ignore. Whether purchased raw or already professionally graded, allocating to choice pieces from the ’87 Topps set is an investment likely to appreciate nicely for decades and give ongoing enjoyment along the way. The unforgettable stars, vibrant photography, and time-tested brand recognition ensure 1987 Topps will forever remain one of the hobby’s true classics.
