The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more significant releases from the 1980s. While it may not contain legendary rookies on the scale of the 1952 Topps set which featured Mickey Mantle’s rookie card, the 1987 Topps set still holds value for many collectors and fans due to the talent featured. To determine if 1987 Topps cards hold monetary worth, we must analyze multiple factors including the condition of the cards, the players featured, and overall collector demand and interest.
To start, the 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards released in wax packs. This includes base cards, traded cards, and special subsets. Some of the biggest stars of the late 1980s are prominently featured such as Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson. These star players typically add value to any vintage set they are included in. The 1987 set also contains rookie cards for talented players like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Randy Johnson who all went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Rookie and star player cards from vintage sets tend to retain value better over time.
Condition is also important when assessing the monetary worth of any vintage sports card. For 1987 Topps cards to have significant financial value, they will need to grade at least a PSA 7 or BGS 7 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being gem mint. Cards in pristine condition straight from the pack would earn a PSA 10 or BGS black label 10 and demand the highest prices. It’s rare to find cards from the 1980s maintaining such top grades due to age, handling, and storage issues over several decades. But cards grading at an 8 or higher can still hold value especially for the stars and key rookies.
In addition to individual card demand, the entire 1987 Topps set itself has gained popularity with collectors in recent years. The design features bright team colors and clean lines that have stood the test of time compared to some of the more elaborate anddated designs from the late 80s sportscard boom. Collectors enjoy completing the flagship Topps sets from each season and the 1987 is widely available on the secondary market. This continued collecting interest has helped support prices.
When searching recent sales records, several key 1987 Topps cards have sold for values significantly higher than their original retail price point in the late 1980s. For example, the Roger Clemens rookie card has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition showing strong demand for this particular card. The Mark McGwire rookie in PSA 9 condition has reached over $500 at auction. Even star players graded lower have sold for hundreds. More common players can still sell for $10-25 each in mid grades if they are in demand. And completed near-set collections in lower grades have gone for thousands showing the sets hold an allure as a whole.
In conclusion, 1987 Topps baseball cards have intrinsic collectible value based on the legendary players featured and enduring fan interest in the set design. While individual cards must maintain high grades to command significant prices, there is a thriving secondary market where collectors are willing to pay more than the cards would be deemed as mere memorabilia. Condition and the specific players or rookies featured impact values most, but overall the 1987 Topps set has proven to retain monetary worth recognized by vintage sports card collectors and fans. For discerning investors and those passionate about the stars of the late 80s, a 1987 Topps card collection may prove a worthwhile addition.
