The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. Produced during the height of the junk wax era, the ’87 Topps set still contains many highly coveted rookie cards and stars of the era. While the sheer numbers printed make most common cards only worth a few bucks, here are some of the true gems that can still fetch big money today:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1): Widely considered the most valuable card from the 1987 set, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel. Often topping lists as one of the best and most desirable rookie cards of all time, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey can sell for well over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies still trade for hundreds. Griffey was already showing signs of becoming a superstar and his card is iconic from the era.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #210): Another true blue chipper, Bonds’ rookie established him as a budding power hitter for Pittsburgh. Leading up to his 73 homer season of 2001, this card soared in value but still holds its worth. High graded copies have sold for over $3,000 while most average near mint copies sell in the $200 range. For any ’80s set collection, this is a must-have centerpiece.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (Card #234): McGwire’s rookie established him as an Oakland A’s slugger and foreshadowed his record-setting home run chase of 1998. While not as iconic or valuable as some others from ’87, PSA 10 copies have still topped $1,500. Most well-centered near mint copies trade between $75-150 depending on condition. An important piece of baseball history from the steroid era.

Ozzie Smith (Card #250): Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, Ozzie’s play made him a fan favorite in St. Louis. His smooth fielding style translated well to his Topps cards too. High graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for $400-600. Even well-centered near mints can be had for under $100.

Wade Boggs (Card #259): The hitting machine known for his meticulous routine, Boggs was in his prime with Boston in ’87. High graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range have topped $200 due to his Hall of Fame status. Most well-centered near mints trade between $30-60 depending on sharpness.

Kirby Puckett (Card #276): Already showing signs of his elite hitting for Minnesota, Puckett’s ’87 is a key Twins card from the era. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $400 while most nice near mints go for $75-150 based on centering. He was well on his way to Cooperstown at this point.

Roger Clemens (Card #284): One of the most dominant pitchers ever, Clemens’ Red Sox card established him as a young staff ace. PSA 10s have topped $300 due to his pitching prowess and Hall of Fame career. Most well-centered near mints trade between $50-100.

Dwight Gooden (Card #294): Already a Cy Young winner for the Mets, Doc Gooden’s ’87 cemented his status as one of the game’s best power pitchers. PSA 10s have sold for over $200 while most nice near mints go for $40-80. He was must-see TV during his dominant run.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #298): Not yet the Iron Man, Ripken was already a fan favorite and All-Star for Baltimore. PSA 10s have topped $150 since he broke Gehrig’s record. Most well-centered near mints trade between $30-60. He was on his way to greatness.

Orel Hershiser (Card #305): After his record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988, Hershiser became a household name. PSA 10s have topped $150 while most nice near mints go for $30-60 based on centering. A key Dodgers star from the late ’80s.

Don Mattingly (Card #310): The smooth swinging Yankee first baseman, Mattingly was already a superstar in pinstripes by 1987. PSA 10s have sold for over $150 while most nice near mints go for $30-60. He was must-see TV during his peak years in the Bronx.

Nolan Ryan (Card #315): Even at age 40, Ryan was still overpowering hitters as one of baseball’s true icons. PSA 10s have topped $150 while most well-centered near mints trade between $30-60. A true legend of the game by this point.

Jose Canseco (Card #328): Canseco’s rookie established him as one of baseball’s first true power hitters. PSA 10s have topped $150 while most nice near mints go for $30-60. He helped usher in the steroid era in Oakland.

Tom Glavine (Card #357): Glavine’s rookie showed his potential as a crafty lefty for the Braves. PSA 10s have sold for over $100 while most nice near mints go for $20-40. He went on to a Hall of Fame career as an ace for Atlanta’s dynasty teams.

Dennis Eckersley (Card #362): Already a 20-game winner, Eck’s card showed his dominance prior to his move to the bullpen. PSA 10s have topped $100 while most nice near mints go for $20-40 based on centering. A true pitching great of the late ’80s.

Rickey Henderson (Card #368): Already a prolific base stealer, Rickey’s speed translated well to his ’87 design. PSA 10s have sold for over $100 while most nice near mints go for $20-40. He was must-see TV stealing bases for Oakland.

While print runs were huge during the junk wax era, these stand out as the true stars, rookies, and most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards to hunt down. Even in lower grades, they represent important pieces of baseball history from one of the most iconic sets from the 1980s. For serious collectors, finding high quality PSA 10 Gems of stars like Griffey, Bonds, and McGwire can be true blue chip trophies.