The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. It was the 66th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and featured 660 total cards in the base set. Some of the key highlights and most valuable cards from the 1987 Topps set include:
Roger Clemens (#1): The Rocket’s iconic photo of him winding up to throw made his 1987 rookie card extremely popular. In near mint condition, it can fetch over $1,000 due to his Hall of Fame career and status as one of the greatest pitchers ever.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#253): Like Clemens, Griffey’s rookie card featured an action shot and his talent was evident from the start. High-grade versions have sold for well over $1,000 given his popularity and lengthy, impressive career playing for the Mariners and Reds.
Ozzie Smith (#490): The Wizard’s smooth defensive skills were already well known, making his card popular. It remains one of the most iconic defensive players cards ever issued. High-grade copies can reach $500-600.
Mark McGwire (#499): Although not a true rookie card, it was McGwire’s first Topps issue and featured him with the Athletics. It gained value from his record-setting home run chase with Sosa in 1998. Near-mint versions sell for $300-400.
Donruss also produced sets in 1987 but Topps remained the most widely distributed. The design featured a primarily white border with team logo in the bottom corner. All player photos were in action shots, giving the set a lively, exciting feel.
Rated rookies like Clemens, Griffey, and McGwire helped drive interest, along with established stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan. The depth of future Hall of Famers made for an iconic vintage set.
Other notable stars included Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, Kirby Puckett, and Dwight Gooden, all of whom were in or approaching their prime. This gave the set lasting appeal for both collectors and investors.
The gum was a thin, beige-colored stick. While most collectors didn’t chew it, the inclusion of gum was a Topps tradition. Over time, the gum deteriorated which led to card surface issues if not properly stored in toploaders.
The 1987 set had an initial print run estimated between 80-100 million units, fairly large for the time. Demand has remained strong from nostalgic collectors and investors, keeping mint copies scarce.
The design was clean and easy to read at a glance. Teammate duos, action shots, and posed portrait close-ups made for visual interest on each card. Combined with the star power, this led to the set achieving iconic status.
Minor flaws could significantly impact value. Even light surface scratches or dings knock a card’s grade down to “excellent” or below and lower the price accordingly. Top-grade gems remain quite rare and valuable.
In the late 1980s, the baseball card market boomed with speculators and investors driving up prices. The 1987 Topps set benefited greatly, as near-mint flagship rookie cards soared in value. This created lasting interest and demand that continues today.
While price guides today list Clemens and Griffey rookies in the $1,000-2,000 range, true gem mint 10 grades have sold for over $10,000 each. Even commons can reach $50-100 in top-grade. The 1987 Topps set has proven to be one of the best long-term investments in the hobby.
As one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues, the 1987 Topps set remains a must-have for serious collectors. Its star power, memorable designs, and lasting popularity have cemented it as one of the crown jewels of the entire baseball card collecting world. Prices remain high for all levels of collectors, a testament to this hallowed release.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set stands tall among the most desirable vintage issues for its memorable rookie cards, Hall of Fame talents, iconic photography, and lasting influence on the hobby. Strong demand persists for all levels of collectors, making it an excellent long-term investment even for common cards. Top-graded examples of stars like Clemens, Griffey, and McGwire have reached five-figure prices and more. For nostalgia, aesthetic appeal, and investment potential, the 1987 Topps set remains a benchmark achievement in the industry.
