The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. It was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured 660 total cards including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine. While not the flashiest design compared to some other years, the 1987 Topps set remains a fan favorite due to the talented rookie class and star players featured. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1987 Topps set.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1987 set, Griffey’s rookie is the most coveted card. Often topping Beckett’s monthly price guide, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie recently sold for over $350,000, shattering records. Even well-centered near mint copies trade hands for thousands. Griffey was one of the most exciting young prospects in baseball and his rookie took the hobby by storm, becoming the poster card for the junk wax era.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #126) – While not as valuable as Griffey’s due to lower overall production, Glavine’s rookie is still a key card for any ’87 Topps collection. Copies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $10,000. Glavine went on to become a 300 game winner and 2-time Cy Young award winner for the Atlanta Braves. His rookie remains one of the most iconic pitcher cards from the late 80s/early 90s.
Ozzie Smith (Card #181) – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite known for his acrobatic plays and hustle. His ’87 Topps photo, showing off his smooth glove work, is one of the set’s most iconic images. High grade copies in the $100-200 range are common for this card.
Kirby Puckett (Card #248) – Puckett was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1987 and his fun smiling photo made this one of the set’s most recognizable cards. Near mint copies trade in the $50-100 range.
Dwight Gooden (Card #289) – “Doc” Gooden was the most exciting young pitcher in baseball in 1987 after winning Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the Cy Young award in 1985. His card from this set remains one of his most popular due to his dominant play. Near mint copies can be found for $30-50.
Eric Davis (Card #307) – Davis broke out in 1987 slugging 49 home runs and stealing 50 bases, the first 40/40 season since Jose Canseco in 1988. His impressive stats and photo swinging the bat made this card a popular chase. Near mint copies sell for $15-25.
Don Mattingly (Card #422) – The smooth swinging Yankee first baseman was one of the biggest stars in baseball throughout the 1980s. This fun action shot where he is swinging away became a highly collected card for Mattingly fans. Near mint copies can be found for under $10.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #528) – One of the finest second basemen of all-time, Alomar’s rookie is a key card from the 1987 set. High grade copies have increased in value in recent years to $25-50 range as Alomar’s Hall of Fame career has been recognized.
Other notables from the set include rookies of Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Wally Joyner. Stars like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Mike Schmidt also had popular cards. In recent years, as the players from the 1987 set have continued to shine in Cooperstown and elsewhere, the whole set has gained new appreciation from collectors. The rookie class and star power make 1987 Topps one of the most historically significant and collectible sets from the junk wax era.
While production numbers remain high, the 1987 Topps set endures as a favorite for both casual collectors and investors due to memorable rookie cards, exciting players, and iconic photos. Key cards like Griffey, Glavine, Smith, and Puckett have grown substantially in value. For set builders, a high grade 1987 Topps set is a display piece showcasing one of the most talented rookie classes and all-time great players in baseball history. The combination of on-field performances and nostalgia ensure the 1987 Topps baseball card set will remain a hugely popular vintage release for decades to come.
