The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable sets from the 1980s. With 792 total cards issued, the ’87 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and some rare chase cards that have stood the test of time as highly coveted pieces in the modern vintage card market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1987 Topps cards that have sold for the highest prices over the years due to their stellar rookies, hall of famers, and short printed parallels.
Kenny Lofton Rookie Card #402 – Lofton debuted with the 1987 Cleveland Indians and went on to become a six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner during his 17 year career. His rookie card from the ’87 Topps set has consistently been one of the most sought after and high selling cards from the entire release. InNear Mint to Mint condition, Lofton rookie cards in recent years have sold for upwards of $500 quite easily. Graded cards that reach PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label grade have exceeded $1,000 with the right bidding war.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card #388 – Maddux burst on the scene with the Chicago Cubs in 1986 and cemented himself as one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. His ’87 Topps rookie is a true Holy Grail for collectors and investors alike. Even well-centered, nicely graded PSA/BGS 9 copies can command $400-$600 in today’s market. But flawless PSA 10 and Black Label specimens have shattered the $2,000 barrier on more than one occasion. The Maddux rookie remains the crown jewel of any ’87 Topps collection.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card #149 – Bonds was already developing into a superstar by 1987 in just his third big league season. His rookie card stands out not just for his eventual Hall of Fame career, but also for its short printing that makes high grade copies quite rare. Even in EX/NM condition, Bonds rookies sell for $150-$250. However, PSA/BGS 9s bring $400+ and perfect 10s have reached amazing prices between $1,500-$2,000.
Eric Davis Rookie Card #233 – Davis was a five-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion during his career. His ’87 Topps RC POP stands at approximately 1 per 1500 packs. Pristine PSA 10 examples rarely trade hands for under $500, while PSA 9s hold value of $250-350. This was Davis’ official rookie issue so it remains one of the key Cincinnati Reds cards from the set.
Bo Jackson Rookie Card #652 – One of the most feared and exciting players of his era, Bo Jackson’s brief but powerful career still captivates fans today. His ’87 Topps rookie is a big chase for both vintage collectors and those interested in the athlete himself. Even well-centered near mint unsigned examples can achieve $100+. But PSA/BGS 9s often sell between $250-$350. Grading just takes this card to new heights, with PSA/BGS 10s trading over $500 with consistency.
Mark McGwire Rookie Card #683 – Before McGwire broke the single season home run record, collectors were snatching up his ’87 Topps rookie card as one of the premier power-hitting prospects in the game. Pristine PSA 10s hold steady around the $300-400 price point. Very strong PSA 9 copies can sell between $150-$250. There are fewer true gem mint 10 copies in existence than other top rookies from the ’87 set due to centering challenges on McGwire’s card.
Ozzie Smith Gold #’d /1981 – One of just 60 gold parallels produced, this scarce Ozzie Smith parallel numbered to /1981 was issued to commemorate the year he was drafted. In pristine condition it can be considered the true short print holy grail of the ’87 Topps set. Just a few years ago an auction brought over $11,000 for a perfect PSA 10 example, showcasing just how significant unobtainable parallels like this have become for advanced collectors.
Cal Ripken Jr. Super Short Print #132 – Ripken’s base card was fairly scarce as one per 18 packs versus the standard 1 per 6 packs for most. But this parallel variation took scarcity to a whole new level, believed to be printed at 1 per 150 packs or less. Any high grade example in a respected third party holder often sells in the $500-750 range due to its incredible rarity and subject.
Other strong selling HOF’er RCs include Tom Glavine, David Justice, and Chuck Knoblauch. Stars like Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson also have desirable base cards. The ’87 Topps set provide an amazing time capsule of the players who defined 1980s baseball. Many of these cards have only increased in notoriety and price over the decades following their initial issue. For dedicated collectors, putting together high quality versions of these elite rookies and parallels remain a long term quest and sound investment in the vintage market.
