The 1987 Topps baseball card set is highly collectible and cards from this year generally hold value relatively well compared to other late 80s/early 90s releases. The 1987 set features 660 total cards including base cards, stars, rookies, and inserts. Some key things that impact the value of a 1987 Topps set include the condition/grade of the cards, the presence of stars or highly sought after rookies, and whether it is a complete or partial set.

In terms of condition, the most valuable 1987 Topps sets would be PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 graded sets where every single card is in pristine flawless condition. Complete 1987 Topps Gem Mint 10 sets in professionally slabs have recently sold for around $5,000-8,000. Most raw (ungraded) complete sets in near mint to mint condition with no flaws, creases, or damage would conservatively sell in the $800-1,200 range. For a raw complete set in well-centered very good to excellent condition, you’re looking at $400-700 currently. Partial sets of a few hundred cards or less that are complete through a certain player/year would be worth considerably less depending on what cards are included.

The presence of star players and valuable rookie cards can also boost the value of a 1987 Topps set substantially. Some key stars and rookies from the 1987 set that add value include Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., Mark McGwire, Chuck Finley, and Eric Davis for the stars. For rookies, some of the most desirable include Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, Kenny Lofton, Moises Alou, and Todd Van Poppel. A Nolan Ryan or Cal Ripken Jr. flagship card in near mint condition could add $25-50 alone to the value. A PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas or Jeff Bagwell rookie could potentially increase the value of a whole set by several hundred dollars depending on the grade.

Another thing that should be considered is the scarcity and quality control issues associated with some 1987 Topps cards. The Mark McGwire and Wally Joyner rookie cards are considered among the most scarce and valuable in the set due to reported printing errors resulting in significantly fewer produced. Both rookies grades of PSA 10 have sold for upwards of $1,000 each. The Greg Briley checklist error card missing the player’s last name is also particularly rare and sought after. Demand for the 1987 Topps set remains strong due to the combination of star power, top rookie talent, and nostalgia associated with cards from the late 80s.

A complete 1987 Topps baseball card set in Mint-Near Mint graded condition could conservatively be valued around $5,000-8,000 currently if received top PSA/BGS grades. Most raw complete sets in excellent centered very good or better condition sell in the $400-1,200 range on average. The presence of especially valuable key rookie cards like Frank Thomas or stars like Nolan Ryan could easily increase the value by hundreds. Partial sets are worth substantially less depending on inclusion and quality of particular cards. Vintage 1980s sets like 1987 Topps remain a worthwhile long-term investment for serious baseball collectors.