The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While the vast majority of cards from that year can be obtained for under $10, there are several highly coveted rookie cards and legends of the game that have exponentially increased in value over the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1987 Topps baseball cards that routinely sell for thousands, and in some cases tens of thousands, of dollars.
Perhaps the two most expensive cards from the 1987 Topps set are rookie cards of Hall of Fame pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Both played their entire careers for the Atlanta Braves dynasty of the 1990s-2000s and were instrumental to the team’s success. Maddux’s rookie card has consistently sold for over $10,000 in gem mint condition. The smooth, subtle action shot portraying Maddux unleashing a pitch makes it one of the more aesthetically pleasing rookie cards from the era. Meanwhile, Tom Glavine’s rookieCommands prices starting at $6,000-$8,000 for high grade copies. Like Maddux, the photo on Glavine’s card exudes poise and precision as he prepares to throw. Their Hall of Fame careers and roles on beloved Braves teams contribute to heavy demand that drives values high.
Another heavily sought after rookie from 1987 Topps isDodgerspitcherOrel Hershiser. In 1988, Hershiser would go on to set the MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings in a season en route to winning the Cy Young Award and World Series MVP. But in ’87, he was still establishing himself in L.A. His Topps rookie reflects that stage of development – a gritty action shot that forshadows his coming dominance. In top condition this card can go for $3,000-$4,000 based purely on its predictor status and Hershiser’s stellar career achievements.
Rickey Henderson’s 1987 Topps card is very special in its depictions of arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all time. Henderson dominated the decade and his rookie presents him sliding headfirst into third base, the embodiment of his blazing speed and aggressive style on the basepaths. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for up to $2,000. The photo combined with Henderson’s Hall of Fame career and status as a true living legend keep his 1987 Topps rookie highly prized by collectors.
While those names represented future stars, the 1987 set also included legendary veterans still producing at the time likeMike Schmidt,George Brett,andWade Boggs. Schmidt’s card shows him squaring to bunt, underscoring his ability to come through in any situation while flanked by his iconic Phillies uniform and number 20. High grades have exceeded $1,500 due to his status as a true icon of the game and decade. Likewise, George Brett exemplified the Royals during their peak and his controlled batting stance encapsulates his smooth stroke. Pristine copies can reach $1,000. Boggs meanwhile maintained his hitting prowess for theRed Soxand his card highlighting his mechanics at the plate reflects why he was so successful. Near-mint examples have topped $800.
There are a few other noteworthy expensive outliers from the 1987 Topps set. Dwight Gooden’s card portrays “Doc” in the heights of his dominance for the Mets prior to issues off the field. In pristine condition with dazzling photo quality, it can exceed $1,000. Another is the rookie card of Yankeesrookie shortstopSpencer Willard, which has gained value purely due to its statistical rarity. Only 23 copies graded gem mint 10 are known to exist, with one selling for $2,500 recently.
While the vast majority of 1987 Topps baseball cards can be obtained quite reasonably, there are select few high-grade examples featuring all-time player legends and stars that have achieved tremendous collector value. The iconic photos and careers immortalized in the set will ensure cards like Maddux, Glavine, Hershiser, Henderson, Schmidt and others remain hugely desirable for discerning investors and enthusiasts of the era. Few other releases from the 1980s properly capture a specific season quite like the 1987 Topps set.
