The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of collecting. While most cards from the ’87 Topps set trade for only a few dollars, there are some rare and prestigious rookie cards that have achieved astronomical prices at auction. Let’s take an in-depth look at the three most valuable and sought-after ’87 Topps cards on the market today.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#116)
Without question, the crown jewel of the ’87 Topps set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and iconic baseball cards ever produced, Griffey Jr.’s rookie is the undisputed king of the ’87 issue. With its stunning portrait photography and bright memorable design, the card captured Griffey at the very beginning of his storied career. “The Kid” would go on to smash home run records and dazzle fans with his effortless talent and signature smooth left-handed swing.
Naturally, as Griffey’s legend and status grew over the years, so too did demand and prices for his rookie card. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie now commands astronomical sums, consistently breaking records as one of the most valuable modern sports cards ever. In 2021, a PSA 10 sold for an astounding $3.12 million dollars, setting a new auction benchmark. Even raw copies in excellent condition regularly trade hands for well over $100,000. The card’s popularity is a testament to Griffey’s greatness as a player as well as the iconic nature of his rookie design itself. For serious collectors, owning an immaculate Griffey Jr. ’87 Topps rookie is the pinnacle achievement and worthwhile luxury investment.
Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (#206)
While not quite reaching the epic heights of Griffey, the rookie card of Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar from the ’87 Topps set is also an extremely valuable and desirable item. Alomar enjoyed a stellar career that saw him named to 12 All-Star teams while winning a pair of World Series rings and 10 Gold Gloves. His distinguished big league tenure and skills as a five-tool player made Alomar one of the game’s true icons at his position.
Like Griffey, Alomar’s rookie card features captivating action photography that captures the excitement of a promising young star just beginning his journey. The card’s vibrant design has played a big role in its iconic status among collectors. In pristine PSA 10 condition, Alomar rookies now sell in the $30,000-$50,000 range. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent shape can be had for $5,000 or more. While not eclipsing Griffey on the price charts, Alomar’s rookie remains one of the most coveted and blue-chip cards from the vintage ’87 set.
Cecil Fielder Rookie Card (#483)
Rounding out the trio of ’87 Topps big hitters is the rookie card of slugging first baseman Cecil Fielder. Though Fielder didn’t achieve the consistent success or Hall of Fame honors of Griffey or Alomar, his brief peak of dominance made him a highly recognizable star of the early 1990s. In 1990-1991, Fielder led the American League in home runs and RBIs, showcasing prodigious raw power from the left side of the plate.
Fielder’s calling card during his prime years made his rookie card an intriguing investment piece for power-hitting collectors. While far more affordable than the icons above, a PSA 10 Fielder rookie can still trade for $15,000-20,000. Well-centered raw copies in high grades still demand $2,000-5,000 due to relative scarcity. Though short-lived, Fielder’s dominance left an impression and his ’87 Topps issue endures as a coveted trophy piece for those who admired “The Bam Bam” during his home run heroics in Detroit.
In closing, while most ’87 Topps cards remain quite affordable, the rookie offerings of Griffey, Alomar, and Fielder stand tall as true heavyweight champions of the set. Their combination of on-field success, attractive visuals, and investment upside have cemented these three cards as the most valuable and recognizable from the entire 1987 series. For wealthy collectors seeking the bluest of the blue-chip vintage cardboard, a PSA 10 example of Ken Griffey Jr.’s legendary debut remains the undisputed crown jewel of the hobby.
