The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of collecting. With original designs and rookies of future Hall of Famers, the 1987 Donruss set captured the excitement of the sport during arguably its most popular period of the late 1980s. While common cards from the set can often be found for under $1 in worn condition, the true gems have escalated greatly in value since the set’s original release over 30 years ago. Here are some of the most coveted and expensive 1987 Donruss baseball cards to look out for:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1)
Perhaps the most legendary rookie card of all time, Griffey’s iconic 1987 Donruss issue outshines all others from the set. Considered the best all-around player of his generation, Griffey was a surefire star from the moment he stepped onto the big league field. His infectious smile and effortless talents resonated with fans of all ages. With its clean and colorful design showcasing “The Kid,” this rookie is the crown jewel of any collection. In pristine mint condition, it can demand over $10,000. Even well-centered near mint copies frequently sell for thousands on the secondary market. The Griffey rookie is not only the top card from the ’87 Donruss set, but also widely recognized as the most valuable modern-era baseball card period.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #335)
As one of three Hall of Fame pitchers from the Atlanta Braves dominant rotations of the 1990s, Glavine put together a stellar 22-year career. His rookie card stands out not just for Glavine’s accomplishments, but also its sheer scarcity. Even in worn condition it can sell for $100 due to low pop reports. Getting a copy in near mint or better is extremely difficult, with examples sometimes going for over $1,000. For Braves fans and true Glavine collectors, this rookie provides a rare and important piece of memorabilia from one of the game’s most consistent lefty aces.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #546)
Much like Glavine, Maddux turned in a highly decorated Hall of Fame career primarily with the Braves in the 1990s. Also like his rotation-mate, Maddux’s rookie card is exceedingly scarce in high grades. Even worn copies can sell for $50-100 based on popularity alone. Near mint examples command $500-1000, with pristine mint rookies bringing over $2000. During baseball card boom periods of the late 80s/early 90s, the Maddux rookie was notoriously difficult to pull from packs. Its rarity and significance make it a true treasure for any collection. For Chicago Cubs fans, it also represents the beginning of Maddux’s first successful stint before joining Atlanta.
Barry Bonds Rookie Card (Card #574)
As one of the most prolific and controversial sluggers in baseball history, Barry Bonds’ rookie card remains a vital and storied piece of memorabilia. His rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates showed the raw talent and athleticism that would blossom Bonds into the all-time home run king. Even in worn condition, examples sell for $50-100 based on nostalgia and historical importance. Near mint copies escalate to $500-1000 range, with pristine gems reaching $2000-4000. The 1987 Donruss design portrays an innocent young Bonds before controversy, capturing arguably the most talented player of all time at the dawn of his career. This iconic rookie will always be a centerpiece in the hobby.
Bo Jackson Rookie Card (Card #85)
While Jackson’s brief MLB tenure didn’t result in Hall of Fame enshrinement like the others, his legendary athleticism and “Bo Knows” popularity make his rookie one of the most sought after in the set. The explosive talents he showed in both baseball and football created a cultural sensation. Even beaten up low-grade copies hold value at $20-50 based on nostalgia and fame alone. Near mint examples easily fetch $100-200, with pristine mint copies reaching $500-1000 levels. For many, the Bo Jackson rookie encapsulates the fun, excitement and raw potential of 1980s sports culture in a single piece of cardboard. Its blend of scarcity and pop culture legacy gives it top billing amongst celebrity rookies.
In addition to headlining rookies, other factors make high-grade 1987 Donruss cards very valuable to collectors. The overall design feels very 1980s but remains clean and allows the photography to shine. Well-centered imaging without toning or flaws increases scarcity significantly in top condition. The set also featured budding young talents like Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, and Jerome Walton on the verge of breakthrough campaigns. And veteran superstars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan kept collectors interested in chasing star power.
While the true untouchable treasures are the above rookie cards in pristine gem mint condition, there are plenty of other worthwhile expensive cards in the 1987 Donruss set. Stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson have valuable cards both for their huge careers and tougher pulls in high state of preservation. Regional parallels like San Diego or California cards that feature hometown starsTony Gwynn or Mark McGwire command premiums. And oddball statistical or photo variation cards command big bucks for unique quirks within the set design.
In the over 30 years since its original release, the 1987 Donruss baseball set has cemented its status as a true monument in the hobby. Its perfect storm of all-time talent, memorable designs, and inherent scarcity has kept it culturally relevant while valuations have skyrocketed to new heights. For collectors, teams, and investors, hunting the big ticket cards featured within like the Griffey, Glavine, and Bonds rookies has become a long term quest. The 1987 Donruss set will undoubtedly stand the test of time as one of the most important financialassets and culturally signficant baseball card issues ever made.
