The 1987 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic rookies and stars in the game. While the 1980s boom was coming to an end, ’87 cards are still highly collectible today due to featuring young talent like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux in their early careers. Several cards from sets like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss have increased tremendously in value over the past few decades.
One of the most valuable 1987 cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most talented players of his generation and his smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite. His rookie is regarded as one of the greatest of all time. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, Griffey’s rookie commonly sells for over $10,000 and has reached as high as $34,000 in auction. The card gained immense value thanks to Griffey’s storied career that led him to the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Another rookie card that has exploded in value is Barry Bonds’ 1987 Topps card. Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record and won a record seven MVP awards, making his rookie one of the most significant ever issued. In gem mint condition, the Bonds rookie has sold for upwards of $30,000. While his career was clouded by steroid allegations, there’s no denying he was one of baseball’s most dominant players ever.
Greg Maddux’s rookie card from 1987 is also highly coveted. Maddux was one of the best pitchers of his generation, winning four Cy Young Awards and cementing his Hall of Fame case. High grade copies of his rookie have sold for over $15,000. Mark McGwire also had his rookie card included in 1987 Topps, before he went on to smash the single-season home run record. Pristine examples trade hands for $5,000-10,000.
Another key star that appeared in 1987 fleer was Frank Thomas, who had one of the longest and most productive careers of any hitter during the 1990s and 2000s. His off-center rookie card is a very desired item grading a gem mint 10, recently selling at auction for over $25,000. Will Clark also had his rookie card debut in 1987 Fleer, which has climbed up to around the $1,500 mark in top condition due to his outstanding peak from 1986-1993.
While rookies tend to dominate the conversation for valuable 1987 cards, there are several stars whose cards gained significant worth decades after issue. Among them is Nolan Ryan’s 1987 Topps Traded card, which portrays him pitching for the Astros after starting that season with the Mets in one of the most memorable player trades ever. High grade copies routinely sell for well over $1,000 since Ryan cemented his status as one of history’s greatest pitchers.
Additionally, Rickey Henderson’s 1987 Topps Traded update card jumps out as one of the most sought after from the set in top condition. As arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, Henderson’s lively on-card portrait and dominant play during the late 1980s have vaulted this version of his card above $5,000. Baltimore Orioles fans also love to collect the epic 1987 Topps Gwynn/Ripken/Murray subgroup, which pictures the trio that powered the Birds to victory in the 1983 World Series.
While the baseball card market underwent a boom and bust cycle throughout the 1980s, the talent and subjects featured in 1987 sets have ensured they remain a focus for collectors. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Bonds, and Maddux lead the way in value, with exceptional copies of star veterans like Ryan and Henderson also commanding impressive price tags. For combining iconic rookies with established legends, 1987 is still regarded as one of the greatest vintage release years in the modern trading card era. Condition sensitive but abundantly exciting to examine decades later, these cardboard pieces from ’87 hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors.
