The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. While it may lack the star power of some other years, the ’87 Topps set endures as a fan favorite due to its sharp design elements and memorable rookie cards. With over 600 total cards to collect, values can vary widely depending on factors like player, condition, and parallels. Let’s take an in-depth look at pricing trends for some of the top 1987 Topps cards.
To start, the set is centered around a trio of future Hall of Famers in their rookie seasons: Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. In gem mint (GM) 10 condition, Larkin PSA/DNA sells for around $150-200, boosted by his status as the set’s lone shortstop rookie card. Maddux and Glavine each pull $100-150 in the same grade due to their decades of success and recent inductions. Condition is critical, as even a point lower to a PSA 9 drops Maddux to the $50-75 range. All three hold value relatively well across the spectrum.
Another highly sought card is Mark McGwire’s rookie, currently $75-125 in PSA 10 condition. ‘Big Mac’ was already displaying his prodigious power with 24 homers in his age 22 season, foreshadowing his records to come. Ken Griffey Jr.’s pre-rookie is also found here, selling for $50-100 in top shape due to his future stardom. Bo Jackson’s baseball/football dual sport RC goes for a similar $50-100 range as well, with his career cut short adding appeal.
Beyond rookies, superstars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Roger Clemens typically sell in the $25-50 range if graded mint. Top condition Frank Thomas and Terry Pendleton rookie cards can reach the $40-75 territory. Notables like Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, and Andy Van Slyke hold solid $15-30 value levels. Even mid-range talents like Mitch Webster and Mark Williamson have found $10-15 price points.
In terms of parallels, the 1986/87 Donruss set mirror images are easily identifiable and sell briskly. The photo negative versions also spark interest. Going deeper, Glossy/Foilstamp parallels, Box Topper rebates, and SP variations also exist in limited numbers. These parallel cards usually sell for 2-5x the value of the base version in similar condition grades.
Condition, as always, is king. A pristine PSA 10 will usually outsell a PSA 9 on eBay by 30-50%, sometimes even double in price. On the flip side, simply crossing from a solid PSA 7 or 8 all the way down to a lowly PSA 4-5 can destroy 90% or more of a card’s worth. Centering, edges and corners take the biggest hits in grading. Proper mounting and safe storage is key to preserving these vintage cardboard treasures.
The 1987 Topps baseball set remains an affordable yet rewarding collecting experience. With iconic rookies and stars across many teams, options abound for budget-minded hobbyists looking to build complete sets or target favorite players. Condition-sensitive grading magnifies values at the top-end, but mid-tier gems are still plentiful for wallet-friendly prices. For those seeking investment potential or nostalgia thrills, the ’87 Topps issue continues to satisfy on multiple levels over 30 years after its original release. Condition, parallels, inserts and luck of the draw will inevitably shape the destiny of individual cards, but the full set itself has earned a rightful place among the pantheon of iconic sports card sets.
