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PRICE GUIDE FOR 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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1987 was a historic year for Topps baseball cards as the company produced their 75th anniversary set featuring special designs and photo variations to commemorate the occasion. Prices for cards from the 1987 Topps baseball card set vary quite a bit depending on the player, condition of the card, and specific variations. Certain star rookies and Hall of Fame players command top dollar while common players can still be found for under $1 in worn condition. Knowing which cards are rare and command the highest values is important when using price guides to value your 1987 Topps collection.

Some of the top price guide values for key 1987 Topps rookie cards in near mint to mint condition include Ken Griffey Jr. ($150-$250), Mark McGwire ($75-$125), Greg Maddux ($50-$100), and Trevor Hoffman ($30-$60). Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic and desirable of the 1980s which has helped drive up its price significantly over the years. Other stars whose Topps rookie cards carry four figure values include Tom Glavine ($1,000-$2,000), David Justice ($500-$1,000), and Michael Tucker ($300-$600).

Hall of Fame players who were already established stars in 1987 also have some of the higher valued cards, such as Wade Boggs ($100), Rickey Henderson ($75), and Ozzie Smith ($50) in mint condition. Rare short print variations that are tougher to find can push the Boggs, Henderson, and Smith values even higher. Special parallel photo variations of stars like Wade Boggs in a batting pose variation have recently sold for over $500 in graded mint condition.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are several other categories of key cards that maintain strong demand and higher values in the 1987 Topps set. Error cards containing wrong photos, misspellings, or statistical errors are highly sought after. One such error is the Mike Witt card featuring fellow Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill’s photo which has sold for over $800. Also popular are the career milestone or achievement cards relating to big career moments like Mike Schmidt’s 500th home run or Nolan Ryan’s 5000th strikeout. These anniversary parallel variations often sell in the $75-$150 range.

Subset cards like Golden Greats saluting all-time greats like Willie Mays, the Topps All-Star Rookies subset, and the League Leader subset also routinely fetch $20 or more for star players in pristine condition. One of the toughest cards to find from the league leaders subset is the Tim Raines stolen base leader parallel which could be worth $400 or more in a PSA 10 gem mint grade. Other key insert subsets include the Diamond Kings parallels commemorating diamond anniversaries like the 35th season additions.

Of course, predicting the prices for any vintage sports card set involves considering multiple factors like the individual players, specific variations,popularity trends over time, and overall condition and grading of the card. But price guides provide a general sense of the highest dollar values collectors are currently paying to obtain some of the most critically acclaimed and condition sensitive cards from the 1987 Topps football set in today’s market. With the hobby’s continued growth, prices for many of these key cards may climb even higher in the future as more collectors pursue complete vintage Topps sets from the 1980s.

When using price guides to value your 1987 Topps cards, it’s important to also check recent sales data on websites like eBay to account for natural ebbs and flows in the market. And always factor in the card’s true condition grade when comparing to the guide’s Near Mint or Mint price point listings. But guides are a solid starting resource for getting a general idea of which 1987 cards command the top dollar amounts from seasoned collectors and could prove to be wise long term investments.

MOST VALUED 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most coveted issues in the modern era by collectors. While it lacked some of the true rookie cards of legendary players seen in sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the ’87 Topps release featured several young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. As a result, many of the top rookie and star cards from that set have skyrocketed in value over the past 30+ years.

Perhaps the most sought-after and valuable card from the 1987 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless style of play made him a fan favorite throughout his career. His debut Topps card, featuring him in a Seattle Mariners uniform, has become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the ’87 checklist. In top gem mint condition, Griffey rookies have sold for over $100,000 and typically fetch thousands of dollars even in well-worn copies. The card’s scarcity also contributes to its premium – Griffey’s rookie card had one of the lowest print runs of any in the set.

Another gigantic whale from the 1987 release is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” established himself as one of the best pure hitters in MLB history during his Hall of Fame career primarily spent with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas smashed 521 home runs and racked up a career .301 average and .419 on-base percentage. High-grade copies of his Topps rookie in White Sox duds have reached the $15,000 range, while most graded examples still command four-figure prices due to his elite statistical profile.

The 1987 Topps set also presented rookie cards for a pair of other two-time MVPs and future Cooperstown inductees – Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. While Bonds’ cardboard debut didn’t feature him in his more famous Pittsburgh Pirates uniform, his prodigious talent was already on full display and apparent on his rookie card as a San Francisco Giant. PSA 10 Bonds rookies have recently brought over $11,000 at auction. McGwire’s first Topps issue is nearly as coveted, not only because of his 70 HR season with Oakland but also his memorable home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998 that helped revive national interest in baseball. Near-mint McGwire rookies stay north of $5,000.

In addition to multiple Hall of Fame-caliber rookies, the ’87 Topps set contains several highly-valued star cards that have endured and appreciated dramatically. For instance, the Kirby Puckett card has become beloved thanks to his pivotal role in Minnesota’s World Series championships and cheerful demeanor. Pristine Puckett cards have exceeded $10,000. Likewise, the Derek Jeter rookie has grown to six-figure status despite not truly being his first cardboard appearance – partly because he symbolized the resurgence of the New York Yankees franchise in the late 1990s.

The 1987 baseball card allure also extends to other legendary players featured prominently in the set near the height of their powers. Update or traded issue versions of the Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith cards routinely earn four figures. The Nolan Ryan expressionless portrait frequently tops $500 due to his inimitable longevity and strikeout records. As one of the most accomplished right-handed hurlers ever, a mint Ryan card remains a cherished piece of memorabilia for both casual and diehard collectors.

In the decades since its initial run, the allure and mystique of the 1987 Topps baseball card set has grown tremendously. While it may lack some of the true pioneer rookie cards of the 1950s-1960s, it remains one of the most valuable modern issues and contains the cardboard debuts of multiple icons who would define the sport for generations to come. Keys like the Griffey, Thomas, McGwire, and Bonds rookies are predictably at the epicenter of the set’s stratospheric values. But several star cards have also achieved legendary status on their own due to indelible player performances and careers after 1987. As the vintage card market only expands, flagship Topps releases like ’87 are sure to retain immense interest and desirability, even well into the 21st century.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS OF 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was unique in that it featured many star players who would go on to have hugely successful careers and whose rookie cards would become extremely valuable in the decades that followed. Some of the most coveted and expensive 1987 Topps cards today include stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Randy Johnson. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the ’87 set that fetch big money in the current trading card market.

Perhaps the most notable and valuable rookie card from the 1987 Topps set is that of Hall of Famer Barry Bonds. Bonds made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986 and had established himself as one of baseball’s top young outfielders by 1987. While not spectacular in his rookie season, Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history, smashing the all-time home run record and winning a record seven MVP awards. In top-graded Gem Mint condition, Bonds’ 1987 Topps rookie card presently sells for $15,000 or more. Even well-worn near-mint copies still pull in thousands.

Another legendary slugger whose rookie card debuts in the ’87 Topps set is Mark McGwire. Like Bonds, McGwire got his start in 1986 but 1987 was his official rookie card year. McGwire burst onto the scene by blasting 49 home runs in his first full season in 1987 to set a new MLB rookie record. He would go on to have one of the biggest power strokes in baseball history, breaking Roger Maris’ single season home run record along with Sammy Sols in 1998. High-grade 1987 McGwire rookie cards sell for $8,000-$10,000 today.

Two other formidable power hitters whose rookie cards rank among the most valuable from the 1987 Topps set are Gregg Jefferies and Juan Gonzalez. Jefferies came up with the Mets in 1987 and showed prodigious power potential by smacking 19 home runs as a 21-year old rookie. Top graded PSA 10 Jefferies rookie cards sell for $3,000-$4,000 now. Meanwhile, Gonzalez made his debut with the Rangers in 1989 but his official rookie card came in 1987 Topps. “Juando” would go on to hit 373 career home runs, including 50 in 1998. His scarce ’87 rookie fetches $2,500-$3,000.

On the pitching side, future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux had his rookie card appearance in 1987 Topps. Maddux broke in with the Cubs in 1986 but 1987 marked his true rookie status. He would dominate over two decades, winning 355 games to go along with 4 Cy Young Awards. High-grade Maddux rookies sell for $1,500-$2,000 currently. Another notable pitcher rookie from the ’87 set is Tom Glavine’s. Like Maddux, Glavine debuted in 1986 but 1987 was his first card year. Glavine emerged as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever, winning 305 games and 2 Cy Youngs across 22 seasons. His rookie exchanges hands for $1,000-$1,500.

One of the most dominant pitchers of the 1990s also had his rookie card year in 1987 Topps – Randy Johnson. “The Big Unit” broke in with the Montreal Expos late in the 1988 season but 1987 was when Topps first featured him on a baseball card as a prospect in the Expos organization. Johnson would develop into a legendary 6’10” flamethrower, piling up 303 wins and 5 Cy Young trophies in his Hall of Fame career. Near-mint Johnson rookies cost $800-$1,000 presently.

In addition to star rookies, the 1987 Topps set also featured valuable cards of established superstars of the era like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith. High-grade copies of their main ’87 Topps cards sell for $300-$700 each depending on condition. The 1987 Topps baseball card set stands out for featuring so many future Hall of Famers and MVP-caliber players early in their careers. The rookie cards of talents like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, and Randy Johnson make the 1987 issues highly desirable for collectors today.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS OF VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it does not contain rookie cards of future all-time greats like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, or Tom Glavine, there are still several key cards that can bring in big money for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards that can really boost the value of any collection.

One of the true gems of the 1987 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and is still regarded as one of the most talented outfielders to ever play the game. His smooth swing and effortless style in center field made him a fan favorite for many years. The Griffey rookie is widely considered the key card from the 1987 Topps set. In near-mint to mint condition, examples can sell for over $1,000. Well-centered copies in gem mint 10 grade have been known to fetch upwards of $3,000.

Another huge name and highly sought-after rookie is the 1987 Barry Larkin issue. Larkin was a terrific all-around shortstop who won an MVP award in 1995 with the Cincinnati Reds. He combined solid hitting ability with elite defense and base running skills. The Larkin rookie is very scarce in high grades due to print issues. A pristine Near Mint-Mint 8 copy in a third-party holder could sell for around $500-$600. A BGS or PSA 10 gem is truly a trophy card worth $1,000 or more for serious Larkin PC collectors.

Staying on the theme of future Hall of Famers, the Nolan Ryan card from the 1987 Topps set is also extremely valuable. Ryan was already a legend by this point in his career but hadn’t yet notched career win number 300. He would continue intimidating batters with his blazing fastball well into his 40s. High grade Ryan rookies from his early 1966 Topps days are out of reach financially for most. His 1987 issue offers collectors a very affordable alternative. Examples in NM-MT 8 condition can be found for $100-150.

One of the more interesting rookie cards to track down from 1987 Topps is that of Mark McGwire. By the late 1980s, McGwire was already showing signs of the incredible raw power that would make him a multi-time home run champion. His rookie has taken on added significance in light of the steroid era. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies in modern slabs are very scarce and can demand over $1,000 given McGwire’s infamous legacy in the sport’s record books. Even lower graded examples still trade hands for a couple hundred bucks.

Switching gears to pitching staff aces, the Fernando Valenzuela card is a standout from the 1987 checklist. “Fernandomania” had taken Los Angeles by storm earlier in the decade and he was cementing his status as one of baseball’s most dominating hurlers. High grades of his 1987 issue don’t come around too often. Near-mint to mint 8s in a third-party holder have sold for $250. Anything obtaining that elusive pristine BGS/PSA 10 black label pops up even more rarely and would bring an absolute premium for serious Fernando collectors.

Last but not least, the set is also made much more collectible and valuable thanks to the inclusion of veteran superstars still producing at an all-time caliber. One such card is that of Wade Boggs with the Boston Red Sox. The “Hitting Machine” was a five-time batting champ and would go on to amass over 3,000 hits for his career. His 1987 issue doesn’t have the true “investment” potential of the rookies mentioned, but it’s still a widely popular card amongst Red Sox and Boggs PC collectors. Clean examples can still pull in $75-$100 even today.

While the 1987 Topps baseball set may lack some huge modern stars in their rookie seasons, it still holds great nostalgia and investment upside thanks to gems like the Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, Nolan Ryan and Fernando Valenzuela issues. For completionists, iconic veterans like Wade Boggs also add collecting pop. With a combination of these key cards and prudent grading, a 1987 Topps baseball collection can truly gain tremendous long-term value. It represents a classic 1980s release that any serious vintage or team set builder would welcome into their portfolios.

1987 MINNESOTA TWINS TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Minnesota Twins Topps baseball card set is notable for capturing an exciting season where the Twins won the American League Western Division pennant. The Topps company had been producing thorough Major League Baseball card sets year after year to commemorate each season. For 1987, Topps included flagship cards for every player on the Twins’ 40-man roster at the time.

Some key players featured prominently in the set included starting pitchers Frank Viola and Bert Blyleven, who anchored the Twins’ rotation. Both had terrific seasons and played a large role in the team’s success. Viola won the Cy Young Award after going 20-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 1987. It was a career year for the lefty. Blyleven continued his strong late-career performance by going 17-9 with a 3.45 ERA and 162 strikeouts as the team’s ace. Their cards aptly depict their important roles on that championship contender squad.

Position player cards of note included catcher Tom Nieto, who batted .300 in a backup role but was an excellent defender and catcher for the staff. Third baseman Gary Gaetti had a breakout season, leading the league in extra-base hits and finishing sixth in MVP voting after posting a .278 average with 28 home runs and 105 RBI. His card shows him in the midst of a powerful swing that epitomized his production that year. Center fielder Kirby Puckett also had a signature campaign, batting .297 with 14 home runs and 88 RBI in helping lead the Twins offense.

Manager Tom Kelly’s card is also a standout as it captures the skipper in the midst of animated discussion with an umpire, representative of his feisty personality in guiding the Twins to deep playoff runs. Kelly would go on to be quite successful as the Twins’ manager throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Backup catcher Rick Lysander also received notoriety due to his unique batting stance card image, bent over at an extreme angle reminiscent of batting practice takes in the cage.

Rookies and prospects rated cards as well, such as pitcher Allan Anderson who made his major league debut in 1987 and went 6-8 with a 3.86 ERA in 21 games. Other youngsters like infielder Tim Teufel and pitcher Brad Havens received cards highlighting their potential despite having seen limited major league action up to that point. Even long reliever Ron Romanick, who did not make an appearance for the Twins in ’87, was given a card as he remained on the Twin Cities roster.

The standard team logos, team name fonts, and card color/design from that era are all well represented. The 1987 Topps set delivers traditional nostalgia while also signifying an optimistic time of contention for the Minnesota franchise. The backdrop images used for many players are from Met Stadium, the Twins’ home field through the 1981 season before moving to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Met Stadium had since been demolished but remained a source of familiarity and baseball history for Twin Cities fans.

Of course, the reverse side of each card contained statistics, career highlights, and fun facts about the players from the 1986 season and earlier points in their careers. Things like birthdates, handedness, and rookie season information were consistently listed. Pitcher cards contained full season-by-season loglines listing won-loss records, ERA and innings totals. Hitter cards focused more on season batting stats. This data tracking of player progression proved engaging for collectors to research and compare players year over year.

Although 1987 concluded with a disappointing American League Championship Series loss to the Detroit Tigers, that twins squad laid the groundwork for consistent contention throughout the late 80s and early 90s. Topps helpfully commemorated its key performers through this flagship 1987 set. While not quite making the timeless upper echelons of rookie cards for players like Puckett or Blyleven, they retain plenty of nostalgia and affordability for Twin Cities enthusiasts and baseball memorabilia appreciators. With sharp photography and representation of that competitive ’87 team, it stands as one of the more historically notable Topps releases for Minnesota baseball fans.

VALUABLE 1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the 1980s. Fleer was the only company to produce baseball cards in 1987 after Topps lost its license. This resulted in a unique and highly coveted release that contained several highly sought after rookie cards and error variants that continue to attract attention from collectors decades later.

One of the most notable rookies included was Ken Griffey Jr.’s debut card. Griffey emerged as one of the greatest players of his generation and his rookie quickly became one of the most valuable modern baseball cards. In gem mint condition, Griffey’s ’87 Fleer rookie regularly sells for well over $1000 and there is constant demand from collectors trying to add this iconic card to their collection. Another impact rookie was Barry Bonds, who also debuted with Fleer in ’87. While not as valuable as Griffey currently, Bonds’ rookie remains quite sought after given his all-time great career.

In addition to rookie stars, the ’87 Fleer set featured several error variants that captured the attention of the card collecting community. One of the major errors was the inclusion of San Diego Padres starting pitcher Rick Rhoden on his Minnesota Twins card. Rhoden was traded from Minnesota to San Diego prior to the ’87 season but his Twins information mistakenly made it onto his Fleer card. Only a small number of these “Rhoden Twins” errors are known to exist and they can sell for thousands in mint condition.

Another notable error was Mark Langston’s card mistakenly featuring Angels information despite being traded mid-season to the Montreal Expos. Like the Rhoden error, the Langston Angels card is extremely rare and holds great value. Fleer also mistakenly left off Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill’s last name on his card. Known as the “McCaskill Nameless” error, around a dozen are believed to exist and have sold for over $10,000 each.

Beyond rookies and errors, several other ’87 Fleer stars hold significant value. Arguably the most iconic baseball card of the 1980s is the Fleer update issue of Ken Griffey Jr. where he is shown wearing a Seattle Mariners cap despite never playing a game for the team. Nicknamed the “Griffey Mariners” error, each one that pops up on the market seems to break records, with the highest sale to date being over $100,000.

Other star cards that remained quite valuable decades later include Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Dwight Gooden. All of these players emerged as some of the best hitters and pitchers of the late 80s/early 90s and their ’87 Fleer rookie or base cards typically sell for hundreds or even over $1000 for gem mint quality.

Of course, no discussion of iconic ’87 Fleer cards would be complete without mentioning the complete set. With just 379 cards in the base issue, completing the entire ’87 Fleer run in Near Mint to Mint condition remains a pinnacle achievement for many seasoned collectors and beyond the reach of many casual fans. A full ’87 Fleer set that scores a SGC or PSA grade of 8.5 or higher has sold for over $25,000 in recent years given its rarity and historical significance.

While produced 30+ years ago during the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Fleer set stands out for its perfect combination of hugely valuable rookie cards, notable errors and variations, and depictions of all-time great players. Added to this is the novelty of it being the only major baseball card release of that year. All of these factors have contributed to the set maintaining its revered status among collectors and continued strong demand and escalating values for its highly coveted cards. Whether chasing rookie stars like Griffey and Bonds or completing the full base set, the 1987 Fleer release remains a pinnacle that many collectors aspire to achieve decades after its original release.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 DARRYL STRAWBERRY

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The 1987 Topps baseball card featuring New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry holds a special place in the history of baseball cards. The 1987 season would end up being a breakout year for Strawberry and one of the most memorable individual seasons in Mets franchise history. This made Strawberry’s ‘87 Topps card highly sought after by collectors at the time of its release and to this day remains one of the most iconic Strawberry cards from his playing days.

Some key details and facts about Darryl Strawberry’s 1987 Topps card:

Card number: 171
Photograph: Shows Strawberry from the waist up, smiling in his Mets road gray uniform with jersey number 18. The photo captures his powerful physique and showcases why he was known as one of baseball’s first true “five-tool” players.
Biography on back: Highlights Strawberry being selected #1 overall by the Mets in the 1980 amateur draft out of high school in Los Angeles. Notes his tremendous power potential and five-tool skills. Lists his career stats through 1986.

The 1987 season would be a true breakout for the 25-year old Strawberry. After several solid but injury-plagued seasons to start his career, 1987 saw Strawberry stay remarkably healthy and tap into his immense talents. Playing in 159 of a possible 162 games, Strawberry posted career-highs in virtually every major offensive category:

Batting Average: .299 (previous high .259 in 1984)
Home Runs: 39 (previous high 26 in 1984)
RBI: 126 (previous high 90 in 1986)
Runs Scored: 105 (previous high 78 in 1986)
Slugging Percentage: .568 (previous high .495 in 1986)
OPS: .952 (previous high .855 in 1986)

Strawberry’s scintillating power display and all-around brilliance made him one of the game’s true superstars in 1987. He finished 2nd in the NL MVP voting, earning 21 of 24 first place votes, and led the Mets to their first division title since 1973. Strawberry established himself as the unquestioned face of the franchise.

His iconic 1987 season made Strawberry one of the most in-demand new rookie cards in the hobby. The condition and demand for his ‘87 Topps card has only grown tremendously over the decades. Some additional details about the collectibility and value of Strawberry’s 1987 Topps issue:

In 1987, a mint condition Strawberry rookie traded around $5-10. It now regularly fetches $100-250+ in top-graded Gem Mint 10 condition.
The card has been part of major vintage card auctions and routinely sets records. In recent years it has sold for as much as $600-800 individually in top grades.
As one of the best-known and most widely collected baseball cards of the 1980s, the Strawberry rookie sees tens of thousands of copies trade hands annually still today.
It remains one of the highest valued cards from the 1987 Topps set, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022. Other star rookies like Kevin Mitchell and Mark McGwire also saw their values increase substantially from the ‘87 set over the decades.
Strawberry’s huge 1987 season and status as a true five-tool star and fan favorite made his rookie card extremely popular. Slightly edging out his 1986 rookie in demand.

In the years since, Darryl Strawberry has seen both tremendous highs and lows in his life and career. But his iconic 1987 Topps card, capturing Strawberry at the peak of his immense talents and during one of the Mets franchise’s greatest seasons, remains a treasured piece of baseball history. For collectors it stands out as one of the most famous and valuable baseball cards to be found from the 1980s era. Over 35 years later, interest in Strawberry’s stellar ‘87 campaign and his rookie card shows no sign of slowing down. The card succeeds in memorializing one of the true bright spots and “Boys of Summer” from a remarkable period in Mets history.

In conclusion, Darryl Strawberry’s breakout 1987 season with the New York Mets established him as a true superstar and cemented his 1987 Topps baseball card as one of the most famous, desired, and valuable baseball cards from that decade. Capturing Strawberry at the height of his immense talents and during a defining chapter for his franchise, the card takes collectors back in time each time it changes hands. Even decades later, it remains a prized piece of memorabilia that any vintage card collector hopes to own.

BEST TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. It was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured 660 total cards including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Tom Glavine. While not the flashiest design compared to some other years, the 1987 Topps set remains a fan favorite due to the talented rookie class and star players featured. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors seek out from the 1987 Topps set.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1987 set, Griffey’s rookie is the most coveted card. Often topping Beckett’s monthly price guide, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie recently sold for over $350,000, shattering records. Even well-centered near mint copies trade hands for thousands. Griffey was one of the most exciting young prospects in baseball and his rookie took the hobby by storm, becoming the poster card for the junk wax era.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #126) – While not as valuable as Griffey’s due to lower overall production, Glavine’s rookie is still a key card for any ’87 Topps collection. Copies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $10,000. Glavine went on to become a 300 game winner and 2-time Cy Young award winner for the Atlanta Braves. His rookie remains one of the most iconic pitcher cards from the late 80s/early 90s.

Ozzie Smith (Card #181) – Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever, “The Wizard” was a fan favorite known for his acrobatic plays and hustle. His ’87 Topps photo, showing off his smooth glove work, is one of the set’s most iconic images. High grade copies in the $100-200 range are common for this card.

Kirby Puckett (Card #248) – Puckett was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1987 and his fun smiling photo made this one of the set’s most recognizable cards. Near mint copies trade in the $50-100 range.

Dwight Gooden (Card #289) – “Doc” Gooden was the most exciting young pitcher in baseball in 1987 after winning Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the Cy Young award in 1985. His card from this set remains one of his most popular due to his dominant play. Near mint copies can be found for $30-50.

Eric Davis (Card #307) – Davis broke out in 1987 slugging 49 home runs and stealing 50 bases, the first 40/40 season since Jose Canseco in 1988. His impressive stats and photo swinging the bat made this card a popular chase. Near mint copies sell for $15-25.

Don Mattingly (Card #422) – The smooth swinging Yankee first baseman was one of the biggest stars in baseball throughout the 1980s. This fun action shot where he is swinging away became a highly collected card for Mattingly fans. Near mint copies can be found for under $10.

Roberto Alomar Rookie Card (Card #528) – One of the finest second basemen of all-time, Alomar’s rookie is a key card from the 1987 set. High grade copies have increased in value in recent years to $25-50 range as Alomar’s Hall of Fame career has been recognized.

Other notables from the set include rookies of Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Wally Joyner. Stars like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Mike Schmidt also had popular cards. In recent years, as the players from the 1987 set have continued to shine in Cooperstown and elsewhere, the whole set has gained new appreciation from collectors. The rookie class and star power make 1987 Topps one of the most historically significant and collectible sets from the junk wax era.

While production numbers remain high, the 1987 Topps set endures as a favorite for both casual collectors and investors due to memorable rookie cards, exciting players, and iconic photos. Key cards like Griffey, Glavine, Smith, and Puckett have grown substantially in value. For set builders, a high grade 1987 Topps set is a display piece showcasing one of the most talented rookie classes and all-time great players in baseball history. The combination of on-field performances and nostalgia ensure the 1987 Topps baseball card set will remain a hugely popular vintage release for decades to come.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the company during the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While sets from that time period are generally not worth much in today’s market due to massive production numbers that saturated the collecting hobby, the ’87 Donruss set stands out amongst its peers as one containing several highly valuable and desirable vintage cards.

Released in March of 1987, the base set included designs on 792 player and manager cards plus additional inserts. A couple things set this Donruss release apart from others of the time – it was the last set to feature the original photo on the front design that Donruss had used since they entered the baseball card market in 1981, as well as being the last set to feature yellow borders on the front of the cards before switching to white starting in 1988.

While reselling individual common cards from the ’87 Donruss issue for high dollar amounts today would be unrealistic given the printing quantities during the junk wax era, there are certainly stand-out rookie and star player cards that maintain strong vintage collector demand and value. Near the top of the list would be the highly coveted Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which was the true “main event” hit of the set. Graded examples in pristine gem mint condition have sold for upwards of $10,000 in recent years, showing the enduring popularity of this all-time great player’s first Bowman issue.

Other notable rookies that can stillfetch respectable prices depending on grade include Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, who all went on to have hall of fame careers. Power hitters like Mark McGwire, Darryl Strawberry, and Will Clark also have cards that maintain collector interest from this release due to their prolific stats and accomplishments at the major league level. The flashy style of cards made by Donruss during this period is also part of what draws fans back to appreciate the designs and photography years later.

Often overlooked but another aspect that adds to the intrigue and collectibility of the 1987 Donruss issue are the coveted test print/proof cards that are extremely rare and sought after by enthusiasts. There are only a handful known to exist of select players like Bo Jackson, Barry Bonds, and Cory Snyder among others that were experimental test prints made before the official production process. Examples that surface at auction can sell for five-figure or even six-figure sums depending on condition and eye appeal.

While repack boxes and unopened wax packs containing this set are relatively easy to find today listed by sellers online since millions were originally produced, the 1987 Donruss issue remains one of the true “premium vintage” releases that maintained stronger long-term demand and investment potential compared to many of its peers. This is a result of featuring rookie cards of future hall of famers, attractive photo and design elements, and the cache attached to being the last Donruss baseball design before changes were made starting the following year. For avid collectors three decades later, hunting down high-grade examples of stars from this classic set never loses its appeal.

While sometimes overlooked due to being produced during the heyday of the junk wax era, the 1987 Donruss baseball card set stands out as a memorable and landmark release due to housing rookie cards of some of the game’s all-time greatest players. Featuring the last usage of Donruss’ original hallmark design fronts also adds nostalgia and intrigue. While obtaining individual commons for profit is unrealistic today, key rookie and star cards maintain strong vintage collector demand and have proven to retain value better than most other similar sets from the late 1980s boom period. The allure of seeking out elusive test print variants as well as the fun, flashy photography further cement this Donruss issue as a true favorite for aficionados of late 80s/early 90s vintage memorabilia and card culture.

COMPLETE SET TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that Major League Baseball season. It marked continued mainstream popularity for the iconic baseball card company in the mid-1980s. The set totaled 792 cards and was sold in wax packs, boxes, and factory sets.

A distinguishing aspect of the 1987 Topps set was the diverse photography and aesthetic styles used on the cards. While maintaining recognizable iconic attributes like borders and logos, Topps incorporated various portrait positions, action shots, team shots, and location backdrops that gave each card a unique look and feel. This helped keep the set feeling fresh for collectors while still clearly identifying it as part of the Topps brand that had been producing cards for decades.

Rookies featured in the 1987 set included future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Roberto Alomar. Griffey’s rookie card would go on to become one of the most iconic and valuable in the modern baseball card era. McGwire and Alomar also had strong rookie seasons that heightened interest in their rookie cards. Other notable rookies included Craig Biggio, Barry Larkin, David Wells, and Dennis Martinez.

Veteran stars heavily featured in the 1987 Topps set included Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, Kirby Puckett, and Don Mattingly. These were players in the prime of their careers that remained highly popular with collectors. The diversity of teams also ensured appeal, as the set featured cards for every Major League franchise from the American and National Leagues.

The design elements of the 1987 Topps set included a team logo at the top left of each card front, with the player’s first and last name directly below. Their position was listed to the right of their name. The familiar yellow and red “Topps” logo spanned the bottom of each card front. On the backs, statistics from the previous season were provided along with a color team photo and paragraph of biographical info for each player.

An interesting visual element of the 1987 Topps design was the painted city skyline backdrops used on many of the card fronts. Rather than plain color studio photos like in prior years, Topps incorporated illustrated skyline scenes of various MLB cities into the backgrounds. This added a unique artistic flair while also subtly identifying each player’s team affiliation through their city backdrop. Colors remained relatively muted compared to modern hyper-sleek card designs.

In terms of rarity and chase cards within the 1987 Topps set, the flagship Ken Griffey Jr. rookie was clearly the most coveted by collectors. Other variants like the photo variation of Kirby Puckett’s card #48 and the “Traded” version of cards for players who switched teams midseason also engendered collector interest. The set checklist was rounded out with popular managers, coaches, and executives like Tommy Lasorda and Whitey Herzog. As with any vintage set, higher-numbered cards toward the end of the checklist tend to be scarcer.

When it was released in 1987, a pack of five random cards from the Topps set retailed for around $0.50, while a wax box containing 18 packs cost around $10. Factory sets featuring one of each card could be purchased for $15-20. In the ensuing decades, the 1987 Topps baseball card set has become a highly sought classic among collectors and investors. Keys like the Griffey rookie routinely sell for thousands of dollars in high grades today. Even common cards maintain value due to the set’s vintage popularity. For enthusiasts of 1980s baseball cards and memorabilia, the 1987 Topps issue remains a highly collectible component of the hobby’s history.

In summarization, the 1987 Topps baseball card set stands out for its vivid photography, rookie star power, veteran superstar coverage, and diverse nostalgia appeal to collectors and fans of 1980s MLB. While production values may seem quaint compared to today’s technologically advanced cards, the vintage charm and pop cultural significance of sets like 1987 Topps ensure their lasting popularity for generations of card collectors to come. The cards freeze in time not just players, but the entire context and feelings of late ‘80s America.