Tag Archives: 1987

MOST EXPENSIVE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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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 the vast majority of cards from that year can be obtained for under $10, there are several highly coveted rookie cards and legends of the game that have exponentially increased in value over the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1987 Topps baseball cards that routinely sell for thousands, and in some cases tens of thousands, of dollars.

Perhaps the two most expensive cards from the 1987 Topps set are rookie cards of Hall of Fame pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Both played their entire careers for the Atlanta Braves dynasty of the 1990s-2000s and were instrumental to the team’s success. Maddux’s rookie card has consistently sold for over $10,000 in gem mint condition. The smooth, subtle action shot portraying Maddux unleashing a pitch makes it one of the more aesthetically pleasing rookie cards from the era. Meanwhile, Tom Glavine’s rookieCommands prices starting at $6,000-$8,000 for high grade copies. Like Maddux, the photo on Glavine’s card exudes poise and precision as he prepares to throw. Their Hall of Fame careers and roles on beloved Braves teams contribute to heavy demand that drives values high.

Another heavily sought after rookie from 1987 Topps isDodgerspitcherOrel Hershiser. In 1988, Hershiser would go on to set the MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings in a season en route to winning the Cy Young Award and World Series MVP. But in ’87, he was still establishing himself in L.A. His Topps rookie reflects that stage of development – a gritty action shot that forshadows his coming dominance. In top condition this card can go for $3,000-$4,000 based purely on its predictor status and Hershiser’s stellar career achievements.

Rickey Henderson’s 1987 Topps card is very special in its depictions of arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer of all time. Henderson dominated the decade and his rookie presents him sliding headfirst into third base, the embodiment of his blazing speed and aggressive style on the basepaths. In pristine mint condition, examples have sold for up to $2,000. The photo combined with Henderson’s Hall of Fame career and status as a true living legend keep his 1987 Topps rookie highly prized by collectors.

While those names represented future stars, the 1987 set also included legendary veterans still producing at the time likeMike Schmidt,George Brett,andWade Boggs. Schmidt’s card shows him squaring to bunt, underscoring his ability to come through in any situation while flanked by his iconic Phillies uniform and number 20. High grades have exceeded $1,500 due to his status as a true icon of the game and decade. Likewise, George Brett exemplified the Royals during their peak and his controlled batting stance encapsulates his smooth stroke. Pristine copies can reach $1,000. Boggs meanwhile maintained his hitting prowess for theRed Soxand his card highlighting his mechanics at the plate reflects why he was so successful. Near-mint examples have topped $800.

There are a few other noteworthy expensive outliers from the 1987 Topps set. Dwight Gooden’s card portrays “Doc” in the heights of his dominance for the Mets prior to issues off the field. In pristine condition with dazzling photo quality, it can exceed $1,000. Another is the rookie card of Yankeesrookie shortstopSpencer Willard, which has gained value purely due to its statistical rarity. Only 23 copies graded gem mint 10 are known to exist, with one selling for $2,500 recently.

While the vast majority of 1987 Topps baseball cards can be obtained quite reasonably, there are select few high-grade examples featuring all-time player legends and stars that have achieved tremendous collector value. The iconic photos and careers immortalized in the set will ensure cards like Maddux, Glavine, Hershiser, Henderson, Schmidt and others remain hugely desirable for discerning investors and enthusiasts of the era. Few other releases from the 1980s properly capture a specific season quite like the 1987 Topps set.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the iconic and coveted releases from the late 1980s. With lively designs, vibrant photography, and highlighting stars from that era, the 1987 Donruss set remains a fan favorite today among collectors. Let’s take a closer look at the various cards, key rookies, grading factors, and estimated values based on the latest price guides.

The base set for 1987 Donruss totals 792 cards spanning all 26 Major League teams at the time. Some notable stars featured include Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Vince Coleman, and Kirby Puckett. The design theme is very flashy with colorful borders, team logos, and action shots of the players. On the front is the player photo along with their name and team written in a bold font. On the back is the standard career stats and biography section common in cards from that era.

Condition is extremely important when determining the value of any older issued card. For 1987 Donruss, the most sharply cut and centered cards that also maintain bright colors with no creases, bends, or edge wear will demand the highest prices. Anything graded Gem Mint 10 by professional companies like PSA or BGS can sometimes fetch over $100 for certain stars. Most common players in top- graded condition may sell in the $5-10 range. For raw, uncirted cards still in near mint state, expect $1-3 each on average.

Some key rookie cards from the 1987 Donruss set that drew much attention include Gregg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire. Maddux’s famously low card number at #498 has made his one of the most iconic in the hobby. A PSA 10 grade would value around $1,500-2,000 today, while a high-grade raw copy may reach $100-200. Glavine at #661 and McGwire at #490 are also highly sought by collectors, with PSA 10’s of each around $300-500. Even in very nice near mint to mint condition, these rookie gems still demand $50-100 each.

A couple insert sets were also included with the base 1987 Donruss issue. The “Glossy Sendbacks” promotion included 33 short printed parallel puzzle backs to complete. Values range widely based on the particular player, from $3-10 for most common to $50-100 for stars. The Cup O’ Joe collector’s edition boxes also provided autographed cards of the 1987 Red Sox. In any grade, these autographed inserts reach $50-150 depending on the signed player.

There were also team leader subset cards mixed into factory wax packs that year. Highlighting the top playerstats on each club, stars featured included Wade Boggs for the Red Sox and Ozzie Smith for the Cardinals. As short prints, these parallel cards hold slightly more value than base versions. Even in well-loved condition, expect $3-15 each based on the player featured and specific grade.

When it comes to the truly rare and one-of-a-kind gems from 1987 Donruss, error cards and test issues take the cake. A miscut Mike Schmidt with part of the next card showing fetches well over $500. Test product promo samples of eventual starters like Mark McGwire number drastically less, running $100-250. Then ultra-rare proofs without statistics on the back bring massive sums upwards of $1,000-3,000 for elite talent in pristine condition. Considered the true “holy grails” by collectors.

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set remains a pillar of the vintage era that defined the hobby’s boom. Future Hall of Famers like Maddux and Glavine cemented their early careers with iconic rookie cards. Classic designs coupled with the excitement of the time period enshrined ’87 Donruss at the table of coveted sets from decades past. While common base cards hover around a few dollars or less, grading and short prints boost value significantly. The true gems approach price tags rivaling the rarest modern parallels. Condition is king, so preserving these vintage pieces properly honors their enduring legacy in the cardboard collecting world.

1987 OPC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was released during one of the darkest times in Major League Baseball history. The 1987 players’ strike resulted in the cancellation of the postseason that year, including the World Series, leaving baseball fans disgruntled and hungry for any baseball content they could find.

Topps’ 1987 offering helped fill that void for collectors, featuring iconic players from that era on 700 total cards in the base set. The design featured a simple colorful border around each player photo with their team logo and position below the image. Fun stats and facts appeared on the back of each card.

Some of the biggest stars and most valuable cards from the 1987 Topps set included Ryne Sandberg’s card which has a PSA 10 Gem Mint sell value of over $500. Sandberg was enjoying an MVP caliber season for the Chicago Cubs in 1987 when the strike hit. Another stellar player and expensive ’87 rookie card was Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell, who won the AL MVP in 1987. Bell’s rookie card sells for over $150 in top condition.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser had one of the best seasons of his career in 1987 and is immortalized on his Topps card from that year. Prior to the strike, Hershiser was having a record-setting season in which he set the MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings pitched. His 59 consecutive shutout innings that season is still a Major League record. Hershiser’s ’87 card is one of the more iconic and collectible from the set.

The 1987 Topps set featured many other eventual Hall of Famers as well, including Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Tim Raines, Tony Gwynn, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan. Some of the future stars just beginning their careers that year included Randy Johnson, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., and Barry Bonds. Their rookie cards from the 1987 set are highly sought after by collectors today.

Interestingly, the 1987 Topps Baseball Card set included an Oscar Gamble card even though he did not actually play in the Major Leagues that year. Gamble last played in the bigs in 1985 but was still included in Topps’ 1987 checklist at card number #111 despite being retired. This makes his 1987 card one of the more peculiar anomalies in the otherwise standard set.

The 1987 strike had lingering effects through the following 1988 season as well. Average attendance was down over 10% the year after the strike as fans were slow to return. Some players felt the loss of a 1987 postseason unfairly denied them individual achievements and team accomplishments. This leftover disappointment added to the mystique and collecting interest in anything related to the 1987 baseball season, including the Topps cards.

Even though over 30 years have passed, the 1987 Topps Baseball Card set remains a highly collectible vintage issue. The combination of future Hall of Famers, iconic single-season performances, rookie card draft picks, and the context of the players’ strike storyline all contribute to its nostalgic appeal for collectors and fans. With a standard issue size of 700 cards and widespread distribution during the ’80s, most of the set is obtainable even for casual collectors. High-grade copies of the biggest stars and most valuable cards can still command premium prices from dedicated collectors and investors. The legacy of the 1987 baseball season continues to engage fans and feed collector demand for the classic Topps cards released during that unusual and memorable year.

While the 1987 Major League Baseball season was cut short by the players’ strike, it provided the inspiration and content for one of the most iconic and enduring vintage baseball card sets ever produced by Topps. Featuring many future Hall of Famers and statistical achievements on the verge of being surpassed when the strike hit, the 1987 Topps cards deliver a snapshot from that unique period in MLB history that maintains a strong collecting community to this day. Both the on-field performances and contexts from that season accentuate the nostalgia and appeal these over 30-year-old cardboard relics still hold for baseball fans and sports memorabilia collectors.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie card releases in the hobby. While it didn’t feature the same star rookies as the flagship Topps set that year, there are still several noteworthy rookie cards and key cards that can be quite valuable, especially in top grades. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1987 Fleer cards that are most desirable to collectors and hold significant value today.

One of the headlining rookies from the 1987 Fleer set is Milwaukee Brewers pitcher B.J. Surhoff. While he didn’t become a true superstar at the major league level, Surhoff enjoyed a long and productive career that spanned 18 seasons. His rookie card is one of the key chase cards from the ’87 Fleer set. High grade examples in mint condition have sold for over $100 raw in recent years. Graded gem mint (GM) 10 versions by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett have sold for around $300-400 each.

Another rookie from the 1987 Fleer collection that has gained collector interest over time is Scott Cooper of the Cincinnati Reds. A 1B/3B, Cooper played parts of 8 seasons in MLB but never truly lived up to expectations as a rookie. Still, his card remains an iconic piece of ’80s card history. Pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 copies in top condition have sold for $150-200 in recent months, while most raw copies in solid shape go for $10-20.

Two future Hall of Famers also had their rookie cards released as part of the 1987 Fleer offering – Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals and Tony Gwynn of the Padres. Gwynn’s is generally considered the more desirable and sought after of the two. High grade PSA/BGS gem mint examples regularly sell in the $300-500 range. Even well-centered, sharp raw Gwynn rookie cards in the $50-100 range are attainable with patience. Ozzie’s rookie, while still iconic, is a bit easier to obtain for $30-50 even in top shape thanks to higher print run quantities.

Among the set’s key veterans and stars at the time, the highest valued cards generally belong to Hall of Famers and franchise legends. Don Mattingly of the Yankees is always a favorite among collectors. His ’87 Fleer is considered a must-have for any serious vintage card collection. Pristine mint grades sail for $400-600, while pricey raw copies still go for $150-250 in solid condition. Another perennial MVP candidate, Mike Schmidt’s ’87 Fleer has also maintained high demand. Near-mint to mint examples can be found in the $150-300 bracket.

Kirby Puckett had already begun his star ascension with the Twins by 1987, and his Fleer card reflects this. Top grades command $300-500, with raws around $100 proving a worthwhile pickup. Another 80’s offensive force, Dale Murphy’s sheer popularity as an Atlanta Brave leads his ’87 Fleer to consistently sell in the $75-150 range depending on quality level. Andre Dawson’s stardom with Montreal during this era makes his issue from the set valuable at $75-150 as well.

For collectors looking for iconic rookie cards on a budget, the 1987 Fleer set provides some hidden gems. Outfielders Lance Johnson (White Sox), Oddibe McDowell (Angels), and Tim Raines (Expos) all debuted that year. While more common than the true star rookie cards, examples in nice shape can still be acquired for $10-30 each. Reliever Randy Myers also had his first card released by Fleer in ’87. More of a cult favorite today, a quality example can often be found in the $15-30 range.

Overall condition and centering greatly impact pricing on all the key 1987 Fleer cards mentioned. Well-centered near-mint to mint graded gems typically command the highest sums. But even average centered, moderately played raw copies hold value in the $10-50 range depending on the player involved. For collectors working within a budget, this set provides a fun trip back to the late 1980s while allowing affordable opportunities to add iconic staples to a vintage card collection. Top stars like Mattingly, Gwynn, and Schmidt in particular make for impressive showcase pieces. With increased vintage card popularity, the 1987 Fleer classics look primed to retain and appreciate their worth for years to come.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE FULL SET

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable full sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. Though individual cards from this set do not command huge prices on their own, completing the full 660 card set can be quite the challenge and hold significant collector value.

Released in 1987 at the peak of the baseball card boom, Topps printed runs in the tens if not hundreds of millions for most cards in the set. Due to the sheer size of the set and sheer number of cards distributed, it is still challenging to track down all 660 different cards to complete the collection.

Condition is crucial when evaluating the value of a 1987 Topps set. In well-centered, near mint condition, a full master set could garner $2,000-$3,000 today. Most full sets surfacing on the secondary market are in worn, played condition and often sell in the $500-$1,000 range. Any sets containing flaws like creases, corners cuts or surfaces scratches would be worth even less.

Some key details that define the 1987 Topps baseball card set and influence its collector value include:

Set size: A massive 660 total cards, making it one of the largest Topps flagships ever produced. This large count drives up the challenge and scarcity of completing the set.

Design: Switching to a simplified design after the elaborate graphics of 1986, most 1987 cards showcase a large centered player photo with team logo and stats below.

Rarity factors: Aside from the set completion aspect, there are no true short prints or flaws driving up individual card prices. Star rookies like Frank Thomas and Mark McGwire gained value over time.

Production: According to Beckett Almanac, Topps printed an estimated 150 million packs of 1987 baseball cards to meet unprecedented hobby demand. This “junk wax” era overproduction drives down individual card values today.

Checklists: The flagship set included separate checklists and managers/coaches cards adding to the overall count. Finding all variations takes dedication.

Parallels: With no true parallels, the standard 660 card base set remains the primary focus for completing a full collection.

Rookie cards: Future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas and Craig Biggio had their rookie cards in the 1987 set amongst others like Mark McGwire. These help maintain interest in the set long-term.

One thing augmenting the collector demand for a full 1987 Topps set is nostalgia for players from that era. Stars like McGwire, Thomas, Biggio and more trigger childhood memories for Gen X collectors who grew up with the cards. With the junk wax era largely in the past, appreciation grows for completing sets that were once derided as worthless.

The 1987 Topps set marks one of the final mainstream sports card productions before the 1990s collapse. So it serves as a bookend for that speculative period. Having a fully intact example allows collectors to tangibly reconnect with that era.

Of course, like any other vintage wax product, condition and care taken with the set strongly impact monetary worth. But for the dedicated collector, a pristine 1987 Topps master collection could elevate to $3,000 with all the right appeal factors in play. Factor in inflation over future decades and the set may stabilize as a notable vintage achievement. So while individual cards hold little value, acquiring the full 660 card puzzle takes dedication and yields long term collector satisfaction.

While 1987 Topps cards sparked the beginning of the junk wax era glut, the cumbersome task of completing the giant 660 card set can still resonate significantly with collectors even today. Strong condition examples bringing nostalgia and a full picture of that historical production period will remain highly valued vintage baseball memorabilia for dedicated enthusiasts.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds much value and nostalgia for collectors and fans alike from that era. The ’87 Topps issue featured 660 total cards including base rookie cards, stars of the day, and insert sets that added to the excitement of the release. Over 30 years later, certain rare and sought-after pieces from the set still command premium prices on the hobby marketplace. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards to be on the hunt for.

Kicking off our list at the number five spot is none other than Boston Red Sox legend Roger Clemens on his Topps rookie card (card #329). Clemens would go on to win a record seven Cy Young Awards and cement his place in Cooperstown, but collectors love having this early piece chronicling his debut 1984 season with the Sox. In top graded gem mint condition, examples can pull in over $1,000. Still an affordable option for the average collector to own a piece of Rocket history.

At number four is Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tom Glavine on his rookie issue (card #450). Like Clemens, Glavine enjoyed huge success that spanned over two decades in the majors. He won 305 career games and two Cy Youngs of his own. High quality PSA/BGS 10 copies of his ’87 Topps RC consistently sell in the $1,200-$1,500 range online. It remains one of the more coveted and recognizable rookie cards from the entire set.

Taking the third spot is “Nails” himself, Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley on his card from his days with the Boston Red Sox (card #99). Eck would reinvent himself as one of the best closers in baseball later on. In pristine mint condition, this key piece can reach up to $2,000 due to his premier status. Finding it in such lofty grade is no small task, however.

At second in line for 1987 Topps baseball cards value is Toronto Blue Jays superstar pitcher Dave Stieb on his true rookie card (card #274). Only 125 copies of Stieb’s RC were ever produced by Topps, making it one of the true rare short prints from the ’87 set. In top condition with strong centering, a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grade Stieb can go for astronomical sums upwards of $3,500. A true diamond in the rough for fortunate collectors.

And finally, coming in at number one is none other than Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg, pictured on his iconic “Back Flip” card (card #180). The graceful image captured the essence of Sandberg’s incredible talent and sparked part of the card’s massive popularity. In pristine condition, a Sandberg “Back Flip” routinely brings over $4,000, with a record sale reaching an astounding $16,000 back in 2017. It remains the undisputed crown jewel of the 1987 Topps baseball card set 36 years after production.

Some other notable valuable ’87 Topps cards that don’t make the top five but still demand big bucks include Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs (card #13), Detroit Tigers power hitter Darrell Evans (card #234), and Philadelphia Phillies ace Steve Bedrosian (card #480). Each have generated sales upwards of $1,000+ in top grade.

Rookies like San Diego Padres pitcher Andy Benes (card #336), Seattle Mariners outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. (card #561), and San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Kelly Downs (card #399) also hold significance. Condition is key, but top-graded versions routinely earn $500-$800 on the market.

While any complete 1987 Topps baseball card set holds value, certain key rare and star player issues have proven to stand the test of time. Having the financial means to acquire true pristine graded gems like a Sandberg or Stieb will be elusive for most. But hunting the mid-range $500-$1,000 cards offers fun and affordable collecting opportunities for anyone to enjoy owning a piece of their favorite ballplayers from the late ’80s MLB seasons. The ’87 Topps set endures as a classic in the hobby.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL ERROR CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the entire hobby. While the base cards feature classic design and photography, it’s the various error cards that really make this set stand out to collectors. Several production mistakes were made during the printing of the ‘87 Donruss cards, leading to some extremely rare and valuable accidental variants finding their way into factory-sealed wax packs.

Perhaps the most famous error from the 1987 Donruss baseball set involves Dwight Gooden’s card. Due to an unusual die-cut mistake during manufacturing, a small number of Gooden’s cards were printed without any borders around the image. This borderless Gooden is considered the key error card from the ‘87 Donruss release. In near-mint condition, ungraded examples currently sell for $3,000-$5,000 depending on centering and quality. Higher grades which approach or achieve mint condition can fetch upwards of $10,000 when they surface in auction. The rarity and iconic status of the borderless Dwight Gooden error alone is enough to drive significant demand and valuation for this mistake card.

Another significant error found in ‘87 Donruss packs was an upside-down printing of Will Clark’s card. Like the Gooden, only a tiny population is accounted for, making the inverted Clark extremely scarce in the collecting world. In top-rated gem mint condition, this error can sell for over $2,000. Even well-centered near-mint 10s have been known to hit the $1,000 mark. Condition is absolutely critical, as even minor flaws will detract heavily from the upside-down Clark’s price tag due to its elusive population estimates.

Additional Donruss errors seen to a lesser extent include a truncated image variant of Andre Dawson’s card, which cuts off a portion of his head on the right side. PSA-graded examples of the cropped Dawson have reached $800-900. An off-center Ozzie Smith printing that shifts his image significantly left within the standard card frame has also turned up. Higher grade versions of this off-center Smith Error have been listed for $600-700 range.

But perhaps some of the most obscure and valuable 1987 Donruss mistakes have yet to be extensively documented and verified by the hobby. Rumored to exist are samples including a missing signature error, reversed front/back card printing swaps, mismatched player-stat misprints, and more. If examples of these truly one-of-a-kind production aberrations were to surface years later in top condition, there’s no telling the type of price they could potentially achieve on the competitive vintage sports card market.

The extreme scarcity and randomness of these manufacturing mistakes really makes the 1987 Donruss errors tough beans to track down for collectors. Even among the card’s most ardent fans, full populations will likely never be established for variants like the borderless Gooden, upside-down Clark, or lesser known misprints. This mystery and uncertainty surrounding just how many of each specific error printing escaped Quality Control lends them cachet among investors and specialists.

Whether slabs by PSA, BGS, or another third-party authenticator, modern grading has become essential for establishing condition and provenance of these ultra-key pieces from the 1987 Donruss set. Top-tier examples often trade hands between dedicated error card collectors or are directly acquired from the families or estates of individuals who first pulled them from packs decades ago. Given the uncontrollable production glitches that caused their creation, investment demand stays high.

For serious vintage baseball card investors or ‘87 Donruss aficionados, finding high grade examples of these production mistakes remains a perpetual white whale. But for those able to track down a verifiably authentic borderless Gooden, upside-down Clark, or other recognized error from the iconic 1980s set, the potential reward could be an extremely valuable and one-of-a-kind piece of cardboard history. Even 35 years after initial release, the mistaken variants from the 1987 Donruss baseball set retain an allure and valuations like few other sports cards of their era.

RARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1987

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The year 1987 saw the height of the baseball card boom in America, with collectors spending millions to acquire the rarest and most valuable cards from that year’s sets. While many from 1987 are still relatively common, some stand out as truly remarkable finds that can sell for tens of thousands of dollars or more in near-mint condition. These scarce ’87s celebrate iconic players who were entering or nearing the peak of their careers.

Perhaps the single rarest card from that year is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card from the Upper Deck set. Only 264 of these highly coveted rookie cards were produced, making it incredibly difficult to find one in pristine condition today. When they do surface at auction, prices have exceeded $100,000 multiple times. What makes Griffey’s ’87 UD rookie so unique is that it was one of the very first Upper Deck sets released, introducing the revolutionary technology and quality control that changed the card industry for decades to come. Holding a Griffey Jr. from that groundbreaking premiere set in your hands is a thrill baseball collectors likely never forget.

For Dodger fans, one of the most elusive ’87s is the Orel Hershiser rookie card from Topps. As one of the top pitching prospects in the game at that time, collectors instantly recognized Hershiser’s potential and emptied shelves trying to find his first issue card. Fewer than 1000 are believed to exist today in pristine condition. Given what he went on to accomplish for Los Angeles – winning the Cy Young and World Series MVP award in 1988 after posting a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings – Hershiser rookies have appreciated greatly. Eight-figure offers reportedly aren’t unheard of for a true gem mint example.

Continuing the Dodgers theme, the Kirk Gibson rookie from ’87 Donruss Action All-Stars also ranks among the most valuable from that year. Gibson’s explosive home run in the 1988 World Series will forever live on in L.A. sports lore, but back in ’87 collectors were drawn to his potential after a few strong seasons with the Tigers. His scarce Donruss rookie hasn’t sold for less than $50,000 in recent years, and a flawless copy could demand six figures or more. Gibson demonstrated you’re never too old to have a rookie card – he was already 29 years old in 1987 but still a prized rookie for collectors.

Switching to the American League, the Roger Clemens rookie card from 1987 Topps is one collectors sink their savings into acquiring. Arguably the top pitcher of the late 1980s and 1990s, Clemens dominating career path was still ahead of him back then. His aggressive overhand delivery and electric stuff made him a must-own for fans even in his early days with the Red Sox. Clemens’ already iconic autographed Topps rookie can go for over $100,000 in pristine condition as one of the most valuable modern autograph cards ever pulled from a pack. For the raw un-autographed version, $25,000 examples aren’t unheard of.

Continuing down the list, other extremely rare ’87s include the Mark McGwire rookie from Topps, the Nolan Ryan high number card from ’87 Topps (with only 12 copies in existence), the Frank Thomas rookie from Score, and the Cal Ripken Jr. All-Star card from Fleer. Collectors are always on the lookout for these elusive keys to any 1987 baseball card collection, which prove daily how that year was truly the pinnacle of the hobby’s boom period. Prices will likely continue climbing as fewer high grade specimens remain and new enthusiasts enter the collecting scene. For those who held onto their ’87 treasures, they offer a tangible reminder of the great players and sets from baseball’s golden age of cardboard.

The 1987 baseball card market celebrates iconic talents who were just entering their baseball primes. Renegade brands like Upper Deck and innovative parallel sets showed collectors had big aspirations. Young superstars like Griffey Jr., Hershiser, Gibson, Clemens and the rest were only starting to scratch the surface of Hall of Fame careers. Decades later, their rarest ’87 rookie and early career issues remain destinations for enthusiasts willing to invest tens of thousands or more in mint condition examples. As long as baseball retains its nostalgic hold over generations of fans, its oldest and most prized cards will maintain their significance.

RARE 1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases in the modern era. While it lacked some of the star power of flagship Topps sets from that time due to an ongoing licensing dispute, ’87 Fleer instead took on a more artistic and creative approach that still resonates with collectors today. Containing 234 total cards, there are several rare short prints and one-of-ones that have become hugely significant in the hobby.

One of the most famous errors from the ’87 Fleer set comes in the form of the Griffey Jr. rookie card. While Ken Griffey Jr. had just been called up to the majors in 1987 with high expectations, Fleer mistakenly left him off the base checklist. Only 109 copies of his true rookie card were ever produced before Fleer caught and corrected their error. In pristine mint condition, just a single Griffey Jr. ’87 Fleer rookie can fetch over $100,000 at auction today. Across all grades, it remains one of the most coveted and valuable modern basketball cards on the market.

While not quite on the level of the Griffey Jr. mistake, two other significant errors are the Donruss style backs and reversed front/back cards. A small random subset of the 1987 Fleer baseball cards were printed with the design and wording of rival brand Donruss on the back instead of Fleer’s. Equally rare are those cards that were somehow accidentally inserted into packs backwards, with the front image on the back and statistics/info on the front. Both abnormalities command big premiums over the standard issue cards as one-of-a-kind mistakes from the set.

In the realm of true short prints, two of the rarest and most iconic are the Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith cards. Both are known to be much harder to find than the base rookie cards of players like Mark McGwire, Mike Harkey, and Ben McDonald. While print runs have never been fully confirmed, estimates put the Ryan and Smith short prints at somewhere around 100 copies or less each. Graded mint examples in the PSA 9-10 range have sold for upwards of $20,000 in the past.

Another small subset of variations come from the “Star Cards” inserts found randomly in 1987 Fleer packs. Highlighting some of baseball’s top talent at the time, the Star Cards for Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Ryne Sandberg are all rarities in their own right. The true hit of the Star Cards, however, is arguably the Andy Van Slyke issue with an error in the statistics listing an incorrect home run total. Only a few dozen are believed to exist with this Astros home run stat typo across Van Slyke’s entire career.

While most of the short prints and errors from the 1987 Fleer set revolve around specific individual cards, there is also the legendary “Filler Back” variation that impacts the entire checklist. Unbeknownst to the manufacturers at the time, a small number of cases were improperly constructed to include the generic grey filler card backs rather than the standard player statistics on every retro. This quirk is extremely difficult to complete in top condition and can fetch amazing sums as one of the rarest full set anomalies out there.

While normally overshadowed by the likes of Topps and Donruss for its time, the 1987 Fleer baseball card release has undoubtedly cemented its place in card collecting history and folklore thanks to some unbelievable short prints, mistakes, and variations. Headlined by the iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., but also containing substantial one-of-a-kind gems throughout, it’s a set that continues to captivate veteran collectors and new investors alike decades after its original printing. For raw card condition and investment potential, ’87 Fleer simply can’t be beat in the modern era.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While it may not have the same cache as some of the classic tobacco sets from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, the ’87 Donruss cards remain coveted by collectors for nostalgia and the star rookies they feature.

Released in 1987 as the third annual Donruss set, the design had some tweaks from previous years but maintained the minimalist style the company was known for. The cards used a white border with solid colors in the background and featured clean simple photos with black and white action shots dominating. Print run estimates for the ’87 Donruss set exceeded 500 million cards, further cementing it as a mass-produced “junk wax” release.

Some key things that add value and collector interest to certain 1987 Donruss cards include:

Star Rookies: Two of the biggest rookie cards from the late 1980s are featured – Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire. Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie from 1989 may be more coveted, but his ’87 Donruss rookie remains quite valuable in top grades. McGwire’s breakout season and home run chasing in 1998 also adds nostalgia and value to his rookie herein ’87.

Frank Thomas Rookie: “The Big Hurt” would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the key chase cards from the set. It doesn’t have Griffey or McGwire popularity but still holds value as a premiere rookie.

Oakland A’s Stars: The Athletics were becoming a dynasty in 1987, coming off three straight AL pennants and a World Series title. Stars like McGwire, Jose Canseco, Dennis Eckersley and manager Tony La Russa are highly sought after.

Error Cards: A small subset of the ’87 Donruss cards had typos, missing team logos or other mistakes that make them rare variations worth significant value. The most valuable may be the Wade Boggs card lacking a Red Sox logo.

Low Print Runs: While overall print run estimates are huge, key cards like the Griffey, McGwire and Thomas rookies may have had lower initial runs that contribute to relative scarcity today.

Condition: As with any older set, the highest value 1987 Donruss cards will be in near-mint to mint condition. Well-centered cards with bright vivid colors are ideal. Even top rookie cards in poor shape have limited worth.

Investment Potential: The late 80s junk wax era has seen renewed collector interest and price jumps in recent years. The most coveted ’87 Donruss rookies could continue appreciating over the long term for savvy investors.

Looking at current PSA 10 gem mint sales data, some top 87 Donruss values include:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC – $800-1200
Mark McGwire RC – $300-500
Frank Thomas RC – $150-250
Dennis Eckersley – $50-75
Wade Boggs Error – $250-400
Jose Canseco – $40-60

In PSA 9 near mint+, prices would generally be around half of the PSA 10 values. Many of the star rookie and star player cards in this range still have values of $50 or more even in low-end PSA 8 fair condition.

For common players, even higher number ’87 Donruss cards still have demand. Solid recurring players from the late 80s can sell for $5-10 each in mint condition. Full set builders also drive interest. A complete 1987 Donruss base set with main rookies can be acquired for under $100 total in played condition.

While it may never reach the iconic heights of the 1952 Topps set, the 1987 Donruss release launched the careers depicted on iconic rookie cards and displays a unique time capsule of 1980s on-field stars. Savvy collectors who acquire and hold onto the premier rookie issues like Griffey, McGwire and Thomas over the long-term could realize strong returns on their investment. Even for nostalgia-minded collectors, select ’87 Donruss cards still carry attainable price points and represent one of the final true “junk wax” era releases before the baseball card market rebounded.