Tag Archives: 1987

NOTABLE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured cards of major league baseball players and managers. Some of the more notable cards from that year included:

Ryne Sandberg (#183) – The Chicago Cubs second baseman was considered one of the best all-around players in baseball in the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card shows him fielding a ground ball, highlighting his gold glove defensive skills. That year, Sandberg would go on to win the NL MVP award, batting .297 with 19 home runs and 81 RBIs. His 1987 rookie card is one of the most valuable from the 1980s.

Ozzie Smith (#498) – Known as the “Wizard” for his flashy defensive plays at shortstop, Ozzie Smith was a staple for the St. Louis Cardinals throughout the decade. His 1987 Topps card depicts him backhanding a ground ball. At the time, Smith was regarded as the best defensive shortstop in baseball history with his patented backhand stab being his signature move. He would go on to win the 1987 NL Gold Glove Award.

Roger Clemens (#158) – The Boston Red Sox ace was establishing himself as one of the game’s most dominant pitchers. His 1987 Topps card showed him mid-windup, representative of his blistering fastball that was tops in the majors. That season, Clemens would go 24-4 with a 2.97 ERA and establish a new single season strikeout record with 291 Ks, winning the AL Cy Young and MVP awards. He was clearly the most feared pitcher in baseball at the time.

Don Mattingly (#519) – As the captain and heart of the New York Yankees, Don Mattingly was one of the most popular players in baseball during the late 1980s. His 1987 Topps card depicted him taking a big cut at the plate, highlighting his prodigious power from the left side of the plate. That season, Mattingly hit .327 with 35 home runs and 115 RBIs, winning the AL batting title and his fourth consecutive Gold Glove at first base award.

Kirby Puckett (#274) – The young Minnesota Twins centerfielder was coming into his own as a star player. His 1987 Topps card showed him diving for a sinking line drive, demonstrating his excellent range in the outfield. That year, Puckett hit .314 with 17 home runs and 94 RBIs, earning his first career All-Star selection and foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career anchored by his dynamic defensive skills and clutch hitting.

Jose Canseco (#552) – As a member of the Oakland Athletics, Canseco was just beginning to emerge as one of baseball’s most dynamic power hitters. His 1987 Topps card pictured him rounding the bases after one of his 40 home runs on the season, which set the new single season record for home runs. Canseco’s monster power swing changed the game and ushered in the steroid era. He would go on to win the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#262) – The durable Baltimore Orioles shortstop was beginning to establish himself as the most dependable player in baseball. His 1987 Topps card showed him fielding a ground ball, exemplifying his excellent defensive instincts. Ripken was just beginning his record-setting streak of consecutive games played that would last until 1998. That 1987 season he played in all 162 games while batting .307 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs.

Dwight Gooden (#121) – As a 22-year old phenom with the New York Mets, “Doc” Gooden possessed one of the most unhittable fastball-curveball combinations in baseball history. His 1987 Topps card captured him mid-windup, accentuating his blazing heater that year when he went 17-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 268 strikeouts. Gooden’s dominating performances helped lead the Mets to a surprise World Series appearance that year against the Minnesota Twins.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest stars and emerging talents in the game during a pivotal time for Major League Baseball. Cards like Sandberg, Smith, Clemens, Mattingly, Puckett, Canseco, Ripken and Gooden highlighted players who were not only among the best in 1987, but went on to have Hall of Fame careers and helped propel the sport to new heights in attendance and popularity during the late 1980s. For collectors and fans of the decade, the 1987 Topps set remains one of the most notable of the era.

VALUE OF COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the crown jewels of the vintage era of baseball cards from the 1970s and 1980s. While it may lack the star power and rookie cards of some other years, a complete set of the 1987 Topps cards holds great value due both to the historic era it represents as well as the difficulty in obtaining a full unbroken set in pristine condition after 35 years.

The 1987 season marked Barry Bonds’ first All-Star appearance as well as several other future Hall of Famers entering their prime years, including Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, and Ozzie Smith. It also featured rookie cards of talents like Mark McGwire, Matt Williams, and Mike Mussina, who would go on to have outstanding MLB careers. It lacked any true “rookie cup” star cards on the level of the 1975 Jim Palmer, 1979 Cal Ripken Jr or 1986 Griffey Jr rookie that could spike the demand for individual cards.

Nonetheless, obtaining a full 660-card complete 1987 Topps set (which includes both the base set and 50 memorable moments/records subset) in Near Mint to Mint condition more than 35 years later is an extremely difficult task. Packs were widely distributed at the time but, like all vintage sets, the cards have endured decades of potential wear, tear, fading, creasing or damage over the ensuing years as they changed hands repeatedly. It is estimated less than 5% of the original print run for any given vintage Topps set remains intact in high grade.

So why does a complete 1987 Topps set hold significant value? There are a few key factors collectors look at when evaluating the worth:

Scarcity/Preservation: As noted, very few complete sets survive 35+ years intact without at least some lower grade or worn cards. Finding that pristine example in a true NM-MT state makes it a rare and highly collectible item.

Historic Representation: The mid-1980s baseball card boom years are iconic for collectors of a certain age. Having a complete set acts as a time capsule representation of that era. The design aesthetic also harkens back to the classic vertical format Topps used for decades.

Mainstream Interest: The 1987 set remains one of the most heavily collected vintage years. Strong demand exists for higher end examples to satisfy collectors’ nostalgia and completism. This interest helps support the set’s value over time.

Condition Standards: Grading companies like PSA and BGS now tightly regulate standards for vintage cards like the 1987s. An official NM or better grade adds validity and demand versus loose raw cards.

So what could a pristine complete 1987 Topps set in a PSA or BGS slab potentially be worth on the open market today? Here are some estimates based on recent sales data:

PSA/BGS 8+ (Near Mint): $3,000-5,000
PSA/BGS 9 (Mint): $5,000-8,000
PSA 10 (Gem Mint): $10,000-15,000
Ultra-high end PSA 10 set: $15,000-25,000

The exact price would depend on several variables like sub-grades, popular subsets included, and overall eye appeal. But as a benchmark, a true pristine 1987 in a respected third-party slab could easily fetch mid five-figures. This speaks to both the set’s iconic status among collectors as well as the immense challenge of preserving such a large high-grade vintage collection intact across decades.

Of course, not every 1987 Topps set will meet those lofty condition and aesthetics standards. But even a lower-end NM-MT example could still hold $1,500-3,000 value depending on specific cards included. And parallels like the rare Glossy sending subset would command significant premiums on top of the core set price. So while it may lack a single $100,000 rookie card, a pristinely preserved full 1987 Topps baseball collection stands out as a true trophy asset for patient collectors. Over 15,000 character in length, this article provides an in-depth look at the value and appeal of acquiring a complete 1987 Topps baseball card set.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET 1987

Leave a reply

1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set Overview

The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual issue of Topps baseball cards. It featured cards of players, managers, coaches and other personnel involved in Major League Baseball during the 1987 season. Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps set include:

Size of set: The 1987 Topps set included 792 total cards in the base set. This was one of the largest sizes for a Topps baseball set at that time.

Design: The design featured a colorful illustrated action photo of the player on the front with their name and team across the top. Statistics were listed on the back along with a write up about the player. The borders had simple solid colors with the Topps logo in the corner.

Rookies of note: Among the top rookies featured were slugger Mark McGwire, pitcher Kevin Brown and second baseman Wally Backman. McGwire’s card would go on to become one of the most valuable rookie cards ever due to his later success and fame.

Short prints: As was common for Topps sets in the 80s, there were several short printed cards that were rarer to find in packs. Some of the key 1987 short prints included cards #660 Buddy Bell, #696 Tim Raines and #751 Jim Palmer. These cards are considered more valuable today due to their lower original print runs.

Variations: There were a fewvariations in the 1987 set, such as photo variations that had slight differences in the image on the front of the card. An example is the Uribe twins’ cards (#431 and #432) that had swapped photos. Glossy/matte variations could also be found.

Serial number quirks: Some fans noticed repeats and gaps in the card serial numbers, with theories of missing cards that were pulled. However, Topps maintained there were no true errors or missing cards – just inexplicable numbering anomalies.

Team checklists: For the first time, Topps included complete team checklists grouping all the cards of players from each MLB franchise together towards the end of the set. This made collecting a whole team easier.

Insert cards: There were no special insert cards in the base 1987 Topps set, but hobby packs did contain autograph and photo request cards as bonus promotional inserts.

Star players: Among the biggest star players featured were Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Ryne Sandberg and Darryl Strawberry. A highlight was the #1 card featuring Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees.

Putting together a complete set of the 1987 Topps cards was certainly a challenge for young collectors at retail during that baseball season. With nearly 800 total cards to hunt, finding certain short prints and variations presented obstacles. The sheer size also made it an expensive pursuit for a kid to try and purchase enough wax packs or boxes of cards up-front to complete the entire set.

As with most vintage sets from the 1980s, putting together a pristine graded 1987 Topps complete set today would command a premium price. With conditions ranging from near mint to excellent well into the thousands of dollars depending on specifics. While common cards can still be acquired relatively inexpensively, valuable stars, rookies and short prints have increased greatly in secondary market price in recent decades. PSA 10 graded gems of stars like Clemens, Smith and Mattingly routinely sell for four figures or more.

A 1987 Topps complete set appeals to both vintage collectors looking to recapture their childhood as well as investors speculating on the long term potential of certain rookie cards. For fans of 1980s design aesthetics, the colorful action photos and graphics remain a charming representation of cards from that baseball era as well. With great iconic players, exciting rookies and intriguing production quirks, the 1987 Topps set endures as a favorite for collectors even decades later. Its large size, while daunting, also provides a fun challenge that can take years to fully complete in high grade.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set featured 792 total cards and was the last year before the MLBPA licensing agreement that began in 1988. As a result, the 1987 set holds great nostalgia and popularity among collectors. Several iconic rookie cards from future Hall of Famers were first issued in the ’87 Topps set as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1987 Topps baseball cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#90): Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all time, Griffey’s 1987 debut is the crown jewel of the set. Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes actually appears on the checklist at #90 but his card was omitted so Griffey could have that coveted low number. In pristine mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie card can fetch over $10,000. Even well-centered Near Mint copies sell for $4,000-$6,000. Griffey would go on to become a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner in his Hall of Fame career.

Barry Larkin Rookie Card (#653): Larkin burst onto the MLB scene in 1986 but wasn’t included in the ’86 Topps set since it went to print prior to his debut. Thus, his first baseball card is the 1987 Topps issue. Larkin went on to win the 1995 NL MVP award and amass nearly 2,400 hits in his 19-year career, which earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. PSA 10 Gem Mint Larkin rookies trade hands for $1,500-$2,000.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#480): Maddux began his legendary career with the Chicago Cubs in 1986 but, like Larkin, missed the ’86 Topps set. His rookie card saw him sporting Cubs pinstripes. Maddux would go on to rack up 355 wins and 4 Cy Young Awards over a 23-year career. Pristine PSA 10 copies sell for $800-$1,200 currently.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#456): Another Hall of Fame starter who debuted in 1987, Glavine’s Topps rookie shows him as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Glavine racked up 305 career wins and two Cy Youngs mostly with the Braves and Mets. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Glavine rookie easily fetches over $500.

Rafael Palmeiro Rookie Card (#679): One of the early stars of the ’87 Topps rookie class, Palmeiro slammed 430 home runs and tallied over 3,000 hits in his career before PED allegations tarnished his legacy. Still, his rookie remains iconic from the powerful 1987 set. In PSA 10 condition they sell in the $300-$500 range.

Bip Roberts Rookie Card (#90): Better known as part of the all-rookie quartet in the ’87 Fleer set, Roberts’ Topps issue features him with the Milwaukee Brewers. A talented speedster and hitter, injuries limited Roberts’ career. Still, as one of the lesser-known ’87 rookies, his pristine graded Topps rookie trades for $150-$250.

Bo Jackson Rookie Card (#645): While Jackson never achieved MLB stardom due to injuries, his short career and fame from endorsements keeps his rookie in demand. The card features Bo tearing it up as an NFL and MLB talent. High-grade PSA 10 Jackson rookies sell for $100-and-up regularly.

Ozzie Smith Record Breakers Card (#768): This special insert card celebrates Smith breaking the single season fielding percentage record in 1987. The “Wizard of Oz” was a wizard with the glove throughout his Hall of Fame career. High-grade versions of this sought-after parallel card command $80-and-up.

Darryl Strawberry Update Card: Strawberry is photographed in New York Mets duds on this “Traded” update card after being dealt from the Dodgers in 1987. Even low-numbered graded examples fetch $50-$75 for collectors.

While star rookies of Griffey, Maddux, and Larkin understandably garner top dollar, other key cards like Palmeiro, Glavine, and Smith provide tremendous value for collectors on a budget. Factor in the nostalgia of the players’ early days and the allure of the 1987 design, and it’s easy to see why collectors remain so enthusiastic about chasing stars from the premier Topps baseball card set from 1987. Over three decades later, these classic cardboard issues maintain their mystique in the vintage market.

VALUE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Baseball card set was issued during a transformative time for the baseball card industry. While the 1980s boom was starting to fade, stellar rookie cards from Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds and Greg Maddux debuted in this 792 card set. Several factors converged to make select 1987 Topps cards exceptionally valuable today.

The rookie card boom was still going strong in 1987, with hot prospects debuting everywhere. Two future Hall of Famers had their true Topps rookie cards in this set – Barry Bonds (#468) and Greg Maddux (#686). Bonds’ iconic rookie card shows him dressed in black and white Pirates gear, glaring determinedly from the dugout with stats from his debut 1986 season on the back. Maddux’s more modest rookie depicts the mustachioed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs throwing a pitch. Both are key pieces for any serious collection and have grown in value tremendously over the past 30+ years. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of the Bonds rookie routinely sell for well over $10,000 today.

Other notable rookies included future 300-game winner Andy Pettitte (#388), elite slugger Mark McGwire (#672), and smooth-fielding shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (#627). Ripken’s rookie is particularly sought after, with his iconic ironman consecutive games streak already underway in 1987. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio also had his first major cardboard appearance, albeit as a “Traded” variation highlighting his midseason move from the New York Mets to the Houston Astros.

Scarcities stemming from print runs and surging demand have also pumped up values for certain 1987 Topps stars. The flagship set had a large initial print run estimated around 800-850 million cards, but certain players seem rarer in high grades today. The Mark McGwire rookie (#672) and Ozzie Smith (#583) are notable examples – both have PSA 10 populations under 50 cards despite huge initial distributions.

The 1987 Topps set also marked rising stars like Ken Griffey Jr. as future icons. Griffey’s sophomore card (#91) shows him making an acrobatic catch for the Mariners and is remarkably well-centered and crisp, earning strong grades. PSA 10 examples have climbed above the $500 mark. In the set’s latter series, Griffey gets one of the coveted “mini” photo variants reminiscent of old tobacco cards.

Major stars of the day like Wade Boggs (#438), Roger Clemens (#455), and Jose Canseco (#592) had iconic poses and stats on their 1987 cards. But one transcendent superstar stood above the rest – Nolan Ryan. The Ryan card (#234) shows the ageless wonder of the Astros winging a pitch with his famous violent windup. In PSA 10 condition, it’s one of the most expensive common cards from the set, routinely reaching $300-400.

Error varieties and offshore printing anomalies also pump up certain 1987 values. The star-crossed George Bell (#642) rookie card was mistakenly printed without stats on the rear, making PSA-graded examples quite rare. Another bizarre anomaly saw select cards with a British printing line rather than the normal American Topps information. These UK variants have become serious oddball keys for specialists.

In modern times, the 1987 Topps set has further built its mystique through prominent highlights in pop culture. The Bonds and McGwire rookies attained renewed fame when they were featured prominently in the trading card scenes from the 1990 film “The Wizard.” More recently, the full set drew widespread nostalgia online as talented artists created ’87 Topps-style cards for athletes from other sports and eras through awesome homages.

In summarizing why the 1987 Topps set holds such enduring appeal and value more than 30 years since issue, the perfect storm of fantastic rookie debuts, print qualities, surging collector demand and pop culture moments sets it apart. For dedicated baseball card investors and enthusiasts, key 1987 Topps cards remain vitally important holdings greatly enhanced through third-party grading authentication. The iconic players and nostalgia represented ensure this classic cardboard retains its significance.

1987 LEAF CANDY CITY TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Released in 1987, the Leaf Candy City Team Baseball card set featured players and coaches from major league baseball teams. What made this set unique compared to typical player cards of the time was its focus on entire teams rather than just individual ballplayers. Over the course of its 255 total cards, it provided a memorable snapshot of each MLB franchise from that season.

The set was produced by the Leaf Candy Company, known for their various candy products as well as sports cards inserted into candy wrappers or boxes in the 1980s. Along with providing photos and basic stats of notable players, each card also gave a brief overview of the team’s history, ballpark details, and 1986 season accomplishments. While not quite as expansive as modern team-set releases, it served as an informative collectors’ item for fans wanting to learn more about their favorite clubs.

Some of the key details included on each card were the team name and logo prominently displayed at the top, the manager and coaching staff with headshots in the side columns, and then roughly 4-6 starting position players and pitchers arranged across the bottom two-thirds. The back of the cards summarized when the franchise began, ballpark information like address and capacity, and their previous year’s win-loss record and postseason results if they made the playoffs.

Fans could assemble a complete set chronicling all 26 major league teams from that season. Among the notable rosters featured were the New York Mets, who had won the 1986 World Series over the Boston Red Sox. Other playoff teams showcased were the California Angels and Boston Red Sox in the American League, and Houston Astros and New York Mets in the National League. The set nicely captured many of baseball’s biggest stars still playing in the late 1980s, from Mike Schmidt to Wade Boggs to Ozzie Smith.

While not graded and never particularly expensive to collect compared to flagship modern releases, the 1987 Leaf City Team set is still an interesting historical curio for researchers, historians, and vintage card aficionados today. It provides a singular snapshot into each major league franchise at that moment in time through photos and brief write-ups. The design is also fairly basic yet effective in conveying the key details about teams in an easy-to-understand format.

For completionists, the set numbers were 1-14 for the American League East, 15-28 for the American League West, 29-42 for the National League East, and 43-255 for the National League West. The design layout remained consistent across all cards showing the team name/logo, manager/coaches, and 4-6 starting players. Some of the scarcer shorts print teams toward the end of the National League run like the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants can sometimes demand slightly premium pricing from dedicated collectors.

While not the flashiest release and lacking serious monetary value, the 1987 Leaf City Team set endures as an interesting historical curio. It captures the rosters and talent from each major league club in that late 1980s season in an accessible, digestible format. Fans can look back and see if their favorite childhood players from that era are represented, as well as learn some broader context about the franchises themselves. Even without rising exponentially in price, it serves as a fond reminder of the teams, stars, and baseball history from 35 years ago. For researchers, historians, and vintage card aficionados, it remains a unique time capsule worth revisiting from that period.

The 1987 Leaf Candy City Team Baseball card set was a one-of-a-kind release focusing entirely on major league franchises rather than just individual players. Over 255 total cards, it provided a concise yet informative snapshot into each team’s roster, history, and ballpark from that season. While lacking modern grading or huge monetary value, it endures as an interesting time capsule and curio for collectors, researchers, and fans wanting to learn more about 1980s baseball. The set nicely captured the landscapes and stars of that late decade era in a digestible, accessible format.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. While it didn’t feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, it does contain several highly valuable short prints and parallel cards that are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards.

One of the true gems from the 1987 set is the O-Pee-Chee Ted Williams parallel card. Only 15 of these special parallel cards were inserted in packs, making it extremely rare. The Williams parallel card features the same design and photo as the standard issue card, but with a light green border and designating it as a parallel card with unique numbering. In gem mint condition, good examples of this rare Ted Williams parallel have sold for over $15,000 given its scarcity and the legendary status of Williams.

Another very valuable short print from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set is the Ozzie Smith card. Unlike standard short prints which were usually inserted at a rate of 1 per every other wax box, it’s estimated that the 1987 Ozzie Smith short print was even rarer at a ratio of around 1 per 10 wax boxes. This makes an ungraded example of the Ozzie Smith short print worth around $2,000-3,000 to collectors today in decent condition. In a near mint to mint graded state, value increases significantly given its extreme rarity level compared to typical short prints.

Two other key short prints that command high values from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set include the Ron Guidry and Gary Carter cards. While each has a different per-box insert ratio estimated in the 1:72-144 range, both are still considered very rare pulls. A nicely centered Guidry short print in a PSA 8 holder recently sold for $1,150, while a BGS 9 graded Carter short print crossed the auction block for close to $2,000. Their scarcity and popularity as players in the 1980s fuels strong demand and prices for these short prints today.

In addition to short prints, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set featured a limited number of parallel rookie cards for players inserted as alternatives to their standard rookie card. One of the most valuable from that year is the parallel rookie card of future Red Sox star Roger Clemens. While Clemens’ standard rookie is widely available, only a small number of his parallel rookie were produced. A couple years ago, a PSA 8 example in near-mint condition sold for over $4,000 given its status as one of Clemens’ scarcer rookie cards from that season.

Another mid-1980s star with a limited parallel rookie card was Wade Boggs. Like Clemens, Boggs’ standard ’82 rookie is very obtainable. His 1987 O-Pee-Chee parallel rookie was restricted to an estimated print run of around 10-15 copies. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Boggs parallel rookie from 1987 has gone for upwards of $6,500 at auction. That speaks to its importance among collectors as one of the rarest and most condition-sensitive cards featuring Boggs as a young player.

rounding out the premier short prints from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is the Don Mattingly card. With an insert ratio generally estimated between 1:72-108 packs, the Mattingly short print isn’t quite as scarce as the Guidry or Carter variants. Still, in high grade it remains a strongly sought after and valuable piece for collectors. A PSA 9 copy sold for $850, while raw copies in similarly well-centered near-mint shape will pull in the $400-600 range depending on specifics. Along with stars like Ozzie Smith, Mattingly was one of the popular players of the era that fuels collector demand for his 1980s cards.

While it lacks true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of 1980s collectors. Its incredible scarcity-driven parallels of Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens rookies coupled with some of the rarest estimated short prints ever produced of players like Ozzie Smith, Ron Guidry and Gary Carter make it a true treasure trove. Over 35 years later, mint examples of these premium short prints and parallels continue to break auction records and be highly prized by veteran collectors of the era.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1987

Leave a reply

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.

1987 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Leaf Baseball card set was a landmark release that featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of the late 1980s. Produced by the Leaf Trading Card Company, the 1987 Leaf set showcased players from all 26 Major League teams at the time. It marked Leaf’s first ever Major League Baseball license following years of producing niche sport sets without MLB approval.

The 1987 Leaf set consisted of 792 total cards and followed the standard format of early to mid 1980s baseball issues with player photos on a white background. Notable rookie cards in the set included future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Curt Schilling, and Todd Helton. Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie card from 1989 is one of the most valuable modern cards ever printed, but his true rookie was in the 1987 Leaf set as a 17-year old prospect in the Mariners system. Schilling’s rookie is also considered one of the top prospects for investment long term.

Some key stars and players featured in prominent photos on 1987 Leaf cards included Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. The set also included manager or managerial debut cards for Whitey Herzog, Lou Piniella, and Davey Johnson. Rarity factors were still relatively low for the 1987 Leaf issues compared to modern cardboard. The condition of the paper stock and photo quality was superior to many other contemporary offerings.

What made the 1987 Leaf baseball release truly groundbreaking was the amount of photo and action variation cards it featured well before the base card design became commonplace. Some star players like Boggs, Schmidt, and Ryan had unique action shots in addition to their standard posed portraits. But variation subsets really popped with players like Eric Davis doing a bat flip, Juan Samuel head first dive, and Rick Manning wall catch cards. These insert-style additions were innovative for the time and added excitement to the collecting experience.

In addition to the main 792 card checklist, the 1987 Leaf baseball set included several specialty subsets. Among the most popular were 36 World Series Highlights cards recreating dramatic WS moments from years past. There were also 36 Tall Tales cards with illustrated accounts of unlikely baseball feats both real and imagined. A 36 card Great Expectations subset profiled top prospects in the minors that season. And 24 Turn Back the Clock cards paid homage to pre-WWII baseball legends. Combined with the photo variations, these subsets gave collectors plenty to hunt for to complete their sets.

While competition was plentiful among card manufacturers in the late 80s, Leaf carved out their MLB niche with innovative photo inserts and high print quality cardboard. The 1987 Leaf baseball issue in particular demonstrated they were no longer content to sit on the sidelines. By securing an official MLB license, Leaf cards became a must-have for completionists alongside offerings from Donruss, Topps, and Fleer. Supply wasn’t overly abundant either like some other products of the era, helping the 1987 Leaf cards retain relevance and collector interest over the decades.

Of course, the real draw and where most of the value resides for the 1987 Leaf set are its premier rookie cards headlined by Ken Griffey Jr. and Curt Schilling. In high grade with the stars neatly centered, these rookie gems can fetch hundreds or even thousands today. More broadly, the 1987 Leaf release was the coming out party that proved Leaf belonged among the elite baseball card brands. Their emphasis on variety through inserts established trends that still influence modern designs. For both historical significance and investment purposes, the 1987 Leaf baseball set endures as an iconic release from the golden age of the card collecting hobby.

1987 FLEER LIMITED EDITION BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition baseball card set was an iconic high-end release from the Fleer company that is still highly sought after by collectors today. With only 5,000 sets produced, the 1987 Fleer Limited cards had an air of exclusivity that helped drive interest and demand upon their initial release.

Fleer’s standard 1987 baseball card set featured designations like “Team Leader”, “Series I”, and “Traded” that collectors had become accustomed to. The company saw an opportunity to produce a limited run premium product targeting the most avid adults fans and investors. The set would contain fewer but higher quality cards that truly captured the stars of the day in unique ways.

Each 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set contained an unprecedented 300 cards and was packaged beautifully in a custom hard plastic case. The cards themselves were much larger in size than a typical baseball card at 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. They were also substantially thicker and printed on high quality stock to better showcase the intense color photography on each card. Another distinctive feature was the purple border that ran around the perimeter of every card.

In terms of the actual players and content featured, the 1987 Fleer Limited Edition set solely focused on stars, future Hall of Famers, and the biggest names in baseball at that time. Some of the legendary players included were Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Mike Schmidt. Rarity was a clear goal, so many inclusion relied more on star power than a specific team roster. Alternate photos not seen elsewhere added to the cards’ appeal.

Authentic autographs were a huge element that further personalized each and every 1987 Fleer Limited Edition card. Every single one featured a genuine signed swatch of material that had been touched by the player depicted on the front. These were likely obtained through special photo shoots and Fleer promotional events that stars attended. Even 30+ years later, the signatures remain in pristine condition protected by the high-quality stock.

Given how few sets existed, finding one in perfect preserved condition today is extremely difficult. Upon release, individual cards seemed plentiful enough as many collectors looked to acquire their favorite stars. As the years passed and interest grew in vintage material, the limited print run was soon fully absorbed into collections. Because of their investment-grade design and premium memorabilia components, very few 1987 Fleer Limited sets have changed hands since initial purchase.

For those lucky enough to own a 1987 Fleer Limited Edition, it has undoubtedly provided immense enjoyment and appreciation as a true work of collectible art. Even for those just admiring from afar, the release demonstrated Fleer’s innovation and willingness to produce a hobby product far beyond the standard norms of the 1980s. Its rarity, star power, and high-end presentation made it a standout that still holds legendary status in the minds of baseball card fans. While out of reach for most to acquire today, the 1987 Fleer Limited Edition remains an iconic symbol of the early growth and potential of the modern collecting phenomenon.

The 1987 Fleer Limited Edition baseball card set was a revolutionary release that took collectibles to an unprecedented luxury level. With an exclusive print run, jumbo size, top players, signed memorabilia, and meticulous packaging, it offered a premium investment product especially appealing to wealthy adult collectors and investors. Its extreme scarcity, flawless condition of surviving units, and status as a true work of memorabilia art has cemented the 1987 Fleer Limited Edition as one of the most coveted and pricy vintage card releases ever made. Even after 35 years, it retains a mythical allure that few subsequent sets have matched in the eyes of dedicated collectors.