Tag Archives: 1987

PRICE OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is a highly sought after and valuable set by collectors and investors. With stars like Roberto Alomar, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux among the rookies featured, the ’87 Topps set contains some of the biggest names in baseball history in their early careers. Let’s take a deeper look at the individual card prices and trends for this iconic release.

The 1987 Topps set consists of 792 total cards issued in wax packs. The design features a color photo of each player with their team logo and stats on the front and career stats/accolades on the back. After being released over 30 years ago, these cardboard treasures have increased greatly in value for several key reasons. First, many of the players featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards extremely desirable. Secondly, the large set size ensured plenty of stars and prospects were included which increased collector interest over decades. And finally, the 1980s boom in baseball card collecting means far fewer ’87 Topps cards remain in pristine condition compared to modern sets.

At the top of the price chart towers the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey Jr. recently brought in over $100,000 at auction. Other mint condition examples can fetch $50,000-$75,000 still. The next most valuable rookies are Barry Bonds ($5,000-10,000 PSA 10), Greg Maddux ($4,000-7,000 PSA 10), and Walt Weiss ($1,500-3,000 PSA 10).

Rookie cards are just the beginning when it comes to expensive ’87 Topps cards. The biggest star of the 1980s, Mike Schmidt, consistently brings top dollar as well with a PSA 10 topping $3,000. The charismatic Rickey Henderson routinely sells for $2,000-4,000 in top grade due to his base stealing prowess and personality. Two future Hall of Famers and noted sluggers, Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas, can each earn $1,500-2,500 in PSA 10. Powerhouses like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith round out cards valued around $1,000-2,000.

While stars command top dollar, there are quite a few noteworthy mid-range priced ’87 Topps cards as well. Future 300 game winner David Cone owns a $500-1,000 PSA 10 tag. Astros legend Jeff Bagwell and Expo/Jay Gary Carter settle in the $400-800 range. The power/speed combination of Will Clark attracts $300-600. And Mets World Series hero Keith Hernandez can pull $200-400. But some more budget friendly vintage cardboard still exists too. Rookie cards of Edgar Martinez, Dennis Eckersley, and Tim Raines can often be found graded for under $150.

Of course, condition is absolutely critical when determining the value of any vintage sports card. For the most iconic ’87 Topps rookie cards, a PSA 9 can mean the difference of thousands compared to a PSA 10 grade. And for affordable stars, a sharp PSA 8 may run just $20-50 while a well-worn PSA 5 could fall to $5-10. So patience and careful examination is advised when shopping the 1987 Topps baseball set.

In terms of long-term investment potential, the 1987 Topps baseball cards look very strong as well. With the steady retirements of players from the 1980s and increasing nostalgia, demand is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. And as the original generation of collectors ages, many valuable examples will be crossing over into the collectibles market potentially causing short-term price bumps. For serious long-term holdings, consider acquiring gem mint rookies of Hall of Famers like Bonds, Maddux, and Griffey Jr. Or high-grade autos/memorabilia cards of the same could prove brilliant investments over decades.

The 1987 Topps baseball set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of collectors and historians. Featuring legendary rookies and superstars of the past, it serves as a portal to revisit the magic of 1980s baseball. For those willing to spend top dollar, mint rookie cards of future Hall of Famers await. But the set also offers many satisfying affordable options too. The ’87 Topps cards constitute required holding for any serious vintage baseball card collection.

TOP 10 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the decade. Following several years of skyrocketing hobby popularity fueled by the television card in every pack model, Donruss delivered another impressive checklist for collectors. While not the flashiest design compared to competitors like Topps and Fleer, the 1987 Donruss set featured many of the game’s biggest young stars and rising talents. With a sharp focus on photography and player uniqueness, several cards from the 1987 Donruss set have emerged as highly coveted by collectors even decades later. Here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable and desirable 1987 Donruss baseball cards:

Ozzie Smith (#390) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith was in his prime during the late 1980s. His 1987 Donruss card depicts “The Wizard” gliding across the field, showcasing his elite range and basketball-like leaping ability. Highly sought after by Smith completists, respectable PSA 10 examples can fetch $150-200.

Tim Raines (#143) – Nicknamed “Rock,” Tim Raines was one of baseball’s most exciting players of the 1980s, a base stealing machine with the Expos. His 1987 Donruss issue features fantastic action photography of Raines rounding third on his way home. Still reasonably affordable in top grades, a PSA 10 Raines typically sells in the $200 range.

Roger Clemens (#401) – Entering his peak years with the Red Sox in 1987, Roger Clemens was already establishing himself as one of the game’s most intimidating aces. His Donruss card captured the raw competiveness and fire of “The Rocket.” Higher grade Clemens rookies are quite costly, with a PSA 10 approaching $500.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#471) – One of the true steals of the 1987 draft by Seattle, teenage phenom Ken Griffey Jr was already wowing scouts in the minors. His rookie card perfectly captured his smooth left-handed swing and laid-back style. Junior’s popularity only grew, making this a must-have for any collection. PSA 10s trade hands for $600-700.

Mark McGwire (#156) – Already hammering prodigious home runs for Oakland by 1987, “Big Mac” McGwire was on his way to superstardom. His powerful left-handed swing is immortalized on this early Donruss RC. High-grade McGwire rookies remain quite rare and valuable, with a PSA 10 in the $800 range.

Barry Bonds (#295) – Entering his 4th MLB season with just 126 career at-bats, few suspected Bonds would develop into the home run king. But his amazing talents were evident, as shown on this crystal clear action shot. Pristine PSA 10 Barry Bonds rookies crack four figures, around $1,000-1200.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#351) – Already a rising star for Baltimore by 1987, Cal Ripken Jr’s consistency and work ethic were unparalleled. This Donruss issue beautifully captured Ripken’s sweet lefty stroke. Highly treasured by Orioles collectors, a PSA 10 sells north of $1,500.

Nolan Ryan (#306) – At age 40 in 1987, “The Ryan Express” was still blowing away hitters with triple digit heat for the Astros. This classic portrait shows the sheer intimidation factor of the all-time strikeout king. Top quality Nolan Ryan rookie stars regularly surpass $2,000.

Kirby Puckett (#401) – Emerging as a superstar center fielder for the Twins, Puckett had one of the sweetest swings in the game. His eye-catching 1987 Donruss RC is action-packed, leading many to call it the set’s best photo. Graded specimens over $3,000, with a PSA 10 pushing $4,000.

Dwight Gooden (#320) – At just 22 years old in 1987, “Doc” Gooden was the most electric young arm in baseball following his Rookie of the Year campaign. This card perfectly captures the drama and excitement of his follow through mid-pitch. Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1987 Donruss set, a PSA 10 Gooden RC breaks the $5,000 barrier.

While not as aesthetically flashy as some other ’80s releases, the 1987 Donruss baseball set holds immense nostalgia and demand among enthusiasts of the era. With many true rookie stars and future Hall of Famers prominently featured, select high-grade specimens continue to appreciate strongly thanks to the scintillating photographs and player likenesses frozen in time. For aficionados of ’80s cardboard and the players who defined that decade, 1987 Donruss remains a must-have collection.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 PRICE GUIDE

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1987 was a unique year for Topps baseball cards as it was the first year Topps produced its cards through printing instead of the previous gum manufacturing process. This change led to significant differences in the physical composition and appearance of the 1987 Topps cards compared to prior years. The cards had a thinner glossier finish and featured brighter colors compared to the thicker stock of previous Topps issues.

While the physical differences were notable, what really drives the collectibility and prices of vintage baseball cards is the players and the scarcity of rare and valuable cards. The 1987 Topps set features many all-time great players who were in their prime or just entering it. Players like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Barry Bonds all appear prominently in the set in seasons before they achieved their highest levels of fame and accolades.

The standard 1987 Topps base card set contains 792 cards featuring active major leaguers as well as retired stars and managers/coaches. The most common cards from this set hold relatively little value today, being readily available and found in most vintage baseball card collections. Examples of mid-range priced common base cards include:

Wade Boggs (#48 Boston Red Sox): $1-2
Ozzie Smith (#118 St. Louis Cardinals): $2-3
Roger Clemens (#331 Boston Red Sox): $3-5

There are several key factors that can dramatically increase the value of certain 1987 Topps cards above their base values:

Rookie Cards: Debut cards often carry a substantial premium, especially for future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. Some examples of valuable 1987 Topps rookie cards include:

Ken Griffey Jr (#321 Seattle Mariners): $50-75
Greg Maddux (#600 Chicago Cubs): $40-60
Tom Glavine (#581 Atlanta Braves): $30-50
Barry Larkin (#680 Cincinnati Reds): $25-35

Short Prints: Certain cards in the 1987 Topps base set were printed in lower numbers than usual, making them statistically rarer and more valuable. Among the most coveted short prints are:

Tim Raines (#481 Montreal Expos): $50-75
Mark McGwire (#601 Oakland A’s): $40-60
Kirby Puckett (#651 Minnesota Twins): $30-50

Gold Cards: Occurring 1 in every wax pack on average, the 1987 Topps Gold Cards featured a gold border around the image and held an instant premium over the basic issue. Key gold cards include:

Ozzie Smith (#118G St. Louis Cardinals): $75-100
Wade Boggs (#48G Boston Red Sox): $50-75
Rickey Henderson (#481G Oakland A’s): $40-60

odder Errors: Missed-cut errors, off-center strikes, upside-down prints and other manufacturing anomalies that differ significantly from the card’s normal design command high values from error card collectors.

Additional Insert Sets: Topps also released additional insert sets packed less frequently in 1987 wax packs to spark extended collector interest. The most valuable of these include:

All-Star Cards (132 cards): Complete set $200-300
Postseason Highlights Cards (48 cards): Key cards $20-50 each

While not all 1987 Topps cards hold enormous long-term appreciation potential, savvy collectors know that this vintage issue features some of the best rookie cards and most iconography of players crossing over into their primes or entering baseball immortality. Short print variations, manufacturing errors, strong visual designs featuring rising young talents all contribute to an active market where Condition sensitive high-grade examples continue earning premium value investment returns decades after the original product’s release.

For collectors seeking affordability alongside the allure of pre-fame stars, 1987 Topps maintains its status as one of the most collectible late 1980s issues thanks to iconic imagery and an enviable place in the early careers of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Glavine, Maddux, Larry Walker, and others. Whether enjoying the nostalgia of childhood heroes or pursuing valuable classic cardboard, 1987 Topps remains among the most fan-recommended vintage sports card sets for builders of the past and future.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was released at the start of the 1987 MLB season. It was the second release from Fleer after acquiring the license from Topps the previous year. The set includes cards of players from all 26 major league teams at the time. Some of the top rookies and players featured in the ’87 Fleer set include Mark McGwire, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens.

The base card design for 1987 Fleer was similar to the previous year. It featured a color photo of the player in action on the field in the foreground with their team logo and information in the background. One noticeable difference from ’86 was the addition of foil stamping and embossing on certain elements of the design like the Fleer logo. The 1987 set included 330 total cards consisting of 329 base cards and one checklist card.

Some noteworthy rookies featured in the ’87 Fleer set were Mark McGwire of the Oakland A’s, Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Trenidad Hubbard of the Milwaukee Brewers. McGwire’s rookie card in particular has gone on to become one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards of all time due to his record-setting home run feats later in his career. Fernandez had a solid 17-year career and was a 3-time All-Star. Unfortunately, Hubbard only played parts of 3 seasons in the bigs and his card is essentially only valuable for being a rare low-print rookie.

Stars of the era like Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox, Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox are all represented with quality action photos on their ’87 Fleer cards. Boggs and Smith have very memorable cards due their visual appeal and the status the players achieved. Boggs actually has two cards in the set due to being traded from the Red Sox to the New York Yankees during the season. Meanwhile, Clemens’ card stands out for depicting the pitcher in the middle of his powerful wind-up at the peak of his early career dominance.

Some other notable veterans and all-stars that received highlight cards include Rickey Henderson, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Carter, Tim Raines, and Brett Butler. Raines’ card is particularly impressive with its vibrant multi-colored Montreal Expos uniform design in the background. Two other cards of mention are those of Oakland A’s ace starter Bob Welch and Chicago Cubs ace closer Lee Smith. Both pitchers had eventual Hall of Fame caliber careers, though neither reached Cooperstown.

In addition to the standard player cards, the ’87 Fleer set included a few special insert cards. The most coveted of these are the mini cards that feature superstars like Henderson, Smith, Boggs, Raines, and McGwire on a smaller card size. They were extremely rare pulls making them very valuable to collectors today if in high grade. Other inserts included Traded cards highlighting midseason player transactions as well as Career Highlights cards focusing on past accomplishments. There was also a Mike Schmidt Career Retrospective highlighting the Phillies’ star third baseman that spanned his whole career up to that point.

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered the true successor to Topps as the ” Flagship” MLB card company following Fleer’s acquisition of the license. It offered collectors high quality images, big star rookie cards, and special inserts not seen before from a mainstream baseball card manufacturer. Even with competition from Score and Donruss emerging at the time, the ’87 Fleer set remains one of the most iconic and collectible of the entire modern era of sports cards due to the memorable careers many of the featured players went on to have. Condition graded examples of stars like McGwire, Boggs, Smith, and Raines have grown steeply in value and attract premium prices when they hit the hobby marketplace decades later. The 1987 Fleer baseball card release is still highly regarded by collectors today as a true golden era set that captured the sport at one of its most exciting junctures.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS LIST

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most historic issues ever released by the company. Containing a whopping 792 cards, the ’87 Donruss set featured numerous rookie cards, Hall of Famers, and stars from both the American and National Leagues. While not the first set to feature traded players in their new uniforms, the 1987 release is largely credited with popularizing this element that has become a staple of modern baseball cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the highlights from the extensive 1987 Donruss baseball cards list.

The massive 792 card checklist was broken up into various series and included base cards, traded cards, stars, team leaders, and rookie cards. Some of the biggest rookie cards in the set included Hall of Famers Barry Larkin (#145) of the Reds and Mark McGwire (#220) of the Athletics. Other notable rookies included Vince Coleman (#216) of the Cardinals, Kevin Maas (#269) of the Yankees, and Bip Roberts (#271) of the Reds. With a record number of 760 cards in the base set alone, there were plenty of stars throughout.

Hall of Famers with base cards included Wade Boggs (#7) of the Red Sox, George Brett (#21) of the Royals, Ozzie Smith (#24) of the Padres, Paul Molitor (#42) of the Brewers, Kirby Puckett (#49) of the Twins, Ryne Sandberg (#57) of the Cubs, and Nolan Ryan (#82) of the Astros, just to name a few. Other superstar cards included Robin Yount (#6) of the Brewers, Pedro Guerrero (#16) of the Dodgers, Tony Gwynn (#22) of the Padres, Tim Raines (#38) of the Expos, Dwight Gooden (#47) of the Mets, and Rickey Henderson (#61) of the A’s. Fan favorites like Don Mattingly (#11), Darryl Strawberry (#29), and Jose Canseco (#80) also had prominent base cards.

One of the biggest innovations of the ’87 Donruss set was the inclusion of “traded” cards, where players were depicted in the uniforms of their new teams from trades that had occurred. Some notable traded cards included Julio Franco (#41) as a Indian, Eric Davis (#54) as a Reds, Doyle Alexander (#108) as a Tigers, Steve Bedrosian (#133) as a Phillies, and Len Dykstra (#146) as a Phillies. Other impactful traded players included Walt Terrell (#283) to the Red Sox, David Cone (#394) to the Mets, and Greg Minton (#744) to the Reds.

All 30 major league teams were also represented with their own team leader or leaders card. Future Hall of Famers included Tom Glavine (#44L) for the Braves and Tim Raines (#68L) for the Expos. Other recognizable names as team leaders were Roger Clemens (#27L) for the Red Sox, Kirby Puckett (#28L) for the Twins, Cal Ripken Jr. (#8L) for the Orioles, and Steve Sax (#30L) for the Dodgers. The Cubs’ team leaders card featured four players – Ryne Sandberg, Keith Moreland, Jody Davis and Gary Matthews.

In addition to the massive base set, Donruss also included 100 star cards as a short print insert set. Some of the biggest names in the star cards included Ozzie Smith (#19), George Brett (#24), Wade Boggs (#32), Andre Dawson (#34), Dennis Eckersley (#43), Roger Clemens (#58), Gary Carter (#64), Rickey Henderson (#75), and Nolan Ryan (#100). These short print star cards added another layer of excitement for collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set captured the sport at the height of the steroid era. While performance-enhancing drug controversies would later plague stars of the late 80s and 90s like Canseco, McGwire and Palmeiro, their rookie cards in the ’87 Donruss issue are still prized by collectors today. The sheer size of the 760 card base set made it one of the most complete collections of MLB talent ever assembled in a single year. When paired with the innovations of traded players and team leader cards, it’s easy to understand why the ’87 Donruss checklist remains one of the most iconic and desirable sets in the hobby’s history, over 30 years later. The massive 792 card checklist made it a challenge to complete, but also cemented it as a true collector’s set representing the sports golden age.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS THE ROOKIES

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era of the hobby, largely due to the presence of Ken Griffey Jr.’s historic rookie card in the set. Many collectors overlook or are unaware of Donruss’ sub-set from that year titled “The Rookies” which featured 12 additional rookie cards outside of the main 132-card base set.

While not as famous or valuable on average as Griffey’s base card #156, the dozen rookie cards from The Rookies subset have grown in popularity and prestige over the past 30+ years among collectors. Many consider it the most pivotal and star-studded rookie card class outside of Griffey in the whole ’80s decade. Featuring future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and impact players who went on to have fantastic careers, 1987 Donruss The Rookies provided a spotlight on some truly special talents just starting out in The Show.

The first rookie in the subset is #T1 Archi Cianfrocco of the Detroit Tigers. A catcher, Cianfrocco had a relatively short and unremarkable MLB career playing from 1987-1993 for four different teams. His card isn’t very sought after today but provided the opening slot for the more notable rookies to come in the subset.

In the #T2 position is Boston Red Sox pitcher and future 300-game winner Roger Clemens, who had a monster 24-year career and is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Clemens went on to win 7 Cy Young Awards and capture two World Series titles. His iconic glare pictured on his rookie card from The Rookies makes it highly coveted by collectors today. Graded gem mint examples can sell for thousands.

Houston Astros outfielder/DH Glenn Davis has the #T3 card in the subset. Davis enjoyed eight solid major league seasons, making three All-Star teams early in his career before injuries derailed him. He’s likely best remembered today for being part of the historic trade that sent pitcher Mike Scott to the Astros. Gem mint Davises can sell in the $100-200 range.

The #T4 card features Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Chase Utley in his true rookie issue before moving to the Philadelphia Phillies. Over a 16-year career primarily with the Phils, Utley established himself as one of the best hitting second basemen of all time and a key member of Philadelphia’s 2008 World Series championship team. His 1987 Donruss RC remains a very popular and historically important rookie card.

Mark McGwire’s iconic rookie is #T5 in The Rookies. As the burgeoning slugger for the eventual World Champion Oakland A’s, McGwire blasted 49 homers in his first full season in 1987, a rookie record at the time that foreshadowed his record-breaking home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998. Despite controversies, Big Mac’s early career dominance and mammoth home runs made his rookie one of the most explosive RCs from the decade. Higher grades can reach values over $1000.

Texas Rangers hurler Nolan Ryan holds down the #T6 position in the subset. Arguably the hardest thrower in baseball history, Ryan authored one of the game’s greatest careers spanning 27 seasons with a record 5,714 strikeouts. While playing the tail end of his career in the ’80s with Texas, Ryan’s rookie card from this set remains a consistent seller for collectors given his status as a pitching legend. Lower minted examples can sell for hundreds.

Future Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star Ryne Sandberg has the #T7 rookie card. As the budding young second baseman for the Chicago Cubs, “Ryno” went on to author a fantastic career hitting over .285 with over 300 home runs and winning the 1984 NL MVP. His smooth left-handed swing and dazzling defensive skills made him a fan favorite. Higher graded Sandberg rookies can reach values well over $1000.

Atlanta Braves fireballing righty Bruce Sutter is featured in the #T8 position. A dominant reliever during his days with the Cubs and Cardinals, Sutter racked up 300 career saves and an impressive 1.98 ERA during his 12-year MLB tenure. He was the first-ever closer elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame exclusively for his relief work. Sutter’s iconic wind-up has made his rookie a very steady yet affordable option for collectors for years.

The #T9 card highlights Toronto Blue Jays slugging first baseman Fred McGriff. Over 19 seasons with five different franchises, “Crime Dog” crushed 493 home runs and made five All-Star teams while being known for his consistent production and leadership abilities. Despite short of the 500 HR milestone for automatic HOF entry, McGriff remains a borderline candidate today among fans and analysts for his excellent career stats. His 1987 RC is a true sleeper pick in the subset.

Perhaps the biggest star of The Rookies subset outside Griffey, Orel Hershiser inhabits the #T10 position. After breaking out with a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings during the 1988 season culminating in World Series MVP honors, Hershiser went on to author a very solid 18-year career highlighted by All-Star appearances and 204 career wins. His rookie flasher is one of the most iconic from the decade and can demand prices over $1000 graded gem mint.

The penultimate #T11 card is San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield. Over 22 MLB seasons playing for nine franchises, Sheffield slugged 509 career home runs and made eight All-Star teams while gaining a reputation for his elite bat speed and power numbers. His rookie is a popular and often affordable option for collectors given his Hall of Fame caliber stats and longevity in the sport.

Wrapping up The Rookies subset is #T12 Kansas City Royals fireballing righty Kal Daniels. Daniels had a relatively short and uneventful three-year MLB career and his card doesn’t carry much nostalgia or demand. It capped off a truly special collection of impact rookies featured outside of the base ’87 Donruss set that launched the careers of Hall of Famers, MVPs, and award-winning players who thrilled fans for decades.

In total, The Rookies subset featured several true superstars and iconic players who went on to define the late ’80s and ’90s eras. While Griffey’s base card garners top dollar, the dozen rookies within this celebrated mini-set have grown tremendously in prestige and collectability over the years. For students of the game and vintage baseball card collectors, 1987 Donruss The Rookies was a seminal release that introduced a highly successful rookie class for the ages.

BEST CARDS 1987 FLEER BASEBALL

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the late 1980s. Coming on the heels of Topps’ monopoly on licensed MLB cards being broken in 1981 by Fleer and later Donruss, collectors were eager to see what new players, designs and innovations Fleer would unveil for the ’87 season. And they did not disappoint.

The ’87 Fleer set is considered by many to be the pinnacle vintage release from the brand during their time competing with Topps in the late 80s/early 90s. It contained an exciting mix of young stars, veteran greats and emerging talents that captured the excitement of the game at that moment in time. The card designs were also some of the boldest and most visually appealing Fleer had produced up to that point.

Some of the key aspects and notables from the 1987 Fleer baseball card set that made it such a beloved and valuable vintage release among collectors include:

Players Featured: The ’87 Fleer roster had a perfect blend of established superstars and up-and-coming young talents that kept packs exciting. Names like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson and Mike Schmidt represented the old guard, while emerging talents like Mark McGwire (in one of his early Fleer rookie cards), Will Clark, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine got collectors excited about the future of the game.

Rookie Cards: In addition to McGwire, the ’87 Fleer set featured rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Tim Raines that would go on to become two of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from the entire junk wax era. Other notable rookies included Milt Thompson, Gregg Olson and Dwight Gooden’s final rookie card appearance after previously being featured in his first two seasons by Topps.

Design & Photography: The ’87 Fleer cards had a very bold and colorful design with thick borders and large player photos that popped off the card. The photography quality was also a step up from previous Fleer issues, with many cards featuring unique action shots. The modern yet retro style made for an extremely appealing and collectible visual product.

Parallels & Variations: While not as abundant as in some modern sets, the ’87 Fleer release did contain several parallels and rare variations that added to the excitement of the product. This included the highly coveted “Photo Variations” where certain players received alternate action photos on their cards. Rarer still were “Black Back” parallel versions of some cards that were extremely tough pulls.

Product Packaging: Fleer went above and beyond with their packaging and marketing for the ’87 release. The boxes and wax packs had a sharp color scheme and eye-catching graphic design. The factory sealed wax boxes guaranteed four “hit” cards that added collector value and intrigue to each sealed product.

Secondary Market Growth: All of these factors combined to make the ’87 Fleer set incredibly popular and valuable even before the infamous “Junk Wax Era” boom of the late 80s/early 90s. The strong player selection and innovative design ensured it remained a highly collectible and desirable vintage release as the collector market expanded in following decades. Key rookie cards like McGwire, Griffey and Raines in particular have seen astronomical price increases in recent years as their careers progressed.

In the years since its release, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set has cemented its status as one of the true vintage classics and among the most iconic issues ever produced by the Fleer brand during their run making licensed MLB cards. It has stood the test of time due to capturing an exciting moment in the game through memorable photography and cutting edge design while also featuring some of the most significant rookie cards and young stars in baseball history. For collectors of ’80s cardboard or the players featured, it is considered required holding in any serious vintage collection.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL RARE CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. While it may not be the most valuable set overall, it features several highly sought after rare and short printed cards that attract immense interest from collectors. The 1987 design is among Topps’ most recognizable, with players photographed against a solid color background from head to toe. Its retro and bold style is beloved by collectors to this day.

One of the true gems from the 1987 set is the infamous Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball and living up to expectations with a phenomenal MLB debut in 1987 with the Seattle Mariners. Naturally, his Topps rookie has become the crown jewel of the set. Only about 100-200 of these precious cards were printed with the correct Photo Variation, making it among the rarest modern rookie cards in existence. In pristine Gem Mint 10 condition, Griffey rookies have smashed auction records, selling for well over $100,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still demand thousands.

Another super short print and possibly the single rarest card in the set is the Darryl Strawberry photo variation. Only about a dozen are known to exist of the variation that shows Strawberry from the knees up in a Mets uniform. In the standard photo, he is shown from head to toe. This may be the holy grail for 1987 collectors due to its astounding rarity. Even well-worn low-grade copies would be worth a small fortune to those few completionists who managed to track one down.

Bret Saberhagen also has one of the more valuable rookie cards from the set. The Cardinals’ prospect photographed for Topps in 1987 before being traded to the Royals. His rookie is not quite on the level of Griffey for rarity but is still very tough to acquire in high grade. Near-mint examples can reach $1,000 and up. Graded mint copies have crossed the $3,000 mark before. Like Griffey, Saberhagen lived up to expectations with multiple Cy Young awards and would remain a star for over a decade.

Not all the valuable 1987 Topps cards necessarily feature the games’ future legends, however. Jose Canseco’s card may surprise some as an expensive copy for a player who had character issues and PED controversies later in his career. But in 1987, Canseco was the freshly minted AL Rookie of the Year and had just led the league in home runs. Near-mint examples have still cleared six figures, a testament to his prominence that year. Canseco’s card could be seen as the 1987 reverse rookie of Mark McGwire, coveted not just for historic significance but also for aesthetic charm with its eye-catching yellow and black A’s uniform design.

Staying on the Athletics, the 1987 Topps set also featured solid short prints of sluggers like Mark McGwire and Walt Weiss that have appreciation over the decades. Other valuable but more reasonably-priced stars included rookie cards of Tom Glavine, Gregg Olson, and Chad Kreuter that can frequently be found in the $200-600 range in high grade. Turning to veterans, Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr. also had popular issue cards that hold their value well thanks to the players’ consistent excellence and iconic status in the game.

While the 1986 and 1989 Topps sets may have eclipsed it overall due to bigger stars and more numerous valuable short prints, the 1987 edition endures due to its signature design, strong rookie class, and handful of unprecedented rare photo variations that continue to excite collectors. With Griffey, Strawberry, and others, it firmly holds a place as one of the all-time classic and collectible releases from a golden era of Topps baseball cards. Condition-sensitive and elusive, its prize cards remain at the top of many want lists for enfranchised collectors of the vintage period.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL PICTURE CARDS TRADED SERIES

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Picture Cards Traded Series was a special subset of cards released by Topps as part of their flagship baseball card release for that year. The Traded Series featured cards of players who had been traded to new teams during the 1986-1987 offseason. These player transactions resulted in cards showing the ballplayers in the uniforms of their new clubs for the first time.

The 1986-1987 offseason saw a number of impactful trades take place throughout Major League Baseball. Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens was one of the biggest names dealt, going from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets. Other well-known players switching uniforms included Tim Raines (Montreal Expos to Chicago White Sox), Darryl Strawberry (New York Mets to Los Angeles Dodgers), Tony Armas (Boston Red Sox to Oakland Athletics), and Donnie Moore (California Angels to Detroit Tigers).

To commemorate these roster changes, Topps created a special subset of cards within the 1987 set numbering system specifically for the traded players. There were a total of 22 cards in the 1987 Traded Series, with each one showing the player in the standard baseball card front-on pose shot but wearing the hat, jersey, and colors of their new ballclub for the first time. This was a unique way for collectors to not only track offseason transactions but also see how the players looked with their updated uniforms before the 1987 season began.

Some noteworthy aspects of the 1987 Topps Traded Series cards:

The cards were numbered sequentially from other base cards in the main 1987 Topps set, ranging from card numbers 451 to 472. This kept them separate from the standard rookies, stars, and team cards which occupied the lower numbers.

Nearly all of the 22 players featured had been part of notable trades. The lone exception was Donnie Moore, who had actually been released by the Angels and then signed as a free agent by the Tigers in the offseason.

Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs was included, having been dealt from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in a blockbuster trade. His card showed him in the famed Yankee pinstripes for the first time.

Star slugger Darryl Strawberry’s card depicted him as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, foreshadowing high expectations for his production in the team’s power alleys of Dodger Stadium.

Like with Strawberry, Tony Armas Jr.’s Traded Series card was one collectors hung onto, given his potential after being acquired from the Red Sox by the Athletics and switching from Fenway Park to the Oakland Coliseum.

Tim Raines’ White Sox card signified hopes for stolen base records being set on the fast artificial turf at old Comiskey Park in Chicago. Raines would disappoint due to injury but still put up solid numbers.

Traded veterans like Don Aase (Cubs to Phillies) mixed with younger dealt players like Darnell Coles (Red Sox to Angels) and Spike Owen (Red Sox to Astros).

When it was released in 1987, the Topps Traded Series provided a fun way for baseball fans to not only follow the news of player movement but to see how the newest additions to each franchise looked in their fresh uniforms. For collectors, it remains a standout subset within the larger collection of the main 1987 Topps issue due to its significance in memorializing historical trades still discussed today. While limited to only 22 cards, its roster of talent and memorable portrayals of players like Boggs, Strawberry, and Raines in new threads gave the 1987 Traded Series an impact beyond its size. It stands as one of the most noteworthy traded subsets ever produced by Topps.

Through its emphasis on documenting the major league trades of the 1986-1987 offseason and presenting the affected players in the fresh uniforms of their new teams, the 1987 Topps Traded SeriesSubset achieved historical status within the larger 1987 Topps issue and remains a highlight for collectors due to its lineup of legendary names and importance in marking transactions that altered the baseball landscape. It is remembered as one of Topps’ most celebrated traded subsets of the 1980s and beyond.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BOX

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The 1987 Topps baseball card box was one of the most iconic and desirable baseball card sets of the 1980s. released at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Topps set captured the stars and moments of that baseball season in vivid color photos on cardboard. Containing 792 total cards across 22 packs per box, the 1987 Topps issue highlighted a mix of established superstars and exciting young rookies that enticed collectors to purchase boxes hoping to complete the full set or find valuable rookie cards.

Released in late spring of 1987 ahead of the new Major League Baseball season, the 1987 Topps set showcased many of the biggest names in baseball at that time. Home run king Dave Winfield of the New York Yankees graced the very first card in the set. Others like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roger Clemens appeared prominently in the early cards. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and Tom Glavine also intrigued collectors scouring packs for finds. The true rookie gems were decidedly two pitchers – Ben McDonald of the Baltimore Orioles and Tom Gugliotta of the St. Louis Cardinals. Both were highly touted prospects and their rookie cards in the 1987 Topps set would prove to be quite valuable in the years to follow.

Beyond stars and rookies, the photography and card designs of the 1987 Topps issue exemplified the artistic aesthetic of late 80s baseball cards. Bright colors popped off the cardboard, often set against simple solid color backgrounds. Action shots showed players mid-swing, windup, or catch. Headshots offered clear views of each player with crisp details on uniforms. Topps also incorporated fun touches like rainbow stripe borders on selected cards. The card stock was sturdier than prior years, which kept the photos and statistics sharply formatted even with repeated handling. Overall it imparted a classic, clean look befitting the Topps brand at its commercial peak.

In terms of organization and statistics, the 1987 Topps baseball cards followed familiar Topps conventions. The set began with team cards showing player lineups on the front, with basic club stats on the back. Numbers on individual player cards ascended in order of each player’s team. Statistics included from the 1986 season centered on batting averages, home runs, RBI, and won-lost records for pitchers. Backs of rookie cards notated a player’s position, height/weight, and brief scouting reports. Checklists at the end compiled highlights from the set in an easy reference format. Gum was included in each pack, as was Topps’ tradition since 1938 when they started making baseball cards.

As the height of the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s, production numbers of 1987 Topps boxes were high. That did not diminish the collecting frenzy – especially among young boys – to acquire this iconic release. Boxes retailed for around $15-20 each when first sold at hobby shops and major retailers in 1987. Inside each wax box were 22 wax packs with 11 cards per pack. The high print run means unopened boxes in good condition can still be found today, generally selling in the $50-100 range depending on overall condition of the box and packs. But as the years passed, appreciation has grown for the vintage quality, design, and players represented in this classic 1980s issue from Topps. Key rookie cards like Ben McDonald, Tom Glavine, and others that rose to stardom command higher prices for their 1987 Topps versions today. Meanwhile, the full base set remains a fun and mildly challenging one for collectors to complete from the bargain bins.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set perfectly encapsulated the sport’s exciting stars, compelling rookies, and cultural phenomenon of the card collecting hobby during its commercial peak era. More than 30 years later, it maintains an iconic status for those who grew up opening its packs or put together its 792-card puzzle as kids. While abundant in numbers from its original production, the 1987 Topps issue continues finding new admirers and still provides enjoyment for collectors to reminisce through its timeless photography, designs, and notable players featured from that 1987 MLB season. It assuredly stands among the most beloved and recognizable Topps releases ever made.