Tag Archives: 1987

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ROGER CLEMENS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Roger Clemens baseball card is one of the most iconic and valuable cards of The Rocket during his early years with the Boston Red Sox. Coming off his first all-star and Cy Young award winning seasons in 1986 and 1987 respectively, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card captured him at the very beginning of what would become one of the greatest pitching careers in MLB history.

The 1987 Topps set is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in modern baseball card history. Featuring colorful team logo designs across the top and player photos positioned high on the card to maximize foreground space, the images truly pop on the 1987 design. Clemens’ card takes advantage of this with a crystal clear close-up headshot showing his fierce competitive stare. His dominating presence and potential for greatness is evident even in his early 20s.

Off the mound, 1986 was Clemens’ breakout campaign. Going 24-4 with a 2.48 ERA and 238 strikeouts, he led the AL in wins, ERA, strikeouts, winning percentage (.857) and WAR (8.3). His 24 wins set a new MLB single-season record. For his efforts, Clemens was named the AL Cy Young award winner, becoming just the third pitcher in league history to win it at age 23 or younger.

Continuing his ascendance in 1987, Clemens went 20-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 270 strikeouts while lowering his walks allowed from 77 to 61. He finished third in AL Cy Young voting behind teammate Bruce Hurst and Minnesota’s Frank Viola. Individually, Clemens set a new MLB single-season record with his 270 strikeouts that stood for over 20 years.

With the exceptional seasons Clemens was putting together early in his career, demand was high for his rookie and early Topps cards. The 1987 is arguably the most iconic of his early Red Sox issues due to capturing him amid back-to-back stellar seasons and Cy Young caliber performances. Long considered the card that emerged Clemens into superstardom, graded versions today regularly sell for well over $1000.

Part of what makes the 1987 stand out is the incredible photography. A tight close-cropped shot from chest up shows Clemens intense eyes locked in with a serious, gameday focused expression. His thick early career curls flow out from under his baseball cap. The high photo placement on the card gives a wonderful headshot portrait effect emphasizing Clemens’ intimidating stare. It’s an iconic image that has inspired countless renditions and remains one of Clemens’ most recognizable card photographs.

While Clemens shone on the mound, the 1987 Red Sox were an underperforming last place team. Finishing 77-84, it was Clemens carrying the pitching staff with Hurst right behind him. The lack of team success that season has kept many of Clemens’ 1987s in circulation over the years as Red Sox fans looked to collect stars on otherwise disappointing teams. With time Clemens’ stardom has boosted values of his early Sox issues like the ’87 Topps.

For collectors, finding high grade 1987 Clemens presents a challenge. The relatively low initial print run combined with thirty plus years of collecting interest means pristine near-mint examples have mostly been snatched up long ago. Even well-centered examples often show minor defects upon close inspection. But for enthusiasts, the 1987 remains coveted for its rich saturation of colors and iconic photography capturing Clemens right before superstardom.

In the following seasons, Clemens would cement his case as one of baseball’s all-time greats. Three more Cy Youngs and the 1990 AL MVP award were still ahead. He would go on to dominate into the late 1990s and early 2000s with the Blue Jays and Yankees, cementing a legacy as one of the most accomplished right-handed pitchers in MLB history. But it all started with back-to-back electric seasons for the Red Sox in 1986-1987, immortalized in the classic 1987 Topps Roger Clemens card. For collectors and fans alike, it remains a highly treasured piece of his early career collecting lore.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Traded set featured an insert of potential Hall of Fame players and rising stars from that season. While not the most iconic or well-known vintage baseball card set, several key rookies and legends featured make certain 1987 Topps Traded cards among the most valuable from that year. The scarcity and historical significance of some of these players has led to high demand and prices for their rookie or star cards from this 220 card set over the past few decades.

One of the most coveted and expensive 1987 Topps Traded cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from this set has consistently risen in value ever since he began collecting batting titles and Gold Gloves in the late 1980s and 1990s. In gem mint condition, a Griffey Jr. rookie now easily fetches over $10,000 and has sold for as much as $22,000 in recent years. What makes his card so scarce and sought after is its late release in the Traded set, meaning far fewer were pulled by collectors compared to cards in the regular Topps series that year.

Another rookie cardgenerating big money from the 1987 Topps Traded set is that of Greg Maddux. Like Griffey, Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career winning over 300 games and capturing 4 Cy Young Awards. In high grade, his rookie has sold for around $5,000. Maddux has the added cachet of being one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1990s, giving his early cards lasting value. The scarcity of both his and Griffey’s rookies in the harder to find Traded insert set as opposed to the flagship series adds a substantial premium.

In addition to star rookies, the 1987 Topps Traded set featured then-established legends whose cards have increased greatly in value with time. A standout is the Ryne Sandberg card, featuring the 10-time All-Star and 1984 NL MVP at the peak of his career with the Chicago Cubs. In pristine ‘Gem Mint’ condition, a Sandberg from this particular set recently sold for over $4,000 due to his marquee status and winning that elusive championship as a member of the 2016 Cubs. High grade examples of the Ozzie Smith or Don Mattingly cards from this year have also been known to cross the $1,000 mark.

The 1987 Topps Traded set is additionally notable for introducing or highlighting several players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and demand high single card prices. Reds’ power hitter Eric Davis achieved superstar status early in his career and examples of his solid ’87 Traded issue in top condition can approach $1,000. Another in-demand star is the Pedro Martinez rookie, predating his dominant run with the Red Sox. In a sought-after 9 or 10 grade, his first card has sold for well over $2,000.

Condition is extremely important when considering value of any vintage card, but especially for the true elite issues in the 1987 Topps Traded set. With its late-’80s production values, the cards are highly subject to damage from bending, wrinkling or other flaws over decades of being opened and shuffled. For patient collectors willing to rigorously grade and preserve examples, there exists significant longterm financial potential. Beyond the headliners already covered, mint examples of other stars like Alan Trammell, Barry Larkin, or Bo Jackson could routinely sell for hundreds today and may appreciate substantially in the coming years as those players enter the Hall of Fame.

While it came out later in the 1987 season and did not enjoy the same initial fanfare as the Topps flagship set, the Topps Traded insert has proven to contain some of the most historically important and lucrative rookie cards ever made. Headlined by the Griffey and Maddux rookies, this set consolidated multiple emerging and established talents in a single release. For savvy collectors who can acquire high grade copies of the keys playersprofiled, the 1987 Topps Traded cards offer an compelling vintage investment opportunity—especially as the hobby has dramatically increased in popularity and prestige in recent decades. With the high demand spurred partly by nostalgia for the late 80s/early 90s generation, these young star rookies and seasoned vets remain some of the most collectible and monetarily valuable cards from the entire 1980s period.

UNOPENED BOX OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set has long been considered as one of the vintage gems that collectors seek to keep sealed in the original wax box. With its nostalgia of the late 1980s MLB season and star players of that era, along with key factors that make it a wise long-term investment, an unopened wax box of 1987 Topps baseball cards retains much value, fascination and potential for appreciation.

There are several aspects that make the 1987 Topps set a collector’s dream, starting with the stellar roster of players who are featured in the 792 total cards in the set. Major stars of the mid-to-late 80s like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Wade Boggs highlight the ‘87 set alongside all-time greats like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan who were still actively playing. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine as well. With so many future Cooperstown inductees and peak-year stars in one collection, it instantly became one of the most coveted sets by players.

In addition to star power, the visual design elements of 1987 Topps also lent to its popularity. The cards featured vivid team colors along the borders and in the player pose photos, which contrasted nicely against the standard white card stock. Subtle holograms were printed on many of the cards as well for added appeal. The overall look had a sharp, classic Baseball Card feel and remains a nostalgic favorite for collectors who grew up during that era.

Perhaps most importantly for investment purposes today, the 1987 Topps set had a large print run of over 800 million individual cards. A print run of that size ensured there would be enough boxes printed to satisfy demand but not too abundant to diminish long-term scarcity value. With so many boxes and packs opened over the past 35+ years, the population of sealed unopened boxes has significantly dwindled. Combined with persisting collector interest, this controlled initial quantity and the natural decline in sealed product over decades makes a1987 wax box highly coveted on the secondary market.

Remaining in the original sealed state is vital, as it preserves the cards and statistical/autograph chase potential within perfectly. While individual 1987 Topps cards can still be found in raw or graded condition without much premium over average price guides, finding a complete unopened wax box in Excellent/Mint condition is much more difficult. According to PSA’s Population Report, as of 2022 there are only around 250 PSA-graded 1987 Topps wax boxes in existence, showing how rare sealed examples have become.

From an investment vantage point, prices of unopened 1987 wax boxes have appreciated well over the long run. As recently as a decade ago, a sealed box in top condition could be acquired for $800-1200. Today, listings and recent sales of PSA-graded Gem Mint condition boxes are reaching $5,000-8,000. Given the set’s universal popularity, iconic rookie class, and closed supply loop due to finite sealed boxes surviving 35+ years, there is little sign that interest or value will decline any time soon from collectors and investors alike. The sealed box itself serves as an encapsulation and time capsule protecting the collectible cards inside.

Whether being held purely as an asset, opened for personal collecting enjoyment down the road, or eventually cracked and the cards resold individually, a pristine unopened box of 1987 Topps baseball cards stands as a solid vintage sports investment option. With a proven record of long term price appreciation, investment-grade scarcity, and nostalgia that continues to win over new generations of collectors, the allure of this sealed wax pack relic from the 1980s will likely endure for decades further as the set remains an icon among the hobby. For the modern collector, a 1987 Topps wax box check all the boxes as a rare and valuable sealed product primed to retain and grow its value for years to come.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ERRORS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Baseball card set featured some interesting errors that collectors still hunt for today. The 1987 design marked a return to a more traditional look compared to some of the boxier designs of the early 1980s. With 792 total cards in the base set, quality control issues were somewhat inevitable. Here are some of the most notable mistakes and oddities found in the 1987 Topps Baseball card set that collectors still seek out for their rarity and uniqueness.

One of the biggest errors was an omission – Hall of Famer Tony Perez was entirely left out of the set despite still being an active player for the Montreal Expos in 1987. As an important veteran player and former star, this was a glaring oversight by Topps. Perez only appeared in 6 games in 1987 before retiring, so it seems he was inadvertently not included as a current player. This Perez error card is one of the most popular chase cards for collectors from the 1987 set.

Several name errors occurred as well. Dodgers pitcher Alejandro Pena had his first name mistakenly printed as “Alexandro.” On Boston Red Sox pitcher Calvin Schiraldi’s card, his last name was misspelled “Schiralli.” Chicago Cubs first baseman Leon “Bull” Durham had his entire last name omitted from the front of his card. The back listed him correctly but the front just had his first name and no last name at all. These name mistakes created some one-of-a-kind variants within the set.

Perhaps the strangest error was on Oakland A’s catcher Terry Steinbach’s rookie card. Instead of Steinbach’s picture, another player’s photo was mistakenly used – that of Angels pitcher Tom Niedenfuer. Steinbach and Niedenfuer don’t even look alike, making this a truly bizarre mix-up. Only a small number of cards are believed to contain this photo swap, making the authentic Niedenfuer/Steinbach rookie card highly collectible.

Photo positioning errors could also be found. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bill Gullickson’s picture was severely off-center, almost cut off at the shoulders. Chicago White Sox pitcher Joel McKeon had his photo moved upwards on the card, cutting off the top of his cap. San Francisco Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker was almost cut out of his photo completely due to poor centering. Variations like this add character and collectibility to specific cards.

Although rare, there were even a couple instances of the wrong stats winding up on a player’s card. St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Danny Cox had Cincinnati Reds hurler John Stuper’s career stats mistakenly printed on his 1987 issue. The reverse happened as well – Stuper received Cox’s Redbird numbers in error. A tiny few cards containing these totally mixed-up stats remain some of the most prized 1987 mistakes.

One of the set’s odder production quirks wasn’t technically an “error” but is still noteworthy. A small number of cards had the team logo accidentally omitted from the uniform rendering on the front. Players like Brian Holton (White Sox), Dan Schatzeder (Red Sox), and Roy Smith (Pirates) are known examples missing this element of their graphic design. While not mistakes per say, these very lightly printed variant logos act as errors to collectors.

Lastly, possibly the rarest 1987 Topps error of all relates to Manager Billy Martin’s card (#328). Extremely few copies exist with his name completely missing from front – only the word “Manager” is listed under the team name “Minnesota.” Along with this extraordinarily scarce name omission, an even smaller number have his name misprinted as “Bill Martin.” These beyond rare front name errors for Billy Martin are perhaps the holy grails for those chasing 1987 mistakes.

In total, the 1987 Topps set featured a nice assortment of errors, omissions and uncommon variations that add importance and rarity to specific cards nearly 35 years later. From missing names to swapped photos and stats, mixed-up designs and more, mistakes are what hardcore collectors hunt for as signs of a true one-of-a-kind piece of sports card history from the high-volume 1980s production era. The stories and scarcity behind errors make the 1987 issue one of the most intriguing to chase for memorable mistakes and imaginative mistakes made.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ERRORS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and popular issues in the modern era of the sport. It is also known for containing some significant production errors that have puzzled and intrigued collectors for decades. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most noteworthy mistakes and anomalies from the 1987 Fleer checklist.

One of the highest profile errors from the set involves Chicago Cubs superstar Andre Dawson’s photo. Dawson appears on his card wearing a Montreal Expos cap even though he was traded from Montreal to Chicago prior to the 1987 season. How the wrong photo made it onto Dawson’s Fleer card is unclear, but it stands out as one of the more glaring production gaffes in baseball card history. Dawson’s error card is considered one of the key rookie cards from the 1980s and remains a highly sought after piece for any serious collector.

Another odd photo error features San Francisco Giants pitcher Atlee Hammaker. On his 1987 Fleer card, Hammaker is pictured wearing a Brownsburg, Indiana minor league jersey even though he had been in the majors since 1981. Like the Dawson mistake, it’s puzzling how Hammaker ended up with a photo from several years prior when more updated major league pictures surely existed. Both the Dawson and Hammaker photo boo-boos resulted from Fleer having the wrong image on file when designing the cards.

A statistical error can be found on the back of Texas Rangers pitcher Bobby Witt’s rookie card. His listing shows that he had 3 wins during the 1986 season when in reality Witt did not debut in the majors until 1987. This mistake could possibly be attributed to Fleer mixing up Witt’s stats with another player from a prior year.

Perhaps the strangest error from the 1987 Fleer set involves Seattle Mariners hurler Mike Jackson. On Jackson’s card, his last name is misspelled as “Jakcson.” An even odder twist is that later print runs of the card fixed the typo to correctly spell his surname. So there exist parallel versions of Jackson’s card – some with the error and others without. Collectors actively seek out both variations to have a complete representation in their collections.

One of the most visually intriguing mistakes is found on Boston Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman’s card. The logo appearing on his hat below the team name is not the classic Red Sox “B” but rather an unfamiliar rounded “B” design never before seen. To this day, there is no confirmed explanation for the mystery logo that ended up on Gedman’s 1987 Fleer issue.

Moving beyond photo and statistical mix-ups, the 1987 Fleer set experienced issues with card cutting and centering as well. Dozens of cards came out of the factory significantly off-center, with images pushed over to one side rather than properly straight. Players like Ozzie Guillen, Walt Terrell and Terry Pendleton suffered from noticeable centering problems on their cardboard. The uneven trims sometimes altered team logos or cropped out portions of photos.

On the more rare side, some errors saw select cards printed on thicker stock than the standard thinner paper stock of the base issues. Notable examples include Bo Jackson, Eric Davis and Oddibe McDowell whose cards feel heftier in the hand. Whether these variations were intentional or not is open for debate among experts. But they stand out as production anomalies among a massive printing run.

After over 30 years, the errors and oddities of the 1987 Fleer baseball card set continue to mystify collectors. Their scarcity and the mythology around how they slipped through quality control has made error varieties greatly desired by enthusiasts. While imperfect, they imbue the popular 1980s issue with an extra layer of intrigue and collectability. Even if the backstories behind some mistakes may never come to light, they bolster the legacy of one of the cornerstone releases from the golden age of the sport’s hobby.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA 10

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases of the 1980s. This set contains 792 total cards issued in wax packs that featured a variety of stars and rising young players. The photoshoot style continued Topps’ tradition of individual head shots on a pink background for most cards. Now over 35 years old, high grade examples from the ’87 Topps set in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition have become highly desired by collectors.

One of the biggest stars featured on ’87 Topps cards was New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden. Known as “Doc,” Gooden won the NL Cy Young award in 1985 at just 20 years old and was considered the best pitcher in baseball during the mid 1980s. His rookie card from 1982 Topps is one of the most coveted in the hobby. In 1987, Gooden’s card shows him with long curly hair in the middle of his windup. PSA 10 versions of this card in Near Mint-Mint condition are amongst the keys of the set worth $150-200 graded by PSA.

Another highly valuable ’87 Topps card is Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Bell. The native of Jamaica had a breakout 1986 season winning the AL MVP. His card from the ’87 set pictures Bell in the home Blue Jays uniform and he is staring off into the distance with a serious look. PSA 10 examples of this key rookie card for Bell have sold for over $300 in recent years. Part of what makes high graded vintage rookie cards so desirable is they capture a player at the early stage of their career before widespread production.

The 1987 Topps set also featured several young talents who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like Toronto’s Joe Carter, Chicago Cubs Ryne Sandberg, Oakland’s Mark McGwire, San Francisco’s Will Clark, and Cincinnati’s Barry Larkin. Each of these players have PSA 10 rookie or early career cards worth $100-$200. Additionally, 1987 saw the baseball debuts of future stars like Toronto’s Dave Stieb, San Diego’s Benito Santiago, and Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. who appeared as rookies in the set.

When it comes to chase cards at the very top of the ’87 Topps checklist, two particularly stand out – Atlanta Braves pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. As rookie cards, both captured the hurlers in their early Braves uniforms before emerging as perennial Cy Young contenders. High graded PSA 10 versions of these rookie cards have sold at auction for over $1000. What makes these two even more special is they pitched together for the Braves dynasty that won the 1995 World Series.

In terms of star players at the peak of their careers featured, ’87 Topps has cards of sluggers like Oakland’s Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire who would lead the A’s “Bash Brothers” attack, Astros great Nolan Ryan in one of his final seasons before retirement, and Yankees superstar Don Mattingly. Each of these gem mint PSA 10 ranked cards can attract bids up to $200 or more. The ’87 design also provided a vibrant pink backdrop to showcase stellar photography of the players in action.

When high grades and centered striking examples come up for auction, records are often set. In December 2018, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded ’87 Topps Tom Glavine rookie card sold for an astounding $25,750 through auction housePWCC. Just a few months later in March 2019, a PSA 10 1987 Topps Dwight Gooden rookie Card reached $10,800 at auction. Sales at this level underscore the desirability of this Classic set when prospects receive the absolute perfect technical grade.

While ’87 Topps had print runs amongst the largest of the decade, mint condition specimens remain quite tough to locate. The set’s iconic design, star power featuring stars and future Hall of Famers, as well as historically significant rookie cards make PSA 10 specimens highly collectible and worth strong premiums when quality and eye appeal are exemplary. Over 30 years since packs first hit shelves, ’87 Topps keeps cementing its status as a flagship set from the golden era of the hobby prized by investors and enthusiasts alike. When found in pristine grades, the allure is unmatched.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most sought-after issues in the hobby for both casual collectors and serious investors. The sheer depth of stars featured and historic rookie cards included make 1987 a destination year for finding expensive gems. While condition is crucial in determining value, certain cards from the ’87 Topps set command premium prices even in lower grades due to their significance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable offerings from that memorable release.

Heading the chase is the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely regarded as the finest player to ever grace a baseball card, the Kid’s debut is the undisputed king of the ’87s. In pristine Mint condition, it can earn upwards of $10,000. Even well-worn copies still pull in several hundred dollars due to immense name recognition and nostalgia. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism made him an immediate fan favorite, and his rookie perpetually reminds collectors of those early days. For many, it’s simply a high point in the hobby.

Another towering rookie from the set is the card of “Big Hurt” Frank Thomas. Like Griffey, Thomas established himself as a hit machine and perennial All-Star right out of the gate. In Gem Mint 10 condition, his distinctive debut regularly charts for $1,000-2,000. It remains highly coveted due to Thomas’ inclusion on prestigious “300 home run/400 double” lists. Even well-played copies in the 6-8 grade range will move for $100-300. The combination of his mammoth physical tools and gaudy stats made this one a can’t-miss card from the get-go.

Continuing the theme of rookies to remember is the card of “Nails” Edgar Martinez. While often overlooked in the larger conversation, Martinez carved out a Hall of Fame resume as arguably the finest designated hitter in MLB annals. His ’87 Topps introduction surprisingly still fetches $300-500 in pristine condition due to his rock-solid performance over 18 seasons, all with the Seattle Mariners. Even worn copies pull in $50-150 based simply on the player’s reputation and significance to the franchise.

Several established superstars also commanded substantial ’87 Topps prices according to their accomplishments. Ryne Sandberg’s card, for example, has maintained steady $200-400 value through the decades as he solidified his Cooperstown plaque. Fellow inner circle inductee Mike Schmidt drew similar $200-300 rates for his ’87 issue. Even later in their careers, these icons still moved merchandise due to lifetime stats and legendary statuses.

In the pitching department, Nolan Ryan ruled the ’87 valuation spectrum as expected. Despite being 40 years old at the time, his signatureTopps portrait remains a must-have for many due to his utterly incomparable career record. Mint specimens come attached to $200-400 price tags with some regularity. Fellow hurlers Roger Clemens and Orel Hershiser also netted $100-300 rates respectively for their ’87s after Cy Young caliber peaks.

Remaining storylines like an affordable Robin Yount gem at $50-150 or buzzworthy rookie pop from José Canseco at $75-200 keep the 1987 Topps set perpetually relevant. Factor in chase cards of other elite talents like George Brett, Wade Boggs, or Kirby Puckett, and it’s easy to get lost digging through the year for hidden treasures. While Flagship brands from the late 80s aren’t quite the behemoths they once were price-wise, ’87 Topps endures due to an unmatched confluence of all-time great players both established and still emerging. For collectors hoping to invest in memorable cardboard, it’s a reliable collectible destination even now.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts and longboxes of many longtime hobbyists. Loaded with certified Hall of Famers, iconic rookies, and statistical standouts across both leagues, it offers something for everyone. Condition is absolutely crucial, but certain issues from that release like Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas will always demand premium due to rarity and nostalgia factors. Deeper diving can uncover many other $100+ sleepers as well. With a who’s who of baseball embedded within its thick white borders, 1987 Topps is a snapshot in time well worth preserving for aficionados of America’s pastime.

1987 FLEER TRADED BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Fleer traded set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage baseball card releases of all time. While the design was hardly groundbreaking compared to earlier Fleer issues, what made the ’87 traded set so notable was the inclusion of several highly sought rookie cards that would go on to capture the imagination of collectors for decades.

Released in packs alongside the flagship 1987 Fleer baseball card set in spring 1987, the traded issue contained 228 total cards and was largely made up of veteran players who had been traded to new teams in the 1986-87 offseason. It also featured the premier rookie cards of players like Mark McGwire, Kevin Mitchell, and Benito Santiago that would become future Hall of Famers and stars.

The McGwire rookie in particular is one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made. Depicting “Big Mac” in an Oakland A’s uniform, it marked the first widespread appearance of the slugger who would go on to break the single-season home run record. In top graded gem mint condition, McGwire’s traded rookie has sold for over $400,000, making it one of the highest valued modern-era cards.

Another huge star who debuted in the 1987 Fleer traded set was Mets outfielder Kevin Mitchell. His rookie card, which showed him sporting Dodger blue after being traded from San Diego in the offseason, preceded Mitchell’sNational League MVP campaign of 1989. High-grade versions of Mitchell’s debut are also extremely valuable, routinely trading hands for tens of thousands.

Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign in 1986, catcher Benito Santiago’s traded card signified his first appearance in a Padres uniform after being dealt from the Cubs. His stock rose even more with a few more strong seasons, making the Santiago traded RC another highly sought piece from the ’87 issue.

Beyond the star rookie cards, the set as a whole featured several other intriguing traded veterans like Orel Hershiser, Dale Murphy, and Bob Welch. It also contained repeat cards of notable players like Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, and Don Mattingly in their new uniforms. The visual aesthetics, though standard Fleer designs of the time, added context and intrigue of players changing teams right as the traded player era was heating up in MLB.

While production numbers for 1987 Fleer traded were substantial compared to modern parallels, demand and appreciation for the iconic rookie cards has seen supply dwindle drastically over the past 3 decades. In top graded form, complete sets often sell for well over $10,000. Even common players command prices well above their 1987 retail costs. The longevity of stars like McGwire, Santiago, and Mitchell have ensured this set remains a pillar in the vintage baseball card market.

For collectors, acquiring key 1987 Fleer traded cards presents both opportunity and challenge. Prices remain high, especially for the star rookie hits. Appreciation over the long term is almost guaranteed given the immense impact and name recognition of players featured. For researchers of baseball card history and those fascinated by the beginnings of modern legends, the ’87 Fleer traded release also offers a unique window into the emergence of some of the game’s greatest talent from the late 80s and 90s. Decades after release, it retains its stature as one of the most important and investment-worthy vintage issues ever made.

While package design and photography were nothing groundbreaking, the 1987 Fleer traded baseball card set achieved legendary status due to the star power and impact of rookie cards within. Featuring debuts of Hall of Famers like McGwire, All-Stars like Mitchell and Santiago, and numerous veteran improvements, it has maintained extremely strong collector demand. The unique storyline of depicting players in new uniforms added charm and informational value as well. For these reasons, the 1987 Fleer traded set will undoubtedly remain a pillar in the world of vintage baseball memorabilia for decades to come.

1987 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set was released at the height of the 1980s baseball card boom. These cards featured players from the American and National Leagues and had impressive photography and designs that appealed greatly to collectors at the time. While nowhere near as valuable as early cardboard from the 50s and 60s, 1987 O-Pee-Chee does retain solid nostalgic value for those who enjoyed the cards as kids over 30 years ago.

The set totaled 324 cards and had a large focus on star players who were excelling in the 1987 MLB season. This included Future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Mike Schmidt as well as up and coming young talents like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco who would help usher in baseball’s renaissance in the late 80s and 90s. The cards utilized glossy photo stock and vibrant colors that made the images really pop compared to more basic designs from previous decades.

In terms of rarity and condition factors, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set is considered fairly common in the world of vintage baseball cards. Production numbers were high during the boom and many of the cards survived in circulation for years after without much care or protection. As a result, well-centered, clean copies in Near Mint or better condition of even star players can generally be acquired for $1-5 each. Raw ungraded common player cards in worn Fair-Good condition often sell in lots for just pennies apiece.

There are a handful of standout rookie and star cards that have more meaningful value today however. The main headliners include Ken Griffey Jr.’s exciting rookie card, Mark McGwire’s powerful debut, and Don Mattingly’s amazing run production in 1987 that makes his card more sought after. In pristine Near Mint-Mint condition, Griffey PSA/BGS 9s have recently sold for $80-125. McGwire 9s bring $30-50 and a Mattingly gem can fetch $15-25. But even these premium cards require top grades to command four-figure prices like their ’90s counterparts.

Outside of a select few true star rookie debuts, grading and condition are absolutely crucial to retain any real value with 1987 Topps/O-Pee-Chee. Even heavily centered and clean copies of popular players need at least a BGS/PSA 8 or Beckett 8.5 grade to be worthwhile to most collectors beyond a few dollars. Anything in the 7 range or lower is generally only of interest to true set builders looking to check off boxes cheaply. For common veterans and depth players, even mint condition is still only worth around a buck or two.

For the average collector, sealed unopened 1987 O-Pee-Chee packs, boxes and factory sets offer some of the best long term potential value propositions still available at a reasonable price point. A complete 324 card factory set in mint sealed condition has been selling in the $100-150 range in recent years. And unopened rack packs and wax boxes hold 10-15 cards each and can often be found online for under $20 still sealed with their mystery and nostalgia intact. Over decades, as the supply shrinks, prices should gradually appreciate for pristine sealed 1987 cardboard.

The 1980s boom produced glut after glut of mass produced cards that today have minimal value outside of true gems. But the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set still holds its nostalgic allure for baseball fans who remember ripping packs as kids. While extremely high grade star rookies or Hall of Famers may command four figures, most examples are findable for cheap. Pristine sealed product holds the best long term potential and affordable enjoyment for those seeking a fun piece of 80s collectibles history without breaking the bank in the process. Overall the 1987 O-Pee-Chee cards remain an iconic but very attainable vintage baseball collectible.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VARIATIONS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the modern era. While featuring numerous stars and hall of famers, it also stands out for its many variations that fascinate collectors to this day. With 792 total cards in the base set and several special subsets, there were plenty of opportunities for errors, changes, and one-offs to occur.

One of the most well-known variations from the 1987 Topps set is the Flip-stock Pedro Guerrero card (#150). Due to an error at the printing plant, some copies of Guerrero’s card were printed on the reverse stock, making the front gray and back colored rather than the standard format. This subtle change has made the flip-stock Guerrero one of the most coveted common variations.

Another interesting variation is the Cris Carpenter card (#363). The majority of Carpenter’s cards have a team name of “Cardinals” embossed in white ink on the upper-left background. A small number were mistakenly printed without the team name, giving collectors an obvious visual difference to seek out.

One of the most significant variations arises from the design changes made during the printing process. Early copies of the set featured a more vibrant color palette with neon hues popping on many cards. However, Topps received customer complaints that the colors appeared too bright and artificial. In response, Topps ordered their printers to tone down the vibrant colors starting with card #349 (Ron Darling). From that point onward throughout the remainder of the printing run, all cards feature more subdued and natural shades.

Sets printed with the bright early colors are known as “high-numbers” variations while those featuring the toned-down later colors are called “low-numbers.” The most popular cards to collect in both the high-number and low-number variations include superstars like Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, and Ozzie Smith. Finding high-number versions of a star’s early card number with the bright colors is a real coup for any collector.

Another change was made to the Donruss-licensed subset included in the base set. The original printed proofs showed the Donruss logo on a colored circle background. The licensed deal fell through and Topps had to remove the logo from the production run. A small number of cards featuring the logo variation with the circle background are considered true errors.

Meanwhile, throughout the printing process, numerous tiny one-off variations could occur due to shifted color registers, missing ink, or other minor defects on individual cards. Cal Ripken Jr.’s mammoth #343 card seemed especially prone to these tiny changes, with multiple known variants involving missing text, shifted coloring, or print cuts. With Ripken being one of the most popular players, even minor one-off variations to his card stay highly sought after.

Beyond the base set, collectors also seek out variations within the coveted traded and update sets released after the baseball season. A scarce error from the 1987 Traded set involves the Jim Eisenreich card lacking the “Traded” designation found normally in white text along the bottom. Only a small run were printed sans the traded info.

The ’87 Update issue also featured a dramatic color change. The majority of the set uses a blue, beige and gray color scheme different than the base issues. Some copies were printed with a reverted vibrant color palette akin to the original high-number base cards, distinguishable by their border colors. High-grade examples command big money today.

Perhaps no other vintage set demonstrates the subtle nuances of variations as well as 1987 Topps. Every difference, no matter how minor, captured the interest of collectors and added to the iconic status of the entire release. Even now over 30 years later, seekers of potential one-offs still relish the hunt through wax packs, boxes and individual raw cards looking to discover something new within the ever-evolving realm of variations from baseball’s most beloved hobby release.