Tag Archives: 1987

BASEBALL CARDS 1987 TOPPS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was a transition year for the iconic card company as it moved from its long-running design to a more modern look. The set featured 762 total cards including career statistics on the back of each player card for the first time. It also marked the final year that Topps would be the lone major baseball card producer as rival company Fleer re-entered the market in 1988 after a multi-year absence.

Some key things to know about the 1987 Topps baseball card set:

Design Change – After using similar designs for over a decade, Topps made significant changes to the look of its 1987 cards. The classic red logo was replaced by a white logo on a black banner at the top. Player names were moved below photos and statistics were consolidated into three columns on the back. It was a jarring change for collectors used to the classic Topps look.

Rookies of Note – Future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio made his rookie card debut along with other notable rookies like Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and David Cone. Biggio’s card in particular has become one of the most coveted rookie cards from the late 1980s. Other top rookies like Frank Thomas and Jeff Bagwell had to wait until 1988 Fleer for their first cards.

Career Stats on Back – For the first time, Topps included career statistics on the back of every regular player card. Prior years had only included that year’s stats. This provided collectors more complete career records for tracking player performance over the long-term.

O-Pee-Chee Canadian Version – The Canadian version was produced through Topps’ partnership with O-Pee-Chee and had an identical card design and set checklist. The biggest difference was the French and English text on the backs.

Checklist Size – At 762 total cards, it was one of the larger checklists of the 1980s era. In addition to all major leaguers, the set included over 100 rookie cards, manager/coach cards, team cards, and special insert cards like the “Topps All-Star Rookies” subset.

Design Flaws – Some collectors criticized aspects of the new design like head-sized photos, smaller statistics, and cluttered card backs. Topps would continue tweaking the design in future years. The radical change also led to the 1987 set being less popular at the time compared to earlier designs collectors were used to.

Parallels and Variations – There were no official parallels or short prints but variations did exist. The most notable was card #1 Nolan Ryan having two photo variations—one with his eyes open and another closed. Other minor variations included different uniform numbers, photos, or stats.

Secondary Market Growth – As the 1980s player base became more established stars and nostalgia set in, interest in 1980s cards grew significantly in the late 1990s and 2000s. The 1987 set in particular saw strong price increases for stars like McGwire, Biggio, and variations like the Nolan Ryan card #1.

Legacy of Final True Monopoly – 1987 was the end of an era as Topps had printed baseball cards exclusively since the 1950s. The addition of Fleer in 1988 kicked off a more competitive marketplace that led to innovations like upper deck in the late 80s. While Topps cards from prior decades remain the most iconic, 1987 marked the last year of their complete dominance before rivals entered the annual card wars.

While not as aesthetically pleasing to some collectors as earlier designs, the 1987 Topps set was a transitional year that increased statistical info, included notable rookie cards, and marked the finale of Topps as a true monopoly before new competitors arrived. The changes also led to renewed collector interest decades later, making high-grade versions of stars from the set quite valuable in today’s market. It serves as an important bridge year between the classic designs of the 1970s/80s and more modern approaches that followed.

TOPPS 1987 BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th annual complete set released by Topps and featured cards on players from that 1987 Major League Baseball season. It was the height of the “Junk Wax” era in the late 1980s that saw baseball cards mass produced at unprecedented levels which flooded the market. The 1987 Topps set is still considered a classic among collectors and contains many iconic cards that remain popular to this day.

The set contains 792 total cards including 528 base cards, 264 traded/update cards, and several special subsets. The design of the cards featured a simple white border with blue and red color blocks on either side containing stats and other information. The player’s photo was centered in the middle of the card over a baseball diamond pattern background. On the back was a career stats table and occasional puzzle pieces that could be collected to solve word games.

Some of the notable rookie cards in the 1987 Topps set included Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, Dennis Eckersley, David Cone, and Ben McDonald. Larkin, Glavine, and Eckersley in particular went on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors. Other stars featured on the base cards included Don Mattingly, Kirby Puckett, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Ozzie Smith, and Ryne Sandberg among many others.

The 1987 set is also recognized for its memorable traded and update cards that document late season player transactions. For example, the Nolan Ryan traded card shows him with the Houston Astros after being dealt from the Mets. Other notable traded cards include Steve Carlton going to the Indians, Keith Hernandez to the Mets, and Larry Parrish to the Rangers. The extensive number of traded and update cards help capture the dynamics of the 1987 season and roster movement.

Among the special subsets in the 1987 Topps set was “20 Season Leaders” honors the top single season statistic holders from 1966-1986 in various categories. Future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, and Mike Schmidt are prominently featured. Other inserts included league leader cards for the 1986 season, All-Star cards highlighting the 1987 midsummer classic in Oakland, and Final Edition cards of players who retired after the 1986 season like Willie McCovey.

The 1987 Topps set also contained several popular oddball inserts with novel concepts even for the Junk Wax era. These included Record Breaker cards highlighting new franchise marks, Diamond Kings fantasy subset imagining renowned players as modern day kings, and Bat-Around cards picturing players alongside oversized baseball bats in various cartoon scenarios. Such quirky bonus cards added uniqueness and collecting intrigue beyond the traditional rookie and star player base cards.

While production numbers were sky high during the late 1980s, the 1987 Topps set endures in popularity due its classic design, storied rookie cards, plethora of traded updates, and memorable special subsets. Even unopened wax boxes can still be found at affordable prices making it an achievable set for most collectors. Many consider it as one of the best and most representative issues from the peak of the “Junk Wax” era. While individual cards may not accrue big investment value, the 1987 Topps baseball cards as a complete set remains prized by vintage collectors. Over 30 years later it continues to deliver affordable nostalgia and features some of the game’s true icons from that memorable season.

While 1987 Topps baseball cards were among the most mass produced of all time, the complete 792 card set still holds significance for its ability to capture the 1987 MLB season. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, extensive traded updates, creative inserts, and recognizable stars on each card give the issue lasting charm and appeal. The simplistic yet emblematic design lends itself well to the nostalgia of the era. For both casual collectors and investors, the 1987 Topps baseball cards remain a defining set from the height of the “Junk Wax” boom that has deservedly earned its place as a priceless piece of cardboard pop culture history.

MOST VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS CHEWING GUM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps chewing gum baseball card series is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While not as collectible or valuable as the iconic 1952 Topps or 1957 Topps sets from the post-World War 2 Golden Era, the 1987 Topps cards still hold significant nostalgia and monetary value for many baseball card collectors and investors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable and desirable rookie and star player cards from the 1987 Topps set.

One of the undisputed stars and most valuable cards from the 1987 Topps set is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Frank Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career spanning 16 seasons mostly with the Chicago White Sox. He was a 5-time All-Star and 2-time American League MVP in 1993 and 1994. In his prime, Thomas was one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His rookie card from 1987 Topps is one of the marquee rookies from the late 1980s. In near mint to mint condition, a Frank Thomas 1987 Topps rookie card can fetch $500-$1000 or more on the current market. The card holds significant value given Thomas’ stellar career and the card’s classic design from the 1987 Topps set.

Another superstar 1980s rookie card that commands big money from the 1987 Topps set is the Barry Bonds rookie. Like Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds would go on to have a legendary career that saw him break the all-time home run record. His rookie card was issued during his first season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987 before he transformed into the homer hitting machine of the 1990s and 2000s. In pristine mint condition, a Barry Bonds 1987 Topps rookie card can sell for $2000-4000 or more. Even well-centered near mint copies still pull in $1000+ due to Bonds’ iconic status and the card’s scarce high-grade pop reports.

In addition to those marquee rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, several star veterans from the late 1980s have valuable flagship cards in the 1987 Topps set as well. One of the most iconic and valuable veteran cards is the Nolan Ryan card starring his expressionless staring portrait from the front of the set. Nolan Ryan was already a legend in 1987 at age 40, holding numerous career strikeout records. His 1987 Topps card is one of the most widely recognized from the entire set. High grade Ryan rookie cards from the late 1960s consistently fetch five-figure sums, but his 1987 Topps signature card still often sells for $200-400+ in mint condition due to the imposing photo and Ryan’s storied career.

Another highly sought after star veteran card is the Ozzie Smith card from 1987 Topps. Known as the “Wizard of Oz,” Ozzie Smith was arguably the best defensive shortstop of all time and a fan favorite for his acrobatic plays and backflips. His card displays his playful personality and was a poster child for the 1987 Topps design. In gem mint to pristine condition, an Ozzie Smith 1987 flagship card can be worth $100-300 depending on exact grade. High grade copies are valuable pieces for any 1980s card collector given Smith’s beloved playing career and iconic status in the hobby.

Rookie cards and star veterans naturally get the most attention and value, but other factors like rare parallel and serially numbered cards can also spike the value of certain 1987 Topps cards. One example is the “Crisp” parallel issue, featuring current stars like Tony Gwynn. These rare green-bordered parallel cards were short printed and awarded randomly in wax packs. High grade Crisp parallels of star players can be worth $50-150 or more due to the added rarity and specialty parallel designation. Other serially numberedSubset cards like the “Tekk” issue featuring catcher cards also carry value ranging from $20-100 based on the player and condition.

While not quite as coveted or expensive as the true post-war vintage sets of the 1950s, the 1987 Topps baseball card set still contains many valuable and desirable rookie cards and star veterans that hold significance for collectors and investors decades later. Keys like the rookie cards of Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds combined with stars of the day like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith make the 1987 set a vibrant snapshot of the late 1980s MLB landscape. When found in pristine graded mint condition, these marquee 1987 issue cards can still pull in substantial sums when they cross the auction block. The enduring popularity of the players and designs continue to make the 1987 Topps set a fundamental part of the modern baseball card collecting landscape.

LIST OF TOPPS 1987 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was one of the most famous and valuable sets ever produced. Featuring major stars and rookie cards that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, the ’87 Topps set cemented its place in card collecting history. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable cards from that legendary year.

The 1987 set included 660 total cards and featured many of the game’s biggest stars of the mid-1980s. Nolan Ryan’s card (#1) led things off as the starting pitcher for the Houston Astros held the single season strikeout record at the time. Another Houston starter, Mike Scott (#13) also made the list due to his 1986 Cy Young winning season where he led the NL with a 2.22 ERA.

Rookies populated the lower series with cards like #499 belonging to Mark Grace of the Cubs. Though not considered one of the premier rookie cards from the set, Grace went on to have a fantastic 19-year career hitting over .300 eight times. Card #657 was that of California Angels pitcher Chuck Finley, who threw two no-hitters in his career.

The real stars and most valuable cards of the ’87 Topps set were higher in the series. Rickey Henderson’s card (#141) as an Oakland A’s outfielder is one of the most coveted due to his record-breaking base stealing talents and Hall of Fame career. At the time, Henderson held the single season stolen base record with 130 in 1982. His card today in near mint condition fetches hundreds of dollars.

The mega-stars of the day like Wade Boggs(#156), Roger Clemens(#164), Kirby Puckett(#176) and Ryne Sandberg(#255) all had iconic cards as well. But two rookie cards in particular stand above the rest from the 1987 Topps set – Ken Griffey Jr(#316) and Barry Bonds(#401). Both Griffey and Bonds would go on to have phenomenal careers and are considered two of the best players in MLB history. In near mint condition, their rookie cards now sell for thousands of dollars each.

Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing made him a fan favorite as he broke into the league with the Seattle Mariners in 1987. Though injuries would later slow his career, Griffey slugged over 600 home runs and won 10 Gold Gloves in center field. He was also versatile being able to play all three outfield positions. His rookie card released that year by Topps perfectly captured the excitement around his debut and amazing talents.

Meanwhile, Barry Bonds was just starting to scratch the surface of his Hall of Fame power as a rookie outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While he only hit 12 home runs his first season, Bonds would go on to break the all-time home run record with 762 in his career. He also won a record seven MVP awards. His rookie card from 1987 showed Bonds in Pirates black and gold – a highly sought after piece of cardboard for card collectors now.

Other notables from the set include the #99 card of Don Mattingly as the Yankees first baseman continued dominating batting titles, #114 Doc Gooden of the Mets as “Dr. K” followed up his Rookie of the Year season, and #133 Mark McGwire of the A’s before he began launching mammoth home runs. The #375 card of Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. also gained prominence years later when he broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record.

In the decades since, the 1987 Topps baseball card set has grown tremendously in popularity and monetary value. As the careers of players featured like Griffey, Bonds, Ripken, McGwire, Clemens and others unfolded, their rookie cards took on new significance. The rise of the internet also boosted interest and research into vintage sets from the 1980s. Today, a complete base set in near mint condition can sell for thousands of dollars. Individual high-end cards like a PSA 10 Griffey or Bonds rookie could fetch five figures or more.

While producers like Topps, Fleer and Donruss released card sets annually, something about the 1987 edition resonated with collectors in a unique way. It was the last hurrah of the junk wax era before the industry crashed in the early 1990s. But the stars and rookie talent featured ensured 1987 Topps would stand the test of time. The combination of iconic photography, household names, and Hall of Famers bonded collectors to this release for generations. As one of the most complete capsules of 1980s baseball ever assembled, the 1987 Topps set is now regarded as a true treasure of the hobby.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is one of the most popular and collectible sets from the 1980s. It was the 66th year Topps produced baseball cards and featured over 600 cards in the base set. While most cards from the 1987 Topps set hold little value outside of collector’s personal collections, there are a number of standout rookie cards and stars from the era that command premium prices in the marketplace.

One of the most iconic rookie cards from 1987 Topps is Ken Griffey Jr. As arguably the best player of his generation, Griffey Jr. cards from his rookie season are among the most sought after cards from the late 80s. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s 1987 Topps rookie card currently sells for between $4,000 to $6,000 raw or $7,000-$10,000 if professionally graded by PSA or BGS at a Gem Mint 10 grade. Even in well-worn condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie still commands $100-300 depending on the state of the card.

Another highly valuable rookie is Barry Bonds from the 1987 Topps set. As one of the greatest players of all time who also came with considerable off-field controversy, Bonds rookie cards sell commensurately. In near-mint to mint condition, raw Bonds rookies sell for $750-1,500 typically. A PSA 10 graded Bonds 1987 Topps rookie can reach $2,500-4,000 while a BGS Black Label 10 has sold for over $10,000 before. Even low-grade copies of the Bonds rookie still sell for $150-300.

Kids getting their hands on 1987 Topps packs didn’t know it yet, but they were ripping packs that contained the rookie cards of Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, two future Hall of Fame pitchers. In top-end condition, Glavine’s rookie sells for $400-600 raw or $1,000-1,500 PSA graded. Maddux’s rookie in similarly high-quality condition sells within the same range. Well-worn copies of their cards can still get $50-100 depending on centering and condition issues.

Among the star veterans featured in 1987 Topps, Milwaukee Brewers slugger Robin Yount’s trading card maintains solid value among collectors. As a two-time American League MVP, Yount’s 1987 card sells for $25-50 in rookie condition and $5-10 in played condition. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Jack Clark, who smacked 35 home runs that season, has a basic 1987 card valued around $3-8 in average condition.

For high-grade specimens of stars from the 1987 set, mint condition cards can fetch substantial prices. A PSA 10 graded Roger Clemens card from that year recently sold for $650. A BGS Gem Mint 9.5 Wade Boggs sold for $230. Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley’s 1987 Topps in a PSA 10 sold at auction for $375 and even an impressive PSA 9 is valued around $125-175.

The true GEM specimens from 1987 Topps that shatter value records are the elusive PSA 10 graded cards. Only four are known to exist for San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn’s card from that year. One recently sold at auction for an astonishing $25,700 for a single baseball card. The same mint condition constraints apply to collecting highly graded vintage cardboard.

Beyond the iconic rookies and starred veterans, there are a handful of other subsets and inserts from the 1987 Topps set that have earned cult status among collectors. The photo variant “Traded” cards, which featured players that were traded to new teams midway through the 1986 season, have found an enthusiastic collector base in recent years. High-grade examples of traded cards for players like Rick Sutcliffe or Mookie Wilson can reach $50-100 each.

Another popular subset is the National League Championship Series premium cards inserted randomly in 1987 Topps wax packs. Depicting key players and moments from the 1986 NLCS between the New York Mets and Houston Astros, high-quality copies sell in the $75-150 range. Low-number parallel card issues like the gold foil World Series cards chronicling the 1986 World Champion Mets are coveted and can go for over $500 in PSA 10 condition.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set remains one of the most richly diverse and consistently valuable vintage issues for collectors due to the star-studded rookie classes and talented veterans featured within the checklist. While most common cards hold values under $5, astute collectors can still put together a complete set with $200-300 of dedicated shopping on the secondary market. But cherry picking elite graded examples of the Griffey, Bonds, Glavine, and Maddux rookies easily pushes individual card values well over $1,000 for true condition rarities. No matter the budget, 1987 Topps has something to offer fans both new and nostalgic about the baseball cards of their childhood.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS TIN

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues in the modern era of the hobby. What makes the ’87 Fleer cards particularly notable and fascinating for collectors is not just the quality and design of the cardboard itself, but also the unique packaging they were distributed in – colorful round tin containers that are now highly sought after relics of 1980s baseball card culture.

Released in the spring of 1987 as Fleer challenged Topps for baseball card industry supremacy, the entire 398 card base set came wrapped inside a reusable round metal tin that featured colorful graphics advertising “400 Baseball Stars.” Standing at about 5 inches tall, the tins had a peel-open lid that contained 10 wax paper packs with 8 cards each. Each tin sold for around $3 at the time, meaning collectors got 80 random cards for a very reasonable price enclosed in a fun and iconic collector’s piece.

The distinctive tins helped Fleer stand out on store shelves against Topps’ traditional wax packs and boxes. They allowed the set to be easily organized and stored as a complete collection. Beyond their pure functionality, the tins themselves became a nostalgic artifact that took on a life and significance of their own beyond just housing cards. Finding an intact ’87 Fleer tin in mint condition today is a real treasure for collectors.

While the front of each tin featured the same general “400 Baseball Stars” design, they differed in the specific color combinations used. The most common variants seen included solid colors like red, blue, green, yellow, orange and purple. There were also some rarer bimetallic and trimetal color combo versions that popped more on shelves. Each hue carried its own charm and nostalgia. Over time, as the tin designs themselves became collectors items, variants gained their own cult followings and value.

Inside each tin, collectors were treated to Fleer’s revolutionary laser cut card stock and sharp, colorful new photograph design aesthetic that broke from Topps’ traditions. Ranging from stars to prospects, the base set captured a who’s who of 1980s baseball including then-active greats like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Dwight Gooden and Roger Clemens. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and Tim Raines. Each card had intriguing new stats and bios on the reverse.

As the ’87 season unfolded that summer, card values and investor excitement grew. Stars like Mark McGwire and Terry Pendleton had breakout rookie campaigns captured on their Fleer rookie cards. The entire set achieved a high level of completion among collectors excited by the novel packaging and photography. For many kids and teenagers of the era, the ’87 Fleer tin represented their first complete baseball card collection.

By the late 80s, as the baseball card industry boom peaked, ’87 Fleer tins and full sets were being enthusiastically traded and sold. Completed tins in excellent shape still intact with all 80 original packs gained immense cache and value above and beyond loose cards. This added a whole different dimension to the collecting experience – the thrill of finding that vintage sealed tin was a real high.

Today, over 30 years later, ’87 Fleer remains one of the most popular and valuable vintage baseball sets. Near-mint complete sets routinely sell for well over $1,000. But the tins have taken on an almost equally legendary status. Finding one in pristine mint condition with crisply printed graphics and no dents, scratches or other flaws can unlock bids in the multi-hundred dollar range or more.

There’s a real Holy Grail quality to an intact ’87 Fleer tin at this point. Unlike other 1980s sets that came in boxes or just loose wax packs, the tins represent some of the most visually distinctive and collectible packaging in the entire hobby. For fans and investors of a certain age, seeing or acquiring one of the colorful relics instantly takes them back to childhood summers spent collecting cards. The 1987 Fleer baseball card tin continues to spark nostalgia and commands top prices as one of the hobby’s all-time great collectible encasements.

While the diverse photography and rising young star rookies within Fleer’s ’87 baseball card set drove much of its early popularity and enduring legendary status, it was the innovative inclusion of retail tin packs that truly set it apart. By thinking outside the box, literally, Fleer created not just a successful annual issue but a true collector’s item that maintained its charm and significance long after the cards inside lost value as common players. The 1987 Fleer baseball card tin stands as a pioneer of creative baseball card packaging design and a beloved relic of the 1980s hobby boom era treasured by collectors to this day.

1987 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 baseball season saw exciting storylines develop across Major League Baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Minnesota Twins in a thrilling 7-game World Series. Elsewhere on the diamond, sluggers like Andre Dawson, Mark McGwire, and Don Mattingly had monster campaigns. Not surprisingly, the 1987 baseball card sets captured some of the most iconic rookie cards and moments from that campaign.

Over three decades later, cards from the ‘87 offerings still hold significant nostalgic and monetary value for collectors. The massive popularity and widespread distribution of brands like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer ensured many cards reached the hands of young fans at the time. As those fans aged and developed nostalgia for their childhood collections, demand rose for key ‘87 rookies and stars. Modern grading standards also allowed collectors to authenticate and preserve top condition specimens for greater appreciation down the road.

One of the most valuable 1987 baseball cards remains Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie from the Topps set. Widely considered one of the most talented outfielders in history, “Junior” lived up to huge expectations with a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card is one of the most iconic in the modern era, and high-grade specimens regularly fetch thousands at auction. A pristine PSA 10 example could easily sell for over $10,000 today given Griffey’s legendary status. Even well-centered near-mint copies still trade hands for hundreds.

1987 saw a few other future Hall of Famers debut as well. Larry Walker’s rookie in the Topps set is worth noting. While injury shortened his prime, Walker still had a outstanding career and demonstrates Canadian baseball fandom. His rookie typically sells for a few hundred dollars in mint condition. Another debut that year was catcher Mike Piazza for the Dodgers. His offensive prowess revolutionized the position, and his rookies remain hot commodities for Dodgers and Italian-American collectors. A PSA 10 could crack four figures.

While rookies draw the biggest bucks, stars from 1987 have maintained value too. Toronto slugger George Bell’s outstanding MVP campaign with the Blue Jays is commemorated in his ‘87 Topps and Fleer cards. Well-centered mint copies still sell for $50-100 given his status as one of the franchise’s early greats. St. Louis Cardinals 1B Todd Zeile also had a breakout ‘87 and still held starter value for over a decade – his rookies from Topps, Donruss and Fleer sell in the $25-50 range. Mark McGwire also had one of his first elite seasons with the A’s in 1987. Annointed as a star slugger already, his cards remain popular with Oakland and home run milestone collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set is especially admired by analysts, as the photography and design truly brought out each player’s personality. High-grade versions of rookie stars like Griffey, Piazza, and Walker are highly sought after from Donruss as well. However, ‘87 Donruss runs a deeper collecting well than just rookie cards. Star veterans like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Andre Dawson delivered MVP caliber seasons, and their mainstream appeal keeps mint copies of their Donruss cards trading around $20-50 still today. Meanwhile, error cards like Alan Trammell’s missing logo variation have taken on cult status.

Condition, of course, is paramount when assessing the true values of any vintage baseball card. While most 1987 issues have withstood the test of time protected in original wax packs all these years, the extremes of very poor or pristine mint can create huge price gaps. A Griffey or Piazza rookie in damaged shape might fetch just $50-100, compared to thousands for a true PSA 10. Still, for most collectors and fans, even a well-centered near mint ‘87 Griffey rookie or Piazza packs far more nostalgic worth than monetary value alone. Few card sets better capture the stars and stories of an iconic MLB campaign like 1987 did.

In conclusion, 1987 baseball cards retain strong collector interest and monetary value due to iconic rookie debuts like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza. Stars from the 1987 season like Ozzie Smith and George Bell also hold lasting nostalgic appeal.condition is paramount, but many mid-range ’87 issues from Topps, Donruss and Fleer supply affordable nostalgia for fans of that era. The entire set is worth exploring for any collector seeking to revisit the players and storylines of a memorable year in baseball history.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BOX SET VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most valuable and desirable vintage baseball card releases of the late 20th century. While individual cards can fetch huge prices, the 1987 Topps box set containing a factory sealed case of 12 wax packs remains one of the Holy Grails for serious vintage card collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this box set so valuable.

The 1987 Topps set was the company’s 66th annual release and marked some significant milestones. It was the first Topps set to feature gumless wax packs instead of the traditional stick of bubble gum. It was also the first Topps set since 1969 to feature a design change from the standard bordered portrait style to vertical player poses on a solid color background. This new photographic style was met with mixed reviews at the time but is now recognized as a key transitional design in the evolution of baseball cards.

From a collectors standpoint, the 1987 Topps set also stands out because it includes some true icon rookie cards that are now among the most desirable in the hobby. Stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux all made their rookie card debuts in this set. In fact, the 1987 Topps Maddux rookie has routinely sold for over $10,000 in high-grade condition in recent years. Bonds’ and McGwire’s rookies, while not in the same condition-sensitive premium tier as Maddux, still command thousands in top shape as well.

Besides the star rookie cards, another huge factor in the box set’s value is the sheer rarity of finding a factory sealed case today over 30 years later. Upon its initial release in 1987, the 12-pack wax boxes retailed for around $1.25. While collectors surely cracked plenty of cases back then, it’s estimated less than a dozen pristine sealed cases have survived to current times. Natural fluctuations in production numbers combined with the elapsed decades mean one of these sealed ’87 Topps box sets has effectively become one of the rarest sealed vintage sets in the entire hobby.

Setting aside purely subjective fan attachment to the 1987 design and players, from a strictly market valuation standpoint the 1987 Topps box set has been appreciating extremely rapidly in recent bull market conditions for vintage cards. A little over a decade ago, the box set was still trading hands in the $3,000-$5,000 range. In the mid-2010s, condition-fresh cases started to break the $10,000 mark. But things have blown wide open in recent years.

In January 2020, a sealed ’87 Topps case achieved a new record price of $20,000 when it crossed the auction block at Heritage Auctions. Less than a year later in November 2020, that record was obliterated when another pristine case realized an absolutely stunning $100,000 hammer price through the same auction house. This 10-fold boom in value highlights how red hot the vintage card market has been, with the ultra-rare ’87 Topps factory case being an elite blue-chip asset amid the frenzy.

As investment demand has only intensified since that November 2020 sale, it’s difficult to predict just how high the price ceiling may now be for one of these holy grail ’87 Topps sealed cases should another one surface. Given there are realistically less than 10 left in this condition nationwide, a new record north of $150,000-$200,000+ would absolutely not surprise seasoned industry insiders. The combination of marquee star rookies, unprecedented rarity levels for a sealed wax box product after 30+ years, and a seemingly relentless bull market trend have converged to create a perfect storm driving values to never-before-seen heights.

For the obsessive collector seeking to check the ultimate box, acquiring an intact 1987 Topps factory wax box set still sealed and untouched for over three decades represents about as close as it gets to the pinnacle achievement in the vintage card world. Not only does the set commemorate a seminal year for the industry and include some of the most iconic rookie cards ever made, its phenomenal rarity and jaw-dropping rate of recent price growth establish it as hands down one of the true blue chip trophies any collector would dream to own. For that collector willing to make a historic six-figure investment, finding and securing one of the small number believed left in this pristine sealed state would be a virtual unparalleled coup in the high-end hobby marketplace today.

BEST CARDS IN 1987 FLEER BASEBALL

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s. While many see the sets from this time period as having little value due to high print runs that saturated the market, there are still some highly coveted gems to be found in the 1987 Fleer set that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable cards from this 720 card release that are still sought after by collectors today.

One of the true heavyweights of the 1987 Fleer set is card #336, featuring Chicago Cubs superstar Ryne Sandberg. Sandberg was coming off an MVP caliber 1986 season where he hit .314 with 204 hits, 40 doubles and 19 home runs. His dominance at the plate and his Gold Glove caliber defense at second base had cemented him as one of the game’s premier all-around players. His card captured him in the midst of his prime and its luster has hardly diminished. In top graded gem mint condition, Sandberg’s 1987 Fleer card can fetch prices upwards of $500 due to his legendary career and the card’s sharp photo and design.

Another Cubs star who shines bright in the 1987 Fleer set is Andre Dawson, known as “The Hawk.” Dawson’s card is #99 in the set and depicts him patrolling centerfield with his signature hawk-like intensity. 1987 was a monumental season for Dawson as he won the NL MVP award after batting .287 with 49 home runs and 137 RBI. He led the league in total bases, extra-base hits, and home runs. Dawson’s MVP season and iconic nickname have made his 1987 Fleer card a very strong mover in the secondary market. High-grade copies can sell for over $300 due to Dawson’s Hall of Fame career and the allure of his “Hawk” persona captured on his ’87 Fleer cardboard.

Shifting gears to the American League, few players loom larger in the 1987 Fleer set than Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees. As card #207, Mattingly’s iconic batting stance and Yankee pinstripes make him instantly recognizable. He was coming off yet another All-Star season in 1986 where he hit .352 with 35 home runs and 113 RBI, finishing third in MVP voting. Mattingly’s career was cut short by injury but he remains one of the great slugging first basemen of the 1980s. In pristine mint condition, his 1987 Fleer card can bring in over $200. The photo and design are top-notch but it’s Mattingly’s Yankee legacy that gives this card its strong staying power.

While stars like Sandberg, Dawson and Mattingly shine brightest in the 1987 Fleer set, there are also some highly valuable rookie cards to be found as well. Chief among them is the rookie card of Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine, who burst onto the scene in 1987 for the Atlanta Braves. As the #1 overall pick in the 1984 draft, Glavine made his MLB debut in ’87 and showed flashes of the dominance that would come. His rookie card is found at #93 in the set and portrays the young lefty in his Braves jersey. While Glavine didn’t post big numbers in his first season, collectors had an inkling they were seeing the start of a great career. In pristine mint condition, Glavine’s rookie now commands prices up to $400 due to his 305 career wins and two Cy Young Awards over a storied career.

Another can’t-miss rookie from 1987 Fleer is #556, featuring Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Carter had played parts of 1985-86 with the Cubs and Indians, but 1987 was his first full season and the first appearance of his rookie card. Carter went on to have a solid 19-year career hitting 389 home runs and was best known for hitting a walk-off World Series home run for the Jays in 1993. In top condition, his rookie card can sell for $150-200 given the excitement of a postseason hero card from such a significant player. The photo captures the enthusiasm of a young Carter starting his MLB journey.

While the headliner cards of stars and rookies receive much of the 1987 Fleer attention, there are also a few oddball gems that intrigue collectors. Card #200 features St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane in a unique pose, squatting down on the mound as if he’s about to go into his windup. It’s an action shot seldom seen on baseball cards at the time. Magrane’s career flamed out after a few promising seasons, but the novelty of the photo has made this one a bit of a cult favorite. Another offbeat find is #661 featuring Chicago White Sox pitcher Joel Davis in a mid-delivery windup. Davis only pitched two seasons in the majors but his card captures an unusual pitching stance that collectors have come to appreciate in the decades since. Both Magrane and Davis cards can sell for $50-75 in top condition due to their quirky photo subjects.

While the 1987 Fleer set had a huge print run estimated at over 3.5 billion cards, the combination of star players, future Hall of Famers, and unique photographic subjects has allowed some truly elite cards to retain strong collector demand and secondary market pricing. Sets from the late ’80s junk wax era are often overlooked in the broader hobby, but a deeper look inside 1987 Fleer reveals several true gems that have stood the test of time. Keys like Sandberg, Dawson, Mattingly, Glavine and Carter anchor the set with Hall of Fame pedigrees, while quirky shots of Magrane and Davis add intrigue. For savvy collectors, the 1987 Fleer set remains a treasure trove of iconic cardboard even decades after its initial release.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the late 1980s. It was the 66th series issued by Topps and featured 660 total cards including base cards, manager/coach cards, and rookie/star cards. Some of the biggest names in baseball at the time like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Rickey Henderson graced the fronts of packs. While it may not be the flashiest or most sought after vintage set, 1987 Topps holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors for capturing a unique moment in the game.

The design of the 1987 Topps cards had a classic yet understated look featuring a solid color background with white borders on the front. Player names and positions were printed in all capital letters above their photo. Team logos appeared on the upper left while the card number was found on the lower right. On the back, stats from the previous season were provided along with a short career recap. One of the standout aspects was the inclusion of team colors as accent shades around the borders and text. It had a clean and straightforward aesthetic that allowed the photos to shine.

Some notable rookies found in the 1987 Topps set included Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. While they may not have been the biggest stars yet, collectors knew they had potential Hall of Famers on their hands. McGwire’s iconic home run prowess would later be on full display. Larkin brought smooth defense and timely hitting to Cincinnati for years. Maddux and Glavine anchored rotations that led the Braves dynasty of the 1990s. Even lesser known rookies like Lenny Dykstra and David Cone had value as they developed into quality major leaguers.

Managers, coaches, and executives were also featured for the first time in 1987 Topps. Icons in the dugout like Whitey Herzog, Tommy Lasorda, and Earl Weaver received their own cards. It was a nod to their important roles in the game and provided a fun retrospective for fans. Dick Williams, who led the A’s dynasty in the 1970s, was included despite not actively coaching in 1987. The manager/coach cards created an expanded checklist and sense of completeness for the set.

Some key high number and insert cards that add value and excitement for collectors include the #660 Ozzie Smith MVP Award winner card, #659 All-Star Game card featuring starters and reserves, #658 Rookie All-Stars card highlighting top first year players, and #657 League Leaders statistical achievement cards. There were also special photo variation cards of stars like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens. The inserts provided highlights and honored top individual accomplishments from the previous season.

In terms of player distribution across the teams, the Cardinals, Mets, and Dodgers led the way with over 50 cards each devoted to their rosters and minor leaguers. The Expos, Mariners, and Rangers had among the fewest representations with under 30 cards per club. It reflected the competitive balance and market sizes of each franchise at that time. Regional favorites also received hometown boosts with cards like the #1 Tim Raines for the Montreal Expos and #10 Kirby Puckett for the Minnesota Twins.

In the three decades since its release, the 1987 Topps set has grown in esteem and monetary worth. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like McGwire, Larkin, Maddux, and Glavine are highly coveted. Star cards for sluggers like Boggs, Henderson, and Clemens command top dollar. Even commons of workhorse players from the era can sell for $10-20 in graded gem mint condition. The affordable prices and availability of the base cards make it an accessible vintage set for collectors just starting out. Meanwhile, its historical significance as a snapshot of 1980s baseball ensures the 1987 Topps checklist will remain a foundational part of the hobby for years to come.

While not as flashy as some of the sets before or after, 1987 Topps captured a special moment between the eras of stars from the 1970s and 1990s. Rookies that would shape the next decade of the game received their proper introductions. Meanwhile, veterans still in their primes like Boggs, Smith, and Dwight Gooden graced the cardboard. The clean, understated design let the photos and players shine. Between the stars, prospects, and contextual details, it provided an entertaining and informative journey for fans through that season. The 1987 Topps baseball card set deserves its place among the most revered vintage releases for collectors even decades later.