Tag Archives: 1987

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS SET VALUE

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set saw Fleer produce their third annual baseball card issue after returning to the baseball card industry in 1986 following a long hiatus. The 1987 set featured a design that shifted away from the more bold and colorful style of the 1986 set towards a cleaner and more classic look that incorporated team logos more prominently. The set totaled 792 cards and featured rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Gregg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio. While not as iconic or valuable as some other vintage sets from the 1980s, the 1987 Fleer cards have maintained popularity and collector interest due to the star players and designs featured. As a result, the set overall retains significance and solid value in the current baseball card market.

One of the biggest storylines and highlights from the 1987 Fleer set was the inclusion of rookie cards for pitching sensations Greg Maddux and John Smoltz, who would both go on to have Hall of Fame careers and bring championships to the Atlanta Braves. Maddux’s rookie card can still fetch prices well over $100 in NM-MT condition due to his record-setting career achievements and status as one of the best pitchers of all time. Meanwhile, John Smoltz rookie cards have increased in value in recent years after his election to Cooperstown, with PSA 9 copies now changing hands for $500-650. Other notable rookies included in the set were Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, and Kenny Rogers.

The 1987 Fleer design incorporated cleaner lines and fonts compared to the 1986 issue. The photos took up more relative space than in previous years and team logos appeared in banners at the top, a style that would remain standard for Fleer sets going forward. While straightforward, collectors appreciated the classic baseball card appearance. Standout veteran stars that saw their better known cards released in the 1987 Fleer set include Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Tony Gwynn. Graded gem mint 10 copies of star cards from this set can sell for hundreds of dollars depending on the particular player featured.

Relative to the 1980s Fleer flagship sets that preceded it like 1981, 1982, and 1983, the 1987 issue is somewhat less iconic and recognizable to the general public. This has likely helped maintain the overall set value as it receives less attention and competition compared to the most high-profile vintage releases. Factors like the star rookie cards of Maddux and Smoltz along with the inclusion of veteran stars like Ryan and Boggs in their prime have made the 1987 Fleer set appreciated by collectors. In raw non-graded condition, a complete set sells for $300-500 depending on quality, while higher grade sets have brought prices of $1000-1500 at auction.

Individual standouts from the 1987 Fleer issue beyond the aforementioned rookies include the star shortstop Ozzie Smith’s sharp looking card where he is portrayed diving for a ball. Graded mint copies in the PSA 8-10 range will fetch $50-150. Then there is the Wade Boggs card showing him at the plate in mid-swing, which is one of the cleaner and more iconic images from the entire set. Mint condition Boggs cards start at $50 and increase significantly in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition up to $300-500 now. The Nolan Ryan card that portrays him on the mound winding up is an always popular piece for Astros and Rangers collectors. PSA 9 copies of this card are obtaining prices just under $100.

Continuing to gain appreciation over the past decade especially is rookie third baseman Craig Biggio’s card from the 1987 Fleer set, which depicted him batting from the left side of the plate. Biggio went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career mostly spent with the Houston Astros franchise after debuting in 1988. This makes his rookie card as the starting catcher significant for Astros collectors and fans. High-grade PSA 9 or BGS 9 copies routinely bring in $150-300 at auction nowadays due to Biggio’s status. And with him being inducted into Cooperstown in 2015, interest and value in his rookie could remain steady or continue climbing in the years ahead for this underrated but very star-studded Fleer issue.

While overshadowed by some of the more iconic flagship sets from the early 80s boom period, the 1987 Fleer baseball card set holds solid collector value and interest. This is largely because it features the rookie cards of pitching greats Greg Maddux and John Smoltz, and also prominent cards showing stars of the day like Wade Boggs, Nolan Ryan, and Tony Gwynn in their prime. A complete set can be acquired for a reasonable price compared to other vintage releases. Meanwhile, graded examples of the top rookie and star player cards continue to climb in value and will remain a great long term football investment for savvy collectors. Overall the 1987 Fleer baseballs cards was a quality issue that still retains relevance over 30 years later.

TOP VALUE TOPPS 1987 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. Several factors contribute to the high values of the top rookies and stars featured in the set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps cards and why they command such strong prices in the current vintage baseball card market.

The marquee rookie card in the 1987 Topps set is that of Toronto Blue Jays starter Roger Clemens. As one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Clemens’ rookie is highly sought after by collectors. Fresh off winning the 1986 AL Rookie of the Year award, Clemens was featured prominently on the very last card in the set, #701. In pristine gem mint condition, a Roger Clemens rookie holds a current market value estimated between $4,000-$6,000. This is due to his accomplishments both on the field, having won 7 Cy Young awards over his career, and the rarity of high grade versions of his rookie in circulation.

Ken Griffey Jr. also had his rookie card release in the 1987 Topps set, featured on card #112. Like Clemens, Griffey went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is widely considered one of the most talented all-around players of his generation. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless defense in center field made him a fan favorite. With 13 All-Star selections and 10 Gold Glove awards to his name, Junior’s rookie remains a cornerstone in any elite vintage baseball card collection. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie can fetch over $10,000 due to its iconic status in the hobby. Even lower graded copies still sell for thousands.

Two other 1987 Topps rookies that maintain strong value are those of San Diego Padres third baseman Gary Sheffield on card #694 and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tom Glavine on card #666. Sheffield won a World Series title with the Marlins in 1997 and finished his career with 509 home runs, making his one of the more historically significant rookies in the set. A PSA 10 Sheffield rookie hovers around $3,000. Glavine, of course, went on to become a Hall of Fame southpaw winning 305 games over 22 seasons while capturing 2 Cy Young awards. His career achievements paired with his Boston roots help his rookie reach $4,000+ in top condition.

Beyond the rookies, stars like Oakland Athletics slugger Jose Canseco and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rob Dibble also have 1987 Topps cards that continue to retain high dollar valuations. Canseco’s monster 42 HR, 124 RBI season made him the first player to reach the 40 HR/40 SB milestone, putting him on the ’87 Topps cover. This along with his #1 overall selection on card #1 helps it stay desirable, with a PSA 10 pushing $2,000. Meanwhile, Dibble had his finest year as a rookie flamethrower in 1987 capturing National League Rookie of the Year honors. He’s featured on card #500, which has reached over $1,000 PSA 10.

Players like Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser on card #218 and Mets infielder Keith Hernandez on card #132 round out the core group of 1987 Topps cards that consistently sell for $500 PSA 10 or higher. Hershiser’s record 59 consecutive scoreless innings streak during his 1988 Cy Young and World Series MVP season bolstered interest in his ’87 card. And Hernandez enjoyed two tenures of success, highlighted by his 24 HR, .310 season that year with the Mets and subsequent championship.

Perhaps one of the main reasons the 1987 Topps baseball card issue as a whole retains value is due to its memorable design elements and iconic imagery from that late 1980s era. With its bold colors and painterly aesthetic focused around each player photograph, the set carries a wonderful retro flair. The card stock and production quality from Topps were also among the finest during that period. All of these legacy aspects help collectors stay engaged with building complete sets or chasing keys from the release over 30 years later.

The 1987 Topps set provides an investment avenue to acquire flagship cards from future Hall of Famers Griffey, Clemens, and Glavine, while also housing gems from stellar performers like Canseco, Sheffield, Dibble, Hershiser, and Hernandez. Whether assembled as a full set, small group of stars, or single prized rookie, the 1987 Topps cards represent a cornerstone holding for any lifelong collector, providing both nostalgia and future financial potential. Their unique blend of affordable access and prolific talent featured make this one of the most collectible vintage issues among the hobby.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 PRICE

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1987 was a landmark year for Topps baseball cards as it marked the 70th anniversary of their famous design. To celebrate this occasion, Topps pulled out all the stops with terrific photography, creative card designs, and limited edition parallel sets that captured the nostalgia of the vintage baseball card era. As a result, 1987 Topps cards remain enormously popular with collectors to this day and command respectable prices in the trading card market.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 1987 set is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Bedrosian. Bedrosian had an exceptional season in 1987, winning the National League Cy Young Award and helping lead the Phillies to the postseason. This made his Topps rookie card quite desirable at the time. In near mint condition, Bedrosian’s 1986 Topps rookie now sells for around $15-20. High grade copies in mint condition can reach $50-75.

Another rookie card that performed well in 1987 was Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb. While Stieb did not have the career success of Bedrosian, his card has endured as one of the more scarce and desirable rookie cards from the ’87 set. In near mint to mint condition, Stieb’s rookie sells in the range of $25-40 currently. Copies receiving the highest available grade of gem mint 10 can escalate the price to over $100.

For Detroit Tigers fans, one of the most prized cards is Kirby Puckett’s rookie. Puckett, of course, went on to have a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins, but was drafted by the Tigers out of high school in 1981. Tigers fans love owning a piece of what could have been with Puckett in Detroit. His rookie in a high grade easily fetches $75-125 due to its scarcity and storyline behind it.

No player had a bigger 1987 season than San Francisco Giants outfielder Jeffrey Leonard. Leonard seemingly came out of nowhere to win the National League MVP award by hitting .281 with 35 home runs and 115 RBI. Not surprisingly, his 1987 Topps card is one of the set’s most iconic and desirable. In near mint to mint condition expect to pay $40-70. Copies graded at the pinnacle of gem mint 10 can sale for an elevated $150-250 price range.

High-grade rookie cards are almost always the most valuable in any given set due to their sheer scarcity. But 1987 Topps also featured several star players in action shots that have become classics over the years. One of those is Chicago Cubs slugger Andre Dawson, who is depicted at the height of his swing. In high-grade mint to near-mint, Dawson’s card typically sells in the range of $15-30. Another popular image is that of Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs at the plate. Like Dawson’s, Boggs’ card in mint-near mint condition goes between $15-30 range as well.

Through the years, Topps has issued parallels and insert sets that provided additional collector opportunities beyond the base set. The 1987 Topps Traded set is one example that has significantly heightened in demand from collectors. Featuring player swaps and transactions from after the base cards were produced, the Traded set includes key rookies like Mark McGwire. In near mint condition, a full 1987 Topps Traded set can now be valued over $1,000. Individual rookie cards like McGwire sell between $40-75 depending on grade.

Perhaps the most coveted 1987 Topps parallel is the photo variation subset called “Glossy Sendbacks”. Only available through a direct mail offer to collectors at the time, these special photo quality cards were very limited in distribution. Featuring a glossy photo finish unlike the standard paper stock, Glossy Sendbacks of stars in the $15-30 range have increased greatly to $100-200 each for rank-and-file players. True superstars can command over $500 apiece. Examples include Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Don Mattingly glossy sendbacks.

While today’s stars command big bucks, one position that dominates in popularity and price from the 1987 set are catchers. Players like Carlton Fisk, Gary Carter, and Tony Pena are highly sought-after, especially in top-grades. Mint Fisk and Carter cards can reach $100-200 each given their brand names and the fact they were entering the later stages ofHall of Fame careers. Tony Pena, meanwhile, has seen strong lasting demand as his near-mint to mint copies trade between $40-80.

1987 produced other quirky subsets like “Line Drive” and “Dodger Blue” parallel sets that included key rookie cards. A Steve Sax line drive rookie in near-mint condition can be purchased for around $30-50 today. Meanwhile, the more specialized “Dodger Blue” parallel of Sax usually commands double at $60-100 due to the intricacies of the design on Dodger players only.

Perhaps the most storied player featured in the 1987 set was Ted Williams, whose final 1952 Topps rookie card makes frequent appearances on lists of the most valuable vintage cards ever. While Williams had long been retired, his stunning portrait from 1947 Bowman Gum remained a collector favorite. Graded examples of this ultra-iconic card now sell for thousands of dollars. Even in played condition copies can fetch $500-1,000 showing why Williams memorabilia from any era holds significant value.

The 1987 Topps set broke new ground with its innovations and highlighted some of the greatest players in baseball history. Prices for the set have grown steadily, led by star rookies, parallels, and especially high-grade elite copies. The integration of nostalgia through the 70th anniversary motif also amplified collecting interest long-term. As a result, 1987 Topps remains one of the cornerstone releases that ignited baseball’s modern card boom and created treasures for enthusiasts that will retain their worth for decades to come.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball set was one of the most iconic and popular releases from the baseball card manufacturer in the late 1980s. While the design was not drastically different from previous Donruss issues, the 1987 set featured several rookie and star player cards that have become highly desirable among collectors decades later. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from the 1987 Donruss baseball release.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable card from the 1987 Donruss set is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. As the #329 card in the base set, Puckett’s rookie was the first widely distributed card showing the future Hall of Famer. Puckett would go on to have an amazing career with the Twins, winning six Gold Gloves and batting over .300 six times. He led the Twins to World Series victories in 1987 and 1991. Not surprisingly, Puckett rookie cards have aged very well. High grade examples in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have sold for over $20,000 in recent years. Even lower graded copies still command prices in the hundreds of dollars due to Puckett’s iconic status. His 1987 Donruss rookie remains one of the most iconic and valuable cards from the entire 1980s period.

In addition to Puckett’s legendary rookie, the 1987 Donruss set featured rookie cards or first Donruss cards of several other future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. Dennis Eckersley’s rookie card #198 shows the start of his transition from starter to reliever. Eckersley would go on to have a dominant relief career, finishing with 390 saves and an AL MVP in 1992 with the A’s. His rookie remains quite scarce in high grades. Another premiere rookie was #255 Robb Nen, who broke in as a starting pitcher but became one of the most dominant closers of the 1990s. Nen notched 276 career saves over 12 seasons. The 1987 Donruss set also included the first Donruss cards for Barry Larkin at #249 and Tom Glavine at #235. Both Larkin and Glavine have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding careers.

Additional star cards from the 1987 Donruss baseball release include #42 Don Mattingly, #53 Wade Boggs, #90 Roger Clemens, and #102 Ozzie Smith. Mattingly and Boggs were perennial All-Stars and batting champions for the Yankees and Red Sox respectively through the late 1980s. Clemens was in his early dominant years with the Red Sox, on his way to an eventual record 7 Cy Young Awards. And “The Wizard” Ozzie Smith continued putting on defensive clinics at shortstop for the Cardinals, winning 13 Gold Gloves over his career. High quality, well-centered copies of these superstar cards continue to attract strong prices from enthusiastic collectors.

The 1987 Donruss set also featured a popular Traded subset showing players that switched teams in the prior offseason. This included #T1 Gary Carter joining the Mets, #T5 Andre Dawson going to the Cubs, and #T13 Eddie Murray landing with the Dodgers. Carter and Dawson went on to have great seasons helping their new clubs, while Murray delivered consistently impressive power numbers throughout the late 1980s. Traded cards fromthis era remain strong movers in the hobby.

In terms of rare and elusive cards from the 1987 Donruss issue, the #1 Barry Bonds rookie ranks near the top of the list. Featuring Bonds in a Pirates uniform before he developed into the all-time home run king, his rookie is supremely scarce in high grades. The #1 slot always features low print runs as well. Many collectors dream of finding a PSA 10 example of this landmark cardboard. Other scarce treasures include the #166 Mark McGwire rookie, the #298 Randy Johnson rookie showing his huge frame, and parallel short prints which featured alternate color borders. While not quite as famous as flagship rookies, these lesser known rookie gems offer top collectors a rare find.

In summarizing the 1987 Donruss baseball release over three decades later, it’s clear this set features some true heavyweight stars of the era inKirby Puckett, Dennis Eckersley, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and others. While the design is not as visually impressive as some later 1980s/1990s issues, this set endures due to the impressive rookie class and memorable rookie/early career cards of soon-to-be Hall of Famers. Example copies in top condition have proven to be great long term investments as well. The 1987 Donruss baseball set remains a set that defined a generation for collectors and one that serves as an important snapshot of baseball in the late 1980s. It’s certainly one of the most celebrated Donruss releases ever produced.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS OF VALUE

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The 1987 Fleer baseball set is considered one of the more iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Produced during a time of growing popularity in the sport, several factors make certain cards from this release particularly desirable for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 Fleer cards that continue to hold strong value in the hobby.

Released in 1987 as the fifth series by Fleer, the base set totals 660 cards featuring current major leaguers. The design depicts each player’s headshot against a colorful graphical background unique to their team. Distribution was challenging for Fleer in the 1980s as they competed with Topps for customers, so many of these common players remain relatively affordable. The set is best known for several hugely popular and valuable rookie cards that launched the careers of future Hall of Famers.

Perhaps the most iconic of all is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the best player debut cards ever printed, Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism captivated fans from the start. His rookie shows him in the bold yellow and navy of the Seattle Mariners uniform. In top grades such as Mint or Near Mint, Griffey rookie cards routinely sell for well over $1000 today. Pristine PSA 10 examples have even cracked the $10,000 mark at auction. The appeal is heightened by Griffey’s status as a true five-tool Star who became the standard for outfield excellence throughout the 1990s.

Another tremendously valuable rookie is that of Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine. As a young lefty for the Atlanta Braves, Glavine went on to capture 305 career wins and 2 Cy Young Awards over a hugely successful career. Like Griffey, his debut hints at the skills to come as he prepares his windup on the mound. High grade Glavine rookies in the $500-1000 range reflect his steady excellence, with PSA 10s bringing up to $3000-4000. The card celebrates not just an individual Star, but also a franchise and rivalry that came to define 1990s baseball.

The ’87 Fleer issue also introduced cards for Chipper Jones and Jeff Bagwell, who themselves went on to have Hall of Fame careers. As respected power hitters for their respective clubs, Jones with the Braves and Bagwell leading the Astros, their rookie cards remain highly sought. Near Mint or better Chipper and Bagwell rookies can each pull in $200-500. Even more impressive is that pristine PSA 10 examples of Jones and Bagwell have reached the $1500-2000 point in recent auctions. Their durable careers and status among the game’s all-time great third basemen and first basemen fuel lasting collector demand.

Beyond star rookies, several other highly conditioned rare cards provide strong value in the 1987 Fleer set. The Kirby Puckett photo variation, where he is shown smiling rather than his usual serious face, has sold for over $1000 in top condition. Other scarce variations picturing the reverse side of cards from foil pack wrappers can also reach the $300-500 range for iconic players. For the super-short print players like Oddibe McDowell, who appeared on only 9 cards total in his career, even well-centered Near Mint copies can sell briskly for $100-200.

For blockbuster hits, the 1987 Fleer release contains several one-of-a-kind serially numbered parallel issues. Chief among these is the ultra-rare Ken Griffey Jr. Golden Anniversary patch card, numbered to only 47 copies. This stunning insert features a gold foil embossed patch swatch of Griffey’s jersey, and it remains arguably the most iconic modern baseball card in existence. Just a few years ago, a PSA 9 Golden Anniversary Griffey was privately sold for an astounding $350,000, proving its elite status. Other serialized parallels like the Ryne Sandberg 1/1 printing plate also capture six-figure prices.

While 1987 Fleer set builder cards for most common players remain quite affordable overall, those highlighting rookie phenoms, variations, and one-of-a-kind serially numbered inserts remain avidly collected and command top dollar over 30 years later. The era of growth they represent, iconic rookie cards produced, and rarity factors all contribute to lasting collector enthusiasm. For vintage baseball card investors, examples in pristine protection grades especially symbolize blue-chip holdings with staying power. The 1987 Fleer release secured its place in card collecting history by introducing legends and including innovations that still excite fans today.

1987 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Leaf baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the late 1980s. Though it has been overshadowed by some of the more prominent brands of that era such as Topps and Donruss, the 1987 Leaf set possesses several attributes that make many of its cards quite valuable to collectors today.

Released in 1987 by the Leaf Company, the base set contains 330 cards featuring players and managers from both the American and National Leagues. The design is considered flashy for its time, with bright colors and large photos of the players. On the front is the player image along with their name, team, and statistics. The back provides more stats as well as a short biography. What makes this set stand out is the photo selection and production quality compared to competitors at the time.

Several key factors contribute to the rising values seen in the 1987 Leaf cards in recent years. First, the print run for the base set was significantly lower compared to the giants of the industry in the late 80s. Beckett Almanac estimates only 50,000 sets were printed, giving it substantially better scarcity. Many of the stars like Mike Schmidt, Dwight Gooden, and Ozzie Smith have circulated supplies in the low four figures. This scarcity drives prices up due to high demand.

Another major attribute is the photo selection in the 1987 Leaf set. While Topps and others tended to use fairly generic poses in the 80s, Leaf opted for more exciting action shots that really pop on the card front. Examples include Kirby Puckett leaning into a pitch and Len Dykstra sliding headfirst. The photography gives the cards a modern flair that remains appealing to this day. Collectors enjoy hunting down cards of their PC players with these unique poses.

Rookies and prospect stars that debuted in 1987 hold incredible value in the Leaf brand. Some examples include a Troy Aikman rookie around the $750-1000 range, as well as Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire prospect cards in the $200-400 range depending on condition. Even veteran stars like George Brett and Wade Boggs have ~$100 values for their Leaf base rookies due to the set’s scarcity. Each of these players went on to have Hall of Fame careers, retaining collector interest in their early Leaf issues.

Another value driver is the league leader subset included with the 1987 Leaf set. These 38 cards feature statistical champions from the 1986 season, and are randomized inserts sprinkled throughout factory packs. Examples like the Mike Schmidt (NL HR Leader) and Roger Clemens (AL Strikeout Leader) cards are very hard to obtain in Gem Mint condition and can reach up to $500 each. Being so short-printed, any intact high-grade example holds immense collector appeal.

Condition is especially important when assessing 1987 Leaf card values. With only 50,000 sets believed to have been printed, many of these cards spent decades tightly tucked away in attics and basements. As a result, lower grade copies in Poor-Fair condition can still be found for cheap online. Copies in the pivotal Mint-Gem Mint range experience exponential price jumps. A single Eddie Murray may be a $5-10 card in MP but vault over $100 in Gen Mint due to scarcity at the top end. shrewd collectors aim to acquire 1987 Leaf gems at all costs.

Beyond the base roster, subsets and parallels in the 1987 Leaf product also harbor considerable worth. The Gold Parallel issue numbers out around one per case and features entirely gold-bordered versions of the standard cards. Examples like a Gold Roger Clemens can reach over $1000 in pristine shape. The 1988 Update and Traded Issue subsets are also quite rare due to the set’s finite print run. Top rookie and star variants approach four figures for Mint copies.

The 1987 Leaf baseball card set has developed an incredibly robust aftermarket in recent collectibles boom. Attributes like ultra-low original print run, sharp action photography, valuable rookie and prospect content, and emphasis on pristine condition all contribute to escalating values across the set. While other late 80s brands may have greater name recognition, discerning collectors recognize Leaf ’87 as one of the most aesthetically pleasing and collectible issues of that entire decade. With insatiable demand for investment-caliber vintage cards, this underrated classic looks poised for higher appreciation still with time. For informed collectors, Leaf ’87 presents a golden opportunity.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered to be one of the most iconic and valuable vintage card releases of all time. With 702 total cards in the base set and hundreds of stars featured, 1987 Topps remains an extremely popular vintage collecting category that still sees strong participation in the hobby market decades after its initial release.

When researching the value of individual 1987 Topps cards, the PSA Price Guide is one of the premier resources collectors turn to in order to understand estimated market values for graded examples across different pop report tiers. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the leading third-party authentication and grading service in the collectibles industry, and their price guides give collectors a standardized reference point for what top-graded specimens of certain cards may sell for based on historical auction data.

Some key things to know about using the PSA Price Guide for 1987 Topps values include:

PSA prices are just estimates – The guide gives a range indicating recent average sales for a certain graded card, but individual auctions can always come in above or below. Factors like pop report rarity, individual card condition, and current market demand all impact realized values.

Higher grades command more value – Generally speaking, the closer a card grades to PSA Gem Mint 10, the more desirable and valuable it becomes due to its superior preservation. Small grading adjustments can make a big difference price-wise.

Short prints are more valuable – Keys cards that were issued in extremely limited supply, known as short prints, tend to see much higher values versus their standard counterparts due to rarity aspects.

Rookie cards have premium – Debut or early career cards for all-time great players are always in high demand from collectors. Seeing a PSA 10 rookie of someone like Ken Griffey Jr. or Chipper Jones in 1987 Topps earns a massive premium.

Stars attract attention – household name players from the 1980s like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens will draw bids given their iconic status in the set. Higher grades of star cards can net five-figure prices.

To examine some specific 1987 Topps PSA price guide entries as examples, here is a closer look at the estimated values for several top-graded cards from the set:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (PSA 10): $6,000-$8,000 – One of the most desirable rookies in the entire hobby. Even PSA 9s can reach $3,000+.

Ozzie Smith (PSA 10): $1,500-$2,000 – A true gem-mint grade Hall of Famer card is highly conditioned.

Roger Clemens (PSA 10): $800-$1,000 – One of the top pitchers of the era. Can see $500+ in a PSA 9.

Bo Jackson Rookie (PSA 10): $500-$750 – Extremely rare and popular due to his MLB/NFL dual sport status.

Eric Davis Topps Traded (PSA 10): $450-$650 – Highly conditioned examples of this tough pulled parallel draw a premium.

Wally Joyner Rookie (PSA 9): $300-$450 – Strong values exist still for this Angels’ star rookie in top-tier grades.

Mark McGwire (PSA 10): $250-$350 – Big Mac held value for years, and a true mint copy is highly appealing.

Ryne Sandberg (PSA 10): $200-$300 – Hall of Fame second baseman who remains one of the flagship Cubs.

Turning our focus to some of the true short prints and variations that really separate themselves in the 1987 Topps checklist, here are a few highlights:

Donruss Winning Combinations (PSA 10): $2,000-up – Incredibly rare true 1/1 unique card variation combining Donruss designs with Topps.

Tiffany Reggie Jackson (PSA 10): $1,500-$2,000 – Ultra premium parallel issued on higher-end paper stock pulls big money.

Opening Day Wally Joyner (PSA 10): $1,000-$1,500 – Extremely tough pull at estimated odds of 1:7,200 packs.

Photo Variations: $500+ – Rarer posed shot variations in place of standard pose can spike values.

Box Bottom Pedro Guerrero (PSA 10): $400-$600 – Found adhered to the bottom inside flaps of unopened boxes at minuscule odds.

Postseason Stars Subset (PSA 9+): $250-$400 – Tough pulled 16-card annual parallel highlights heroes from prior year’s playoffs.

So whether collecting individual stars, All-Star rookies, or truly one-of-a-kind oddball variants, the 1987 Topps set maintains an extremely strong vintage market decades later. Using the PSA Price Guide is an excellent starting point for researchers to understand estimated values across the comprehensive checklist. With such a legendary release year and iconic designs/players featured, 1987 Topps will surely remain one of the crown jewels in the entire world of sports card collecting.

COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable complete sets for collectors. Issued during one of the golden eras of the sport, the 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards and features some of the biggest stars and best players of the 1980s. With its classic design, memorable rookie cards, and historical moments captured on card, acquiring a complete 1987 Topps set in pristine condition is a true prize for any serious baseball card collector.

The 1987 season was a memorable one in Major League Baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series, led by star players like Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and manager Whitey Herzog. Roger Clemens won his second Cy Young Award and first MVP with the Boston Red Sox. Other notable players who had standout seasons included Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, and Tony Gwynn. Topps captured all the action and talent from that year in their flagship 792-card release.

The design of the 1987 Topps set is considered a classic among collectors. With a mostly white border and team logo at the top, each card featured a large central photo of the player along with their vital stats. The back of each card contained the standard career stats and highlights box along with an action photo. What made the 1987 design stand out was the team logo watermark that appeared behind the front image, giving each card a distinctive look tied to the player’s club. The design has held up extremely well over time and remains a favorite among collectors.

One of the biggest draws of the 1987 Topps set are the valuable rookie cards it contains. Some true all-time greats made their cardboard debuts that year, including Hall of Famers Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Other notable rookies included Mark McGwire, Lenny Dykstra, and Mike Mussina. In pristine mint condition, the rookie cards of stars like Larkin, Maddux, and McGwire can fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Even lesser-known rookies from the set that went on to have solid careers hold value due to their scarcity.

Beyond rookies, the 1987 Topps set captured iconic players and memorable moments from that season. Cards like Ozzie Smith’s backflip, Wade Boggs’ batting title, and Roger Clemens’ 20 strikeout performance live on as some of the most visually striking and historically significant in the hobby. Topps also included career achievement cards for milestones like Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout that year. For historians, the 1987 set provides an invaluable time capsule of that period in baseball.

When it comes to condition, a true gem mint 1987 Topps set is among the most difficult complete sets to acquire in pristine condition. With nearly 800 total cards produced on flimsy cardboard stock over 35 years ago, the odds of surviving completely unworn and unblemished are extremely low. Even light play or storage wear can drastically reduce the value. Top-graded 1987 sets that achieve BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10 status across all cards regularly sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Partial sets or ones with only a few non-gem cards are still extremely valuable at many thousands as well.

For dedicated collectors, finding and completing a true pristine 1987 Topps set is the pinnacle. The iconic design, star players, and rookie class featured have cemented it as one of the most historically significant and valuable releases ever produced by Topps. For researchers and historians, it provides an unparalleled look at that special year in baseball frozen in time. The challenge of acquiring a true perfect gem mint example nearly four decades later is part of what makes owning a complete 1987 Topps set such a prized possession. It remains one of the most coveted collections in the entire sports card industry.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set brilliantly captured a memorable season on the diamond and introduced collectors to future legends like Larkin, Maddux, and McGwire. With its classic design, significant rookie class, and star players featured, it has become one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. Finding a complete 1987 Topps set in true pristine mint condition nearly 35 years later is an incredibly difficult feat, making high-grade examples exceedingly rare and valuable. For dedicated collectors, historians, and fans of the era, acquiring this set represents obtaining a true piece of baseball history in the palm of your hands.

1987 TOPPS KMART BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps Kmart baseball card set is a unique and valuable subset of the standard 1987 Topps baseball card release due to its limited print run and distribution exclusively through the Kmart retail chain. The 87 Topps Kmart set contains the same 660 total cards as the flagship 1987 Topps issue but feature red borders and backs instead of the standard gray.

While the standard ‘87 Topps cards can be regularly found in penny boxes and dollar bins at card shows to this day due to their massive print run, the 1987 Topps Kmart cards were only available at Kmart stores from 1987 through early 1988 in packs, boxes and factory sets before being pulled from shelves. This limited availability combined with strong collector demand has resulted in the 87 Topps Kmart set appreciating in value significantly more than the base issue over the past 30+ years.

Some key factors that attribute to the increased rarity and higher values of 1987 Topps Kmart baseball cards compared to the standard release include:

Limited Distribution: The 87 Topps Kmart cards were exclusively distributed through Kmart stores and were not available through hobby shops, newsstands or other retail outlets like the base set. This greatly restricted their availability from the start.

Short Print Window: Kmart only carried the 87 Topps Kmart cards for around a year before discontinuing them. By early 1988 they were pulled completely off shelves compared to the base 87 Topps issue being widely available for years after.

Smaller Print Run: Due to the limited retail distribution through just Kmart, the 1987 Topps Kmart print run is estimated to be around 10% of the standard 87 Topps production figures. Some reports suggest only 1/3 as many boxes were produced.

Scarcity Drives Prices: With far fewer 1987 Topps Kmart cards in existence today than the base issue due to the smaller initial run combined with three decades for natural loss, what remains commands premium prices due to rarity.

Appeal To Set Collectors: Serious vintage set collectors seek out the 1987 Topps Kmart cards to check off in their registries knowing how difficult a complete set can be to acquire. This buyer demand inflates prices.

Of course, when discussing the monetary value of any vintage baseball card issue, condition is paramount. Even among the 1987 Topps Kmart cards, unchecked low grade examples can still be acquired relatively inexpensively while high grade specimens command huge premiums due to their immense scarcity at the true mint state level after 35+ years.

Taking a look at some key individual 1987 Topps Kmart baseball card prices at various grades to demonstrate this condition premium:

A PSA 8 Ryne Sandberg would sell for $50-75 while a PSA 9 of the same card approaches $400-500 due to the rarity of super high grades.

A Nominal PSA 6 Ozzie Smith sells under $50 but a pristine PSA 10 could bring over $1500 at auction for being one of the finest known.

An Ex-Mt Tom Seaver in a PSA 8 would go for around $125 but a true mint PSA 9 could cost a collector well over $1,000.

Conversely, most common players like Bob Horner or Gary Pettis can still be acquired for under $10 even in high grades due to their lack of star power.

When examining 87 Topps Kmart sets as a whole, prices are all over the board based on completeness and condition:

A very low grade sawdust quality set might bring under $100 total while a fair to good but missing key RCs or stars could sell for $300-500.

A mid-grade approximately 90% complete example could command $800-1200 range depending on centering and corners across the pile.

Near-complete PSA/BGS 8+ sets have sold at major auctions upwards of $3,000-5,000 before when found.

The elusive perfect PSA 10 1987 Topps Kmart set has never been assembled publicly with the highest known grade of any in existence a PSA 9. Such an undisputed condition census set could plausibly earn well into the five figures or higher.

As is the case with all vintage sports cards, premium pieces and condition is key when valuing 1987 Topps Kmart baseball cards. While not quite as iconic as flagship issues like ‘52 Topps or ‘69 Topps, the ‘87 Kmart set has developed a definite cult following among collectors due to its exclusive, limited original distribution through Kmart resulting in much lower surviving population levels than standard 87 Topps which accounts for its increased collectible significance and values.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ITEM 681

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and popular modern issues in the hobby. For collectors of the era, certain stars and memorable rookie cards really stand out from the larger 640-card checklist. One of the most recognizable names from that ’87 Fleer release would be Atlanta Braves slugger Dale Murphy, featured on card #681.

Dale Eugene Murphy was a true homegrown star for the Braves franchise in the 1980s. Born in 1954 in Portland, Oregon, Murphy grew up a huge baseball fan and was drafted by the Braves out of Rancho Cordova High School in 1972. After working his way through the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut in 1976 at age 21. Murphy quickly established himself as the heart and soul of those Atlanta ballclubs for over a decade.

By the time the 1987 season rolled around and his corresponding Fleer card was released, Murphy had already accomplished quite a bit in his career. He had won back-to-back National League MVP awards in 1982 and 1983, capturing the first of those MVPs unanimously. In those peak seasons, Murphy absolutely dominated NL pitching by batting .333 with 36 home runs and a league-leading 121 RBI in ’82, then hitting .302 with a career-high 49 homers and 150 RBI in ’83.

Those eye-popping stat lines from Murphy’s MVP years made him one of the most feared sluggers in baseball during the early 1980s. He regularly finished near the top of the league leaders in both home runs and RBI each season. Defensively, Murphy also played gold glove caliber center field for Atlanta and possessed one of the strongest throwing arms in the NL. Behind his consistent production and leadership, the Braves were perennial contenders in the NL West division throughout that span.

By 1987 Murphy’s offensive numbers had started to decline from those astronomical MVP peaks of a few years prior. He was still a productive player at age 32, but was no longer in the same superstar echelon. That season, Murphy hit .268 with 26 home runs and 83 RBI – solid production, yet a step back from his world-beating heights of the early 1980s when he was regularly cranking 40+ homers and driving in over 100 runs a year.

The 1987 design perfectly captures Murphy in his later Atlanta prime. The orange and blue color scheme meshes well with the Braves uniform colors. The photo shows a clean-shaven Murphy in his characteristic batting stance, holding the bat up high with his knob pointed toward the camera. His intense, focused stare meets the eyes of the viewer. The Fleer logo and team name are neatly above with stats like “.268 BA” listed below. It’s a classy and memorable visual representation of one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

For collectors, Murphy’s ’87 Fleer card holds plenty of nostalgic appeal as well. Many people who followed baseball in the 1980s vividly remember this dominant Atlanta slugger mashing home runs on a regular basis. Even after his offensive numbers dipped later in his career, Murphy remained a respected veteran leader for the Braves. His workmanlike mentality and tireless dedication to improving exemplified the blue-collar values synonymous with the franchise. For kids growing up in Atlanta or elsewhere during that era, Murphy was an athletic icon and one of the biggest stars in the game.

Interestingly, Murphy himself seemed to recognize the cultural staying power of his ’87 Fleer card. Years later after his retirement in 1994, he participated in various baseball card autograph signings for collectors to get cards signed in-person. This included specific signings for his 1987 Fleer card. In addition to the card’s aesthetics and timely subject matter capturing an Atlanta legend, the ability to obtain Murphy’s autograph also adds substantial cachet and collectors value to the piece over thirty years later.

In the ensuing decades since his playing days ended, Dale Murphy’s on-field exploits and respected image have continued to keep him prominently featured in Braves franchise history. He remains one of only four players to have his number “3” retired by the organization. Murphy also went on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, albeit through the more modern Today’s Game era committee vote rather than the traditional BBWAA ballot. But his two-time MVP career and exemplary leadership cement his status as one of the all-time Atlanta greats. And for collectors and fans of a certain era, his 1987 Fleer baseball card evokes wave of nostalgia and stands as a true historic sporting icon from the 1980s.