Tag Archives: 1987

TOP VALUE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. Released at the height of the junk wax era, the ’87 Topps set still contains several highly sought after rookie cards and stars from that era that have increased significantly in value over the past 30+ years. While it may not carry the same cachet as earlier decades, the 1987 Topps set remains a staple for collectors and investors alike.

One of the most valuable and desirable rookie cards from the 1987 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey electrified baseball fans when he made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners in 1987 at just 17 years old. His rookie card, number 490 in the Topps set, is one of the most iconic in the sport’s history. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now commands prices well into the thousands of dollars. A PSA 10 example recently sold for over $20,000, illustrating just how much an intact Griffey rookie is worth today. Copies grading a 9 can still fetch $2-4k as well.

Another highly sought after rookie card is Hall of Famer Tom Glavine’s rookie, number 486 in the 1987 Topps set. Glavine went on to become one of the best pitchers of the 1990s, winning 305 games and two Cy Young awards over a dominant 23 year career spent mostly with the Atlanta Braves. His simple yet effective windup made him one of the most effective lefthanders in baseball history. In high grades, Glavine’s rookie has also appreciated tremendously – a PSA 10 copy recently sold for over $4,000. Well-centered PSA 9 rookies can usually be found in the $500-800 range.

Besides rookies, the 1987 Topps set also contains the last affordable cards of superstar players before their explosive rise to superstardom and increased card values. For example, number 70 is Jose Canseco’s last affordable card before his 40-40 season in 1988 cemented him as a household name. Canseco was a rising star for the Oakland A’s in 1987 but hadn’t yet broken out, making his last pre-breakout card still accessible for most collectors. PSA 10 examples now sell in the $300-500 range.

Likewise, number 119 is the last affordable card of Oakland A’s superstar Mark McGwire before he began hitting tape measure home runs on a regular basis starting in 1987. “Big Mac” was known more as a slugger than as the soon-to-be single season home run king. High grade 1987 McGwire rookies are hotly contested at show now despite the steroid controversies, with PSA 10’s approaching $1000. His rising stock shows that some fans are still willing to pay top dollar for stars from baseball’s steroid era.

Two other stars whose 1987 Topps cards represent their last affordable pre-superstardom issues are Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter at number 508, and Atlanta Braves’ third baseman Chipper Jones at number 219. Both were highly touted prospects in 1987 who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and increase exponentially in collectible value. Their rookie cards are still prized by completionists, although high grade Jeter and Jones rookies now sell for hundreds of dollars each.

Sticking with star Yankees, number 483 is Don Mattingly’s last affordable card before winning the batting title and an MVP award in 1987 put him over the top as a huge star. Mattingly memorabilia from the late 1980s commands top prices today reflective of his huge stardom for the most famous franchise in baseball. Pristine Mattingly’s from 1987 in a PSA 10 grade sell for $700-1000 each.

Rival Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice also has one of the most coveted cards in the set at number 144. Having just won the MVP in 1978, Rice was still among the best hitters in the AL during the mid-1980s. But injuries slowed his production some after 1987. As a result, his card is the last to capture “Jim Rice at his peak.” In pristine condition it has increased steadily in value, with a PSA 10 now worth $300-400.

Speaking of Red Sox stars, number 510 is Wade Boggs’ last affordable card before injuries slowed him some in the late 80s. Boggs was still routinely hitting over .300 each year for Boston however. As one of the best contact hitters in the game at that time, his 1987 Topps card remains a prized piece for Boston collectors. PSA 10 examples currently sell in the $250 range online.

No discussion of the 1987 Topps set would be complete without mentioning the most valuable card, number 1 – The Nolan Ryan Express card. Already a living legend by 1987 with 3,000+ strikeouts, Ryan’s iconic Express card is one of the most recognizable in the entire brand’s history. High grades have increased exponentially, with a PSA 10 recently selling for a mind-boggling $66,000 at auction. Even in a PSA 9 condition the card still fetches $4-5k.

While produced during the junk wax era glut, the 1987 Topps baseball set still contains several hugely valuable and iconic rookie cards as well as last affordable cards of superstars that have appreciated tremendously since the late 80s. Headlined by the Griffey and Ryan rookies, the set endures as a vintage goldmine for savvy collectors and investors even after 30+ years. Graded high examples of the stars profiled here will continue to gain in value for years to come.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1987 TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is highly coveted by collectors due to its classic design and the starring rookie cards it contains. While there are many desirable ’87 Topps cards, a select few have proven to be enormously valuable owing to the superstar status achieved by the players they feature. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most prominent and expensive 1987 Topps baseball cards on the market today.

Perhaps the most famous baseball card from the 1987 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Griffey was an absolute phenomenon when he broke into the big leagues with the Seattle Mariners in 1987. His impressive combination of power, speed, and willingness to put on a show captivated fans immediately. Not surprisingly, the Griffey Jr. rookie quickly became one of the most sought-after modern cards. High-grade PSA 10 copies in near-mint to mint condition routinely sell for over $10,000 today, with particularly choice specimens reaching up to $25,000. Even well-centered PSA 9 examples can sell for more than $3,000. Griffey’s iconic swing and youthful exuberance immortalized on his rookie make this one of the true crown jewels of the ’87 set.

Another ’87 Topps issue with enormous value is the Barry Bonds rookie card. Like Griffey, Bonds would go on to establish himself as one of the dominant players of his generation and amass numerous career records and accolades. While playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987, Bonds showed early signs of his future greatness by hitting .223 with 15 home runs in his rookie season. High-grade Bonds rookies have skyrocketed in value over the past decade, with mint PSA 10s now selling for upwards of $20,000. This marks a massive increase from just 10-15 years ago when a PSA 10 Bonds rookie could be had for under $1,000. Even well-centered near-mint PSA 9 copies change hands for $3,000-$5,000 today. For collectors focused on obtaining legendary rookie cards, the Bonds is a true blue-chip acquisition.

Alongside Griffey and Bonds, the third star rookie of the 1987 Topps set is Tom Glavine. The left-handed hurler made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1987 after being selected 2nd overall in the 1984 amateur draft. Glavine went on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career, winning 305 games, two Cy Young Awards, and pitching on two World Series championship teams for the Braves. While his statistics as a rookie were modest (8-13 record, 3.68 ERA in 31 games), collectors saw his future potential. Today, high-grade Glavine rookies remain quite valuable. Near-mint PSA 9s typically sell for $600-$1,000, while PSA 10 examples in absolute pristine condition have reached $2,000 at auction. For a pitcher’s card, that kind of value is quite impressive.

Other highly regarded stars from the ’87 Topps set with valuable rookies include Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Roberto Alomar. Each posted respectable rookie campaigns that offered glimpses of their future Hall of Fame-caliber talents. McGwire showed his prodigious power with 10 homers in just 68 games for the Athletics, foreshadowing his record-setting 70-home run season a decade later. PSA 10 McGwire rookies have traded hands for $1,000-$1,500 in recent years. Shortstop Barry Larkin, named the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year playing for the Reds, dazzled with his glove and on-base skills from the get-go. Choice Larkin rookies in PSA 9-10 grade sell for $400-$600. And two-time AL batting champ Roberto Alomar made his debut with the San Diego Padres as a second baseman in 1987. Fresh Alomar rookies can be acquired for $100-$250 when preserved in top condition.

While the headliner rookies receive top dollar, seasoned stars featured on ’87 Topps cards like Ozzie Smith, Ryne Sandberg, and Tony Gwynn have retained strong collector value as well. Defensive wizard Ozzie Smith was in his prime with the Cardinals, his first season showcased in the revered ’87 set. PSA 10 Smith cards sell for $80-$150. Likewise, Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg was at the peak of his powers, earning league MVP honors in 1984. Prime Sandberg ’87s grade PSA 9 sell in the $50-$80 range. Finally, Tony Gwynn was just turning pro with the Padres yet already emerging as one of the game’s great pure hitters. Mint Gwynn rookies change hands for $40-$70 depending on centering and surface quality.

While there are over 700 total baseball cards in the 1987 Topps set, a select group highlighting legendary rookies like Griffey, Bonds, and Glavine along with established veteran stars continue to hold tremendous desirability and valuation decades later. From an investment perspective, obtaining high-quality ’87 Topps cards of these coveted players in PSA 9-10 protective slabs represents a sound long-term collectible. Whether as single investments or as part of a complete ’87 set, these all-time great cards show no signs of losing their historical significance or collector appeal. The 1987 Topps issue richly rewards those who prize its most prized vintage commodities.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the all-time classics of the 1980s era. While it may not be the flashiest or contain the biggest stars of the time, the ’87 Topps set holds significant nostalgia and collector value for those who grew up during that period. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key rookies, stars and oddball cards from the 1987 Topps baseball cards and assign estimated average values for high-grade specimens in the PSA 9 – PSA 10 range.

We’ll start with the rookie cards, as these are often the most coveted cards in any vintage set. The true superstar rookie of the ’87 Topps set is Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey’s rookie card shows him as a member of the Seattle Mariners organization and displays his smooth left-handed swing. High-grade Griffey rookies in a PSA 9 or PSA 10 slab regularly fetch over $1,000 on the secondary market, with PSA 10 examples often bringing north of $3,000. Another big name rookie is Chicago Cubs phenom Andre Dawson, known as “Hawk” during his playing days. Dawson’s breakout 1987 season is commemorated on his Topps rookie, which also carries value in the $300-$500 range for top grades.

Two other noteworthy rookies from the ’87 set include Mark McGwire and Wally Joyner. McGwire had just finished his first full season with the Oakland A’s, bashing 49 homers. His durable cardboard is viewed by collectors as a pre-cursor to his legendary home run chase nearly a decade later. High-grade McGwire rookies sell in the $200-$400 range. Joyner had a solid rookie campaign for the California Angels in 1987 and his bright smile and stance portrayed on the Topps card remains a fan favorite. Top graded Joyner rookies reach $100-$250. Two dark horse rookies that can provide value returns are Orel Hershiser at $50-$100 and Tony Fernandez at $25-$75 for PSA 9-10 copies.

Moving beyond the rookies, the headliners of 1987 like Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and Ozzie Smith are consistently strong sellers from ’87 Topps. Mattingly’s infamous ’87 batting title season where he hit .343 is captured perfectly on his card, which tends to pull in $75-$150 for pristine copies. Boggs’ defensive prowess at third base for the Boston Red Sox is on full display on his issue. Near-mint to mint condition Boggs cards move for $50-$100. Clemens’ powerful delivery is frozen in time on his Blue Jays card from his Cy Young-winning season. High-end Clemens examples ring up $75-$125. And Ozzie Smith’s legendary wizardry at shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals is epitomized on his flashy smile card, valued at $50-$100 PSA 9-10.

Some additional star names that command collector interest include Dwight Gooden ($40-$80), Roger Maris’ Brooklyn Dodger card seen without his trademark helmet ($30-$60), Robbie Alomar’s rookie season card as a San Diego Padre ($30-$60) and Rafael Palmeiro’s slick early career issue with the Chicago Cubs ($20-$50). But the ’87 set also features other quirky cards that intrigue collectors. Mark Langston’s seemingly confused Angels card photo generates fanfare, selling for $25-$50. The infamous error card showing Walt Terrell pitching for the wrong team, the Milwaukee Brewers, remains a coveted mistake, valued around $150-$250. And one of the more visually entertaining cards depicts Expos hurler Bryn Smith grimacing mid-windup, priced at $20-$40.

While star power drives the top prices overall for 1987 Topps, there’s a strong undercurrent of demand for team and player collection subsets as well. Near-complete team sets, such as the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Minnesota Twins andSt. Louis Cardinals are routinely broken up by collectors pursuing certain lineups. Individual team heroes also attract loyal collectors. For example, Baltimore Orioles legends like Eddie Murray ($15-$30), Cal Ripken Jr. ($10-$25) and Mike Boddicker ($5-$15) maintain regional collector interest. The same can be said for Detroit Tigers legend Lou Whitaker ($10-$20) and Atlanta Braves fan favorite Dale Murphy ($8-$15). Overall team and local player collecting is a big part of the ongoing enthusiasm for 1987 Topps.

The nostalgia and collecting ecosystems surrounding the 1987 Topps baseball card set remain vibrant over 30 years later. While flagship rookies and superstar cards command the greatest demand and investment potential, there are plenty of opportunities to build value through team and player subsets too. For those who grew up with the cards in the late 1980s, the ’87 Topps set will likely always hold a special place. And for collectors just becoming acquainted with the vintage hobby, this classic 1980s release provides an affordable entry point to acquire memorable cardboard from baseball’s past.

1987 TOPPS TRADED SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set was released as a specialty subset by Topps in 1987. Unlike the primary Topps baseball card release which included all players, the Traded set focused only on players who had been traded to new teams during the previous or current season. The set celebrated these player transactions and captured images of stars in their new uniforms for the first time. It provided an update to their baseball cards and a way for collectors to document this period of baseball history.

The 1987 season saw several big name players switch teams via trade, creating excitement and new storylines around the league. This moved the traded player subset from a niche product into one with wider collector interest. The high-profile nature of the trades that year made the 1987 Topps Traded set one collectors sought out. It contained 74 total cards and focused on some of the biggest trades of that time period.

Two of the most notable players featured in the set were Andre Dawson and Gary Carter. Dawson had been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Boston Red Sox. This was viewed as a renewal of his career as he went on to have one of his best seasons and win the National League MVP award as a member of the Red Sox. Carter was dealt from the Montreal Expos to the New York Mets prior to the start of the 1987 season. He provided strong veteran leadership on a young Mets squad and helped lead them to a World Series title that year. Both Dawson and Carter’s Traded cards captured them in the unfamiliar uniforms of their new clubs for the first time.

Another blockbuster trade featured in the set was the July 1987 swap that sent Nolan Ryan from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs. Ryan was still pitching strongly at age 40 but the Astros sought to remake their roster. Cubs fans greeted Ryan as the possible missing piece for a playoff run. His Traded card depicted him in Chicago’s colors, signaling this new chapter in his legendary career. The Texas Rangers also acquired slugger Pete Incaviglia from the Montreal Expos via trade that season. Incaviglia’s powerful style of play made him a fan favorite in Texas and his Traded issue commemorated his arrival.

The designs on the 1987 Topps Traded cards paid tribute to the set’s theme of documenting player movement between teams. An orange border was utilized around each photo to denote its traded status. The front of each card featured a logo with the words “TOPPS TRADED” plus opposing arrows to represent change and transition. Statistics on the back were provided for both the current and previous season to acknowledge the player’s performance with both franchises involved in the swap. Gum was included with each pack but had lost much of its flavorability after twenty years.

Upon its initial release, the 1987 Topps Traded set was fairly easy to obtain but demand has steadily increased over the decades. Like many niche sports card products, it gained more appreciation from collectors seeking to complete their player collections or document this period of baseball history in greater detail. The high-impact trades that season added to the interest level in commemorating these transactions through the specialized Traded issue. Within the larger world of baseball cards from the late 1980s, the 1987 Topps Traded set stands out for its iconography and role in chronicling these noteworthy player moves.

condition of the cards from this time period, a graded 1987 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan PSA 8 would now be worth over $200 due to his player status and importance within the set. Other highly sought after rookie cards from that year include hall of famers Tom Glavine, Benito Santiago, and Mark McGwire despite not featuring them in their true rookie seasons. The 1987 Topps Traded set endures as one of the most historically significant subsets issued due to the caliber of players traded and quality of cardboard used at that time. For both casual collectors and those seeking to comprehensively document the 1987 season, this specialized release remains a notable part of the annual Topps baseball card portfolio.

The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set commemorated several high-profile player trades that injected new intrigue into the league. By photographing stars like Dawson, Carter, and Ryan in the fresh uniforms of their new teams, it provided a visual bookmark of this transition period. Attention to tracer details like colors, logos, and dual-year statistics helped establish the set’s identity. While initially just another niche product, appreciation for its documentation of baseball history has elevated the 1987 Topps Traded cards to key status within the larger collection community. It serves as an influential example of how sporting card manufacturers can celebrate change and honor distinct seasons through specialized subsets.

TOPPS MINI BASEBALL CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

Topps Mini Baseball Cards 1987

The 1987 Topps mini baseball card set was a landmark release that helped further expand the collectors market and bring in new fans, especially younger children. Issued as a smaller, more affordable alternative to Topps’ standard sized cards, the minis stood out with their innovative photographic design that highlighted the players up close. Featuring 100 total cards of MLB stars from the previous 1986 season, the 1987 Topps mini set broke new ground and remains a highly desirable vintage card collection today.

At just 2 1/8 inches by 3 1/4 inches, the mini cards were less than half the size of a standard baseball card. However, Topps didn’t cut any corners when it came to the quality and content within the smaller package. Each mini card featured a large centered action photo of a player, with their name and team underneath in bold printed text. Statistics from the ’86 season like batting average, home runs, and RBI were included on the reverse along with a short blurb about the player. By condensing all the key details onto a smaller platform, Topps created cards that were more displayable and kid-friendly.

Some notable stars featured in the full 100 card 1987 Topps mini baseball set included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Gary Carter, Rickey Henderson, and Ryne Sandberg. Rougned Odor, currently of the New York Yankees, was also included as a rookie card at age 15 after playing in just 9 MLB games in 1986 for the Texas Rangers. The minis captured these talented ballplayers through vivid action photography, close up headshots, or even posed portraits that brought each player’s personality to the compact size.

In addition to current stars, the 1987 Topps mini set paid homage to baseball history with retired greats of the past. Legends like Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Sandy Koufax, and Reggie Jackson each received their own mini card, commemorating their illustrious MLB careers even after hanging up their cleats. For younger collectors just getting into the hobby, these retired players helped connect them to the rich tradition of the game prior to their own fandom.

The visually compelling photography set the 1987 Topps mini cards apart from other releases at the time. While most standard sized cards opted for a simple headshot of the player, the mini format allowed Topps to experiment more boldly with different photographic angles, poses, and dynamic action shots. Some cards caught players swinging, sliding, or leaping dramatically for catches – transporting the young collector right onto the baseball diamond through the lively miniature images. The photographic innovation of the 1987 Topps mini set set a precedent that helped make the cardboard collectibles feel more like snapshots from an MLB game.

In terms of condition and grading scales, the smaller size of the 1987 Topps mini baseball cards presents both advantages and disadvantages compared to standard card collecting. On one hand, the minis were less than half as large as regular cards, making them less prone to creases, scratches or other edge damage over time that can degrade card condition grades. Printing defects like centering issues, color breaks or crimps were also more noticeable against the tiny canvas of a mini card front. Still, high grade 1987 Topps mini examples in pristine Near Mint or better condition can be found in collector’s hands today and carry significant value.

When first released in 1987, the Topps mini baseball cards retailed for $1 per wax pack which contained 10 mini cards in a plastic sleeve. This lower price of entry brought in many younger and newer collectors to build complete mini sets where a full standard size Topps set may have been out of reach. The ’87 Topps minis are also credited with being one of the key releases that helped reignite baseball card collecting as both a mainstream hobby and lucrative investment opportunity in the late 1980s and 1990s. Today complete 1987 Topps mini baseball sets in pristine condition can sell for over $1,000, showcasing their enduring collector appeal and nostalgia value decades later.

Even at their tinier size, the 1987 Topps mini baseball cards left an outsized impact on the collecting world. Their classic headshots and action photography coupled with legends of the game still pops off the cardboard some 35 years later. The minis paved the way for future specialized subsets and variations to continually attract new collector demographics. For many, ripping open a pack of these classic 1987 mini cards can instantly transport them back to their childhood summer afternoons rooting for home runs at the ballpark. Whether chasing high grades or set completion, the 1987 Topps mini baseball release remains a true vintage gem for collectors of all ages.

TOPPS MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps baseball card set saw the rise of some of the game’s biggest young stars and it also featured some iconic cards that have become tremendously valuable in the decades since. With 792 total cards in the base set, the ’87 Topps issue contains several that are truly legendary and fetch high prices when in pristine condition.

Perhaps the most famous and sought-after card from the ’87 set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. As the son of a former major leaguer, Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball history coming into that season with the Seattle Mariners. He didn’t disappoint either, hitting .284 with 8 home runs and 35 RBI in his debut campaign and showing off his incredible talents in center field. Topps immortalized Griffey’s arrival with a classic photograph of him in his Mariners uniform. This rookie card in near mint to mint condition has sold for well over $10,000 depending on factors like centering and corners. Given Griffey’s iconic status and Hall of Fame career, his ’87 rookie will likely only continue to climb in value as the years pass.

Another true blue chipper who debuted in ’87 was Mark McGwire, known then mostly for his power potential rather than the steroid controversy that would later dominate his legacy. McGwire’s rookie card stands out with its action shot of him taking a mighty hack in an Athletics uniform. High grade McGwire rookies have sold in the $1,000 to $3,000 range, though truly pristine copies could fetch far more down the road. His bombardment of headers in the late 80s and home run race with Sammy Sosa in 1998 magnified interest in his first Topps issue.

Roberto Alomar is yet another future Hall of Famer whose rookie card came in the ’87 set. The smooth-fielding second baseman was just starting what would become a 24-year MLB career while playing for the San Diego Padres. Alomar batted .277 as a 21-year-old and showed potential for batting titles and Gold Gloves ahead. His rookie card is vibrant with colors and amongst the more attractive designs from ’87. Condition-sensitive Alomar rooks have sold for up to $700. He went on to win a pair of World Series rings and hold the all-time record for second basemen putouts.

Continuing with the theme of future stars, the ’87 Topps issue first captured Mike Mussina in an Orioles uniform. Though not necessarily a “rookie” at that point since he pitched in 13 games the prior year, his ’87 debut card fetches prices more akin to a true rookie given his Hall of Fame caliber career. Mussina would tally 270 wins and five All-Star appearances over 18 seasons while helping the Orioles and Yankees to seven pennants and two World Series titles. Condition sensitive Mussina ’87s have sold for over $300 once slabbed and verified as pristine.

There are also several other iconic veterans featured on extremely valuable cards if found in mint condition from the ’87 Topps set. Nolan Ryan’s card, showing him firing a fastball for the Astros, has risen above the $1,000 mark in high grade. The same goes for Ozzie Smith’s card picturing him backflipping for the Cardinals. Rickey Henderson sporting an A’s uniform has broken $700 in mint condition given his status as the all-time stolen base king. Dwight Gooden’s vibrant Mets card depicting “Dr. K” on the mound can reach $500 pristine and untarnished by the demons that eventually brought down his career.

Another factor that can make certain ’87 Topps cards exceptionally rare and valuable is the presence of errors. Some miscut cards slipped through quality control with portions of another player visible. Other printing anomalies created ghosts of players on the card surface. These bizarre mistakes are endlessly fascinating to error card collectors willing to pay top dollar. One infamous Cal Ripken Jr. error sold for around $3,000 simply because a chunk of Greg Brock’s arm was visible in the foreground during Ripken’s at-bat.

While not quite as iconic or valuable overall as the iconic ’52 Topps set that introduced the modern baseball card format, the 1987 issue still manages to thrill collectors decades later through its capturing of future Hall of Famers and current superstars in their earliest big league seasons. Cards like Ken Griffey Jr, Mark McGwire and Mike Mussina have grown tremendously in demand as their careers blossomed into legend. Add in the rarity factors that can boost already collectible stars like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith into even loftier price ranges. The magic of what the ’87 Topps cards foretold through those frozen snapshots of rising talents is part of what keeps the hobby so compulsively compelling.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS BOX

Leave a reply

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and collectible releases during the height of the baseball card boom in the 1980s. Inside the iconic green wax cardboard boxes, collectors found 561 individual player and manager cards along with various insert cards documenting the 1986 MLB season. It was the seventh installment in Donruss’ popular MLB card series that began in 1981.

Some key details about the 1987 Donruss baseball card set and its original packaging:

Set Size: The base set included 561 cards spanning all 26 MLB teams from 1986. Numbers ranged from 1 to 561. Several additional inserts and parallels were also included in Factory Set and Wax Pack boxes.

Design: Artistair continued their photo-realistic painted style for player cards. Most featured solid colored borders and team logo in the bottom corner. Managers had green borders. Checklists and records cards had die-cut edges.

Players: The entire set was Players from the 1986 MLB season. Major stars included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Ryne Sandberg, and Gary Carter. Rookies included Tom Glavine and David Justice.

Inserts: Special inserts included World Series Highlights (12 cards), All-Star Performers (9 cards), Leaders and Rookies (9 cards), and Leaders and Records (15 cards). Parallels included Florescent and Rainbow photo variations.

Packaging: Cards came in green wax cardboard boxes containing either 24 or 36 factory-sealed wax packs with 5 cards each. Boxes advertised “520 Baseball Trading Cards Inside” and featured rendered artwork.

Production: Donruss printed over 700 million cards in 1987 across multiple baseball sets as the sport’s popularity peaked. Significant print runs led to abundant availability for years.

The original 1987 Donruss wax packs and boxes offered collectors a fun, low-risk way to build their hobby during a golden era. Finding star rookies or coveted inserts added sparks of excitement to the experience. While initial demand was high, this approach ultimately led to a sharp sports card crash in the early 1990s as overproduction tanked values.

Within the boxes, each wax pack had a unique throwback design covered by a thin layer of green wax paper. This helped protect the crisp photo images on each card inside from damage or fingerprints as you eagerly tore it open. The anticipation of not knowing which players you may pull made every new pack an event.

Base cards were sorted by team, so you could sometimes find runs of players from the same franchise together. Inserts and parallels were far less common pulls, adding to the thrill when they unexpectedly appeared. With no online checklists available yet, young collectors relied solely on their wits to try and complete the enormous 561-card set through trading.

boxes also included the 1986 Donruss Leader, Rookie, and Record subset cards not found in wax packs. These celebrated the top performers and notable achievements from the previous MLB season. Leaders cards paid tribute to batting champions, ERA titles, and other statistical crowns. Meanwhile, the Rookie subset previewed young talents who would be bigger stars in future Donruss releases.

Beyond the cards themselves, the iconic green packaging of 1987 Donruss boxes holds a nostalgic power for a generation of baseball fans who came of age during the sport’s peak popularity in the 1980s. Rummaging through stacks of loose cards in plastic storage boxes today can’t replace the fun of first tearing into one of these original green wax boxes not knowing what new cardboard treasures it may hold. While raw cardboard packs have long since disappeared, the vintage Donruss boxes remain a tangible reminder of how collecting captured American youth for a brief but powerful period in time.

In the intervening decades since, the 1987 Donruss set has proven to hold lasting mainstream appeal. Thanks to the photos and players selected, the cards transported many collectors on a visual time traveling journey back to the summer of baseball in 1986. This helps explain why complete, well-centered examples of stars like Clemens, Sandberg and so on from the ‘87 Donruss set remain relatively affordable compared to ultra-high-end vintage cardboard. The connection to a special time in sports history when collecting was a nationwide fever keeps demand and nostalgia strong to this day.

Whether completing a childhood set, chasing rare inserts, or simply reminiscing about a golden age, the 1987 Donruss boxes packed a special experience. They sparked creativity and camaraderie among collectors while documenting a golden age of baseball. Their enduring popularity is a testament to the power these flimsy cardboard treasures hold over the imagination decades later. For many who ripped packs as kids, the original Donruss boxes represent the very beginning of a lifelong hobby and connection to America’s pastime.

1987 O-PEE-CHEE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the more legendary issues in the modern baseball card era due to the rookie cards it featured. While the iconic rookie cards of players like Griffey Jr. and Bonds from 1989 Topps get most of the attention, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set defined entire generation of collectors and included some true gems. Let’s take an in depth look at some of the most valuable rookie and unique cards from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set.

One of the true holy grails from 1987 O-Pee-Chee is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Despite going on to have a solid 19 year career that included three All-Star selections and being a member of the 1992 World Series winning Blue Jays, Carter’s rookie card remains one of the most sought after and valuable cards from the entire set. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, Carter’s rookie now routinely sells for well over $1,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or BGS 9, mint examples can still fetch $300-500 due to the card’s legendary status. The Carter rookie is one of the iconic cards from the entire 1980s era and remains hugely popular with collectors.

Another Toronto Blue Jays rookie from 1987 that has skyrocketed in value is outfielder George Bell. Like Carter, Bell had a long and productive career after 1987 that culminated with an American League MVP award in 1987. It was Bell’s almost complete lack of inclusion in later card releases from the 1980s that has made his O-Pee-Chee rookie one of the true keys to the set. In top PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 black label condition, a Bell rookie can sell for $2,000-3,000. Even well-centered PSA 8 or BGS 9 copies still sell for $400-700 depending on the day due to strong demand. The Bell rookie is iconic for Blue Jays fans and represents one of the biggest sleepers from the entire 1987 set.

While Griffey Jr. cards from later years dominate discussions of rookie cards, his true first card was actually included in the 1987 O-Pee-Chee issue as well. The Griffey rookie looks very similar to the famous upper deck and tops cards that followed in 1989, but carries it’s own mystique as well. In pristine PSA 10 or BGS 9.5-10 condition, the Griffey O-Pee-Chee rookie often fetches over $3,000. Even well-centered PSA 8 or BGS 9 copies still sell today for $600-1000 due to strong demand from collectors wanting an early Griffey card before the huge hype started in 1989. The Griffey O-Pee-Chee rookie remains hugely iconic and always in high demand on the secondary baseball card market.

While the Griffey, Carter and Bell rookies receive most of the spotlight, there are other key rookie and stars cards that make the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set highly valuable as well. The Cal Ripken Jr. and Don Mattingly star cards, which feature fantastic close up photos, routinely sell for $300-500 in top PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 condition. The Ozzie Smith and Wade Boggs star cards also command $150-250 in top grades. Rookie cards of future stars like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and David Justice are also highly regarded, with PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 examples selling for $100-250 depending on the particular player.

Aside from the high-value stars and rookies, there are also several unique short print and parallel cards that make the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set highly collectible as well. The Tim Raines “Turkey Red” parallel card, which features a red tint instead of the standard blue-back design, is one of the true crown jewels. In pristine condition these rarely appear on the market, but when they do a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ can sell for $3,000-5,000. Another hugely valuable parallel is the Jim Abbott “Scratch Off” card, featuring an innovative scratch off statistic inset. High grade examples have sold for well over $1,000 due to the card being one of the most unique concepts ever featured.

Even commons from the set featuring classic designs by Joe Skinn have gained value in recent years. With collectors looking to complete full rainbow sets that also include parallels, short prints and autographs, demand has grown for even basic cards. Complete common base sets in PSA 8-10 condition routinely sell for $300-500. When especially scarce commons are found in pristine PSA 10 or Black Label BGS condition prices can reach $50-100 each depending on number of copies still remaining in high grades. Add in the difficulty of finding pristine older sets from the 1980s at all, and the overall collectibility of 1987 O-Pee-Chee remains extremely strong even 35 years later.

While marquee rookies like Griffey Jr., Bonds and McGwire get largest headlines, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set as a whole remains one of the true legends of the modern era. Icons like the Joe Carter and George Bell rookies are forever linked to their debut seasons, while stars like Ripken Jr. and Boggs got classic vintage designs. Innovative parallels and unique short prints push values even higher. With such a perfect storm of hall of famers, future stars, and innovative concepts all included, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set will always be remembered as one of the most valuable vintage cardboard releases ever produced. Prices remain very strong today for even commons due to the 35-year legacy that was started.

BASEBALL FLEER CARDS 1987

Leave a reply

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was the third issued by Fleer and marked several milestones for both the company and the hobby. It was the first Fleer set to feature rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. card designs also saw refinements from previous years. The set totaled 792 cards and included players from both the American and National Leagues.

Fleer had made strides since entering the baseball card market in 1986 but was still working to catch up to industry stalwarts Topps. The ’87 set showed the company was committed to continuing to improve its product and capture more of the lucrative baseball card market. Updates included thinner card stock that was easier to handle and store in albums. Glossier photo surfaces provided crisper images. Background colors were also tweaked on some designs to make photos and text pop more.

Rookie cards were the biggest draws for collectors. Future Reds shortstop Barry Larkin had one of the more coveted rookie cards in the set. Still just 24 years old in 1987, his promising career was only getting started. But collectors recognized his talent and the Larkin rookie has become a key piece in vintage sets over the years. Pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine also had their rookie cards, foreshadowing the Hall of Fame careers that would follow for both Braves hurlers.

Other notable rookies included Yankees pitcher Jimmy Key, Cubs outfielder Dwight Smith, and Expos third baseman Tim Wallach. Wallach went on to play 17 seasons and was a stalwart for Montreal. Key would win 143 games over 15 seasons while helping the Blue Jays and Yankees win World Series titles. Smith had a 10-year career primarily with the Cubs and Orioles.

Veteran stars in the ’87 Fleer set included Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Mike Schmidt. Clemens’ Red Sox card showed him in the process of morphing from a good pitcher into the dominant Cy Young winner he became. Schmidt was nearing the end of his Hall of Fame Phillies career while Boggs, Henderson, and Ozzie Smith were still producing at an All-Star level for the Red Sox, A’s, and Cardinals, respectively.

Rookies and veterans alike had unique poses and backgrounds in their Fleer cards. Clemens stared down the camera in intense focus on the mound. Schmidt showed off his smooth fielding motion at third. Boggs crouched into his unique batting stance. Ozzie Smith flashed leather and smiled for the camera all at once on his card. Fleer photos aimed to highlight each player’s skills and persona.

The design template remained similar to 1986. A colored border wrapped around each rectangular card with the team name arched along the top. But background shades were adjusted on certain cards. For example, the dark blue behind Clemens’ photo popped more than the navy used on some ’86 Fleer cards. Subtle changes enhanced the overall visual appeal.

Text was kept to a minimum with just the player’s first and last name above the photo and his uniform number and position below. No statistics were included. The back of each card listed career stats to date as well as a brief bio. Fleer aimed for a clean, uncluttered look to let the photography take center stage. Glossier printing brought all elements into sharper focus.

Rarity and condition greatly impact the value of 1987 Fleer baseball cards in the current market. The best-known rookies like Larkin, Maddux and Glavine command the highest prices, even in average condition. Well-centered, near-mint copies can sell for thousands. The scarcer the card, the more condition matters – with gem mint 10s bringing the most money at auction. Common veterans have more modest values unless received a grade of 9 or 10.

Beyond the stars, error cards have also become highly sought. The most famous is an Ozzie Smith card with his name misspelled as “Ozzie Szith.” Only a handful are known to exist. Other mistakes like missing team logos or stat errors make otherwise ordinary cards quite valuable. The 1987 Fleer set proved formative for the company and introduced future Hall of Famers to the collecting world. Decades later, it remains a favorite of enthusiasts exploring the early years of the modern baseball card boom.

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set showed progress from the company’s initial offerings. Refinements to designs, photos and production quality captured the visual energy of the players and strengthened Fleer’s position in the competitive baseball card market. Rookie cards of future stars like Larkin, Maddux and Glavine took on new importance for collectors and drove interest in the set for years to come. Condition sensitive and error cards added layers of complexity that keep the ’87 Fleer release engaging for vintage collectors even today.

1987 M M BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

1987 marked an exciting year for collectors of sports memorabilia and trading cards. It was in this year that Mars, Incorporated released their wildly popular series of M&M’s Baseball Cards. This unique promotion featured color photos of Major League Baseball players on card-shaped chocolate candies. With flashy packaging and the fun prospect of eating the cards after enjoying them, the 1987 M&M’s Baseball set was an immediate hit.

At the time, the Topps Company had dominated the baseball card market for decades. They were facing new competition in the late 1980s from competitors like Fleer and Donruss looking to capture some of that lucrative market. Seeing an opportunity for synergistic brand promotion, Mars worked with MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association to produce this novel candy-card crossover. Each colorful wrapper contained a 35mm photo laminated onto an actual chocolate nougat disc that was about the size and thickness of a typical trading card.

Some key things made the 1987 M&M’s Baseball set stand out. For one, the photo quality was remarkably high for candy wrappers of the time period. Professional photographer Bryan Hanau was commissioned to capture crisp, colorful action shots of over 150 players. Hanau’s pictures gave collectors high-quality images of their favorite stars to admire even after the chocolate was gone. The set also differed from traditional cardboard issues in only featuring photos, without any player stats or team logos on the wrappers. This streamlined design let the candies really show off Hanau’s gorgeous photographs.

Another unique factor was the limited print run. Whereas sports card manufacturers would spit out tens or hundreds of millions of a given year’s set, Mars only produced 20 million wrappers for the 1987 M&M’s Baseball collection. With such a constrained quantity compared to the hunger for nostalgia and memorabilia among fans, the issues took on greater scarcity value from the very beginning. The one-year-only nature of the sets at that time also helped propel the candies towards legendary collector status. After 1987, Mars opted to change future promotions to multipacks themed around specific sports rather than stand-alone candy-card series.

Naturally, consuming the chocolates posed its own risks and rewards for collectors. While it was tempting to surrender to one’s sweet tooth, eating the disc meant destroying the coveted photo and memories encapsulated within. On the other hand, unwrapping marvels like a Roberto Clemente or Ozzie Smith candy without consuming it went against the promotional spirit. For seasoned traders, the candies took on a whole new dimension of value depending on whether they remained pristine or showed tooth marks. Today, preserved 1987 examples in their colorful foil can fetch hundreds of dollars online.

Among the notable rookies and stars featured in the 1987 assortment were Mark McGwire, Orel Hershiser, Eric Davis, Bobby Thigpen, Lenny Dykstra, and Barry Larkin. Iconic veterans like Pete Rose, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan also made appearances. Not every big name player participated due to individual sponsorship agreements. Notable absentees included Doc Gooden, Kirby Puckett, and Roger Clemens. Regional distribution patterns also meant certain heroes had better odds of showing up in candy racks based on their team’s fan base location.

The innovative M&M’s promotion was a boon for both Mars and Major League Baseball. The candies drew new interest around the national pastime from casual and younger fans. Meanwhile, MLB benefited from extra marketing exposure during their 1987 season. For collectors, the M&M’s issues opened a gateway to the card hobby for many and remain forever intertwined with fond memories of summer baseball. While Topps, Donruss, and Fleer produced the conventional cardboard that filled factory-sealed wax packs, Mars provided a unique collectors’ item that was as much about enjoyment as accumulation. Even after 35 years, examples from the single-year 1987 M&M’s Baseball set retain their vivid colors and allure, cementing their place in the lineage of classic sports collectibles.

In summary, Mars’ 1987 M&M’s Baseball promotion was tremendously popular and pioneering, giving collectors a novel way to experience the marriage of candy, photography, and nostalgia for America’s favorite pastime. By combining state-of-the-art printing, elite athlete images, and scarcity by design, the candies captured immediate demand while accruing further mystique as the years passed. For fans of ’80s memorabilia, the year 1987 undoubtedly brings to mind cracking open an M&M’s wrapper to uncover a childhood baseball hero immortalized in chocolate.