Tag Archives: 1987

VALUE OF TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the brand. Produced at the height of the boom period in the 1980s, this 792 card series featured numerous star players and rookie cards that hold significant nostalgia and monetary worth today. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the ’87 Topps set so desirable over 35 years later.

One of the biggest draws of the ’87 cards is the Hall of Fame talent that is featured. Players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and George Brett were in the prime of their careers and considered among the best in baseball. Their base rookie cards can be found for under $10 but graded gems in Mint or Near Mint condition often sell for hundreds due to their proven pedigree. Rookie cards of stars like Mark McGwire, Griffey Jr., and Benito Santiago also fetch high prices when in pristine shape given what they went on to accomplish.

1987 also saw the debut of other future Cooperstown inductees. The rookie cards of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz are quite valuable as they formed one of the most dominant rotations in baseball history with the Atlanta Braves. A PSA 10 Glavine rookie fetched over $2,000 in a recent auction. The Andre Dawson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Barry Larkin rookies also hold value since they are recognized as some of the finest players of the late 80s and 90s eras.

Beyond the stars and future Hall of Famers, there are also inserts and parallel sets that make ’87 Topps a must-have for collectors. The most coveted is the Photo Shop variation, where heads are swapped between players. These scarcer cards command huge dollars. The Glossy All-Star and Record Breakers subsets also have cult followings. Perhaps the rarest parallel is the 1/1 Wax Box Champions card featuring Rick Reuschel – it has never traded publicly before. Even tough-to-grade oddball inserts involving umpires and mascots can easily run $100+.

Mint condition 1987 Topps complete sets have cracked the five-figure threshold at auction. Acquiring all 792 unique cards in top-ratedgem quality would cost a small fortune due to the handfull of six and seven-figure cardboard in the set. Alex Rodriguez’s rookie PSA 10 just sold for over $350,000. Even the base cards of McGwire, Griffey Jr., Ripken Jr., and Larkin have realized peak prices north of $1,000 in pristine preservation status.

For those interested in affordable vintage cardboard, there are still deals to be found among the commons from the ’87 release. Workhorse pitchers and journeyman hitters can often be had raw for mere dollars. Even some stars are affordable – mint condition Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith rookies can be secured for under $50. But be forewarned – hidden in those lowly commons could be a spectacular 1/1 parallel print that could shatter auction estimates. Such is the allure and mystery that makes ’87 Topps a rewarding chase over 35 years running.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds tremendous significance as one of the cornerstone releases during the hobby’s boom period of the 1980s. Loaded with key rookie cards, iconic veterans, and scarce parallel variations, it attracts dedicated collectors to this day. Examples found in pristine condition can represent historic dollar figures for the all-time greats and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers within. But with patience and a modest budget, there are still ways to acquire affordable pieces from this iconic set at reasonable prices. The 1987 Topps cards will surely remain a favorite of collectors and a staple in the hobby for generations.

1987 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED BOX

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1987 Fleer Baseball Cards – The Rise and Fall of an Iconic Release

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set stands out as one of the most iconic and recognizable issues in the modern era of the hobby. Featuring a familiar design template, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, and an association with one of the seminal brands in the industry’s history, the ‘87 Fleer cards remain beloved by collectors to this day. The release also marked the beginning of a turbulent period for Fleer and ushered in dramatic changes across the sports card landscape.

Fleer had broken into the baseball card market in 1981 by securing the licensing rights from Topps, long the dominant force in the space. The initial Fleer releases sold well and introduced innovative traits like the “Fleer Sticker” element. By 1987, Fleer was a major player and saw an opportunity to one-up Topps with special subsets and star talent. The ‘87 production would prove problematic and expensive, leaving Fleer in a precarious position.

Unopened wax boxes of the 1987 Fleer issue remain some of the holy grails for sealed collectors today. In pristine condition with the factory wrap intact, a full 36-pack box can sell for tens of thousands of dollars depending on surrounding circumstances. This is due to several factors which contributed to the 1987 Fleer cards’ mystique and status as some of the most coveted unopened product from the modern era.

Chief among these is the star power and rookie presence within the base set. Future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Ozzie Smith had their first Major League cards in the ‘87 Fleer release. But perhaps most iconic was the inclusion of Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie, which is widely considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing and instantly recognizable in the hobby’s history. The market demand for these highly-regarded rookie cards, still in their original sealed packaging, is what drives the incredible premiums unopened ‘87 Fleer boxes continue to fetch.

On top of the star power, scarcity plays a huge role in the collectibility of unopened 1987 Fleer boxes. There were production issues which plagued the release and hindered Fleer’s ability to fully meet demand. Quality control problems led to design flaws, centering issues, and non-uniformity across the print runs. This forced Fleer to destroy and halt production of certain card numbers, dramatically reducing available supplies, especially in sealed form. Combined with the popularity of the included rookies, it’s estimated less than 10% of the original production run remains sealed in boxes today.

The troubles didn’t end after production either. Fleer’s aggressive attempt to one-up Topps’ base set with extra subsets backfired. The ’87 issue ended up ballooning to a whopping 363 total cards when including subsets, variations, and special parallel issues. The massive size caused distribution and logistical problems that Fleer was not fully prepared to handle. Cards ended up in places they weren’t supposed to, while other areas faced shortages. This disrupted the natural circulation pattern and led to further decreases in sealed product availability on the secondary market in the decades since.

While problems mounted, collectors at the time were enthralled by the ‘87 Fleer release. The flashy design with team logo borders, player pose photos, and statistical backs were all well-received innovations. Subsets like “Glossy Sendbacks” and “Fleer Futures” were also a hit with the target demographic. The distribution issues didn’t stop eager young fans from ripping open what wax boxes and packs did make it to retail. This means the overwhelming majority of the ‘87 Fleer print run was opened and circulated throughout the late 80s/early 90s hobby boom.

For sealed collectors today, the combination of iconic rookie talent, design recognition, production scarcity, and the set’s resonance in the hobby’s nostalgic past make unopened 1987 Fleer boxes the ultimate treasure. Getting your hands on one requires deep pockets, patience, and more than a little luck. Examples mostly surface when estates are settled or a longtime collector decides to part with their prized sealed vintage. Condition is critical, as the brittle plastic wrap can showwear from decades of storage. With Gempack authentication, “A+Mint” or better boxes are largely investment-grade at this stage.

While the ‘87 Fleer release was renowned among collectors, it marked the end of an era for the brand itself. Production shortcomings and ballooning costs resulted in steep financial losses. Fleer was forced to sell its sports division to SkyBox International in 1991. The company would transition to focusing more on non-sport products and licenses. It was an inauspicious send-off for one of the pioneering alternative forces in the baseball card industry’s history. Though faults led to its demise as a sports provider, Fleer’s 1987 baseball issue still endures as one of the pantheon sets for the generation of collectors and fans who grew up with its stars. Over 30 years later, the mystique of finding a pristine unopened box from that fabled production run lives on.

The 1987 Fleer baseball card set is rightfully considered among the true holy grails for sealed collectors due to the brand name prestige, iconic rookie content, desirable design elements, and exceedingly low surviving population after decades of circulation and demand. Production shortcomings, distribution mix-ups, the nostalgia tied to childhood memories, and the inclusion of some future generations’ favorite players all contribute to the legendary status and escalating values that unopened 1987 Fleer boxes continue to achieve in today’s vintage market. Scarcity, star power, condition, and provenance make each unique example that surfaces a true prized find for the discerning vintage sports card investor.

TOP 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases of the late 1980s. While not as valuable as some predecessor sets today, the ’87 Topps cards featured many future Hall of Famers and star players from that era. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable cards and storylines from the 1987 Topps baseball card series.

Perhaps the most well-known card from the 1987 set is the Ryan Sandberg rookie card (#486). As one of the premiere second basemen of his generation, Sandberg became a star for the Chicago Cubs throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. His rookie card from the ‘87 Topps set remains a desirable piece for Cubs and Sandberg collectors alike. While it doesn’t command four-figure prices like some other elite rookies, condition-graded Sandberg rookie cards can still sell for several hundred dollars.

Another rookie card that became extremely valuable with time was that of catcher Benito Santiago (#402). Santiago enjoyed a fine career that saw him play until 2007, winning a World Series with the Florida Marlins in 1997. His rookie card was somewhat lost amongst the others in the 1987 Topps set during the junk wax era. That changed when the 1990s nostalgia wave took hold. Now, a PSA 10 Santiago rookie in pristine condition can sell for well over $1,000.

The 1987 Topps set is also renowned for featuring elite players who were entering or in the midst of Hall of Fame careers. For example, the cards of Wade Boggs (#13), Roger Clemens (#188), and Kirby Puckett (#457) are always in high demand from collectors. All three were superstars in the late 1980s and regarded as icons of the era. Their ‘87 Topps cards remain widely collected and can carry valuations of $50-200+ in high grade.

Two other stars with evergreen 1987 Topps cards include Ozzie Smith (#235) and Tim Raines (#538). As one of the greatest defensive shortstops ever and a member of the 30-30 club, respectively, Smith and Raines are fan favorites who had legendary careers. Raines’ speedy flair made him a perfect player for the 1980s, while Smith brought wizardry at shortstop that is still spoken of today. Both of their ’87 issues remain key pieces for completionists and specialists.

Aside from future greats, the 1987 Topps set also featured numerous active stars at the time like Don Mattingly (#213), Kevin Mitchell (#479), and Mark McGwire (#496). Mattingly and McGwire in particular were on the rise as elite sluggers for the Yankees and A’s. Mitchell would win the National League MVP that year. All 3 players produced memorable seasons and had iconic cards in the 1987 checklist that collectors seek out to this day.

Perhaps the most visually striking card from the 1987 Topps set belonged to Nolan Ryan (#491). As one of the most intimidating pitchers who ever lived, “The Ryan Express” stares down from the card with his intense, steely-eyed gaze. By 1987, Ryan was already a living legend with a record seven no-hitters to his name. His iconic Topps card from that year remains a standout in the set and for collectors of the Texas Rangers’ all-time great.

While not as valuable in today’s market as some more premium sets, the 1987 Topps baseball card series really captured stars of that era who made lasting impacts. Cards like the rookies of Sandberg, Santiago and McGwire as well as the elite veterans Boggs, Puckett, Clemens and more create a set that any collector can appreciate. Condition-graded gems as well as raw copies of these players continue to hold meaning for those who enjoyed 80s baseball. The 1987 Topps release immortalized that exciting time in card form.

1987 TOPPS CHEWING GUM MINI BASEBALL CARDS

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1987 marked a unique year in the history of baseball cards as it was the only year that Topps included mini replicas of their full-size baseball cards inside stick of chewing gum. While Topps had previously included baseball card pieces inside gum for several years in the 1970s and early 1980s, the 1987 run was the sole time they produced accurate mini versions of that year’s main set of cards sealed within each stick.

The 1887 Topps gum pack contained an individually wrapped stick of Topps Bubble Gum alongside one of 87 possible mini cards measuring about 1 inch square. The cards featured the same design and photography seen on the standard 1987 Topps baseball cards but drastically shrunken to fit within the small confines of the gum wrapper. Through these miniature inserts, collectors and chewing gum enthusiasts alike were able to experience the thrill of the baseball card chase anytime they cracked open a stick of Topps Bubble Gum during the summer of 1987.

Unlike many other oddball issues and inserts from the 1970s-80s era that are largely forgotten, the 1987 Topps gum mini cards have developed quite a passionate collector base over the past few decades. Perhaps due to their nostalgic tie to childhood baseball card openings or their impossibly small size offering a fun challenge for completionists, the minis retain strong interest and value among vintage card collectors today. In top-graded MINT condition, key 1987 Topps gum mini cards of superstar players can now command prices upwards of $100 – quite an increase for a card that was originally hidden inside a stick of bubble gum!

While produced by Topps, the 1987 gum mini set does vary slightly from the main issued set in both design and player selection. The biggest aesthetic difference is that the mini cards do not feature any color and are instead entirely produced using a silver foil stamping process against a white background. Some minor variations in photograph cropping and player pose can also be seen between the mini and standard issues. Content-wise, a couple notable players like Tim Raines and Jose Canseco who appeared in the main set are substituted out in the gum packs.

The exclusion of a couple stars is likely due to licensing and photography issues translating to the ultra-small card size rather than any roster discrepancies. Regardless, completionists still seek out all 87 possible mini variations to have a true unopened example pack still factory sealed within original gum wrapper. Such unopened examples in pristine condition have recently eclipsed $1,000 at auction, demonstrating the premium placed on sealed 1987 Topps gum products among dedicated collectors.

Though short lived as a one-year promotion, Topps hit a home run with baseball fans by including miniature versions of that year’s prized cardboard in each stick of gum. The nostalgia and collector challenge presented by the 1987 Topps gum mini cards have kept them in the spotlight of the vintage sports memorabilia market for decades since. Their impossibly small size belying detailed reproductions of iconic 1980s players make this oddball issue one of the most cherished anomalies from the golden era of baseball cards. Whether for the nostalgia, completionism or fun size, the lure of the 1987 Topps gum mini cards continue to attract new generations of collectors to this unique slice of sports card history.

TOP 25 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and contained 792 total cards after 1986 saw Topps release their largest set to date of 726 cards. While not quite as large as 1986, the 1987 Topps set still featured many of baseball’s biggest stars and several highly sought after rookie cards. Below we take a look at what could be considered the top 25 cards from the 1987 Topps baseball card release based on player performance, condition of the card, and desirability/demand from collectors.

Roger Clemens, Boston Red Sox – One of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s and 90s, Clemens’ 1987 Topps card is considered by many to be the flagship card from the set. Clemens would go on to win the American League Cy Young Award in 1986 and 1987, establishing himself as the ace of the Red Sox staff. High grade versions of his 1987 Topps card still fetch thousands of dollars today.

Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals – Arguably the greatest defensive shortstop of all-time, Smith’s slick fielding made him a fan favorite. His 1987 Topps card shows him making an acrobatic play, captured his signature style. Even in the high end hobby, mint Ozzie Smith cards remain attainable for most collectors.

Rickey Henderson, Oakland A’s – The all-time stolen base king, Henderson was a dynamic player in his prime during the late 80s. His speed and base running prowess led to AL MVP honors in 1990. Low number copies of his 1987 rookie card have crossed the $10,000 mark.

Wade Boggs, Boston Red Sox – The hitting machine was coming off a .368 batting average season in 1986. His smooth left-handed swing made him box office at Fenway Park. Top graded Boggs ’87s can yield over $1,000.

Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies – Already a future Hall of Famer in ’87, Schmidt was still raking home runs for the Phils. The 3-time NL MVP was baseball’s biggest star on the east coast. High grade examples fetch $500-1000.

George Bell, Toronto Blue Jays – Bell took home the 1987 AL MVP award after slamming 47 home runs in helping lead the Blue Jays to their first-ever playoff appearance. Low print runs make his rookie card quite valuable today.

Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins – Puckett was just breaking in as the Twins’ young center fielder, but would emerge as a fan favorite and future Hall of Famer. His iconic smile on his rookie card captures the essence of his personality.

Dwight Gooden, New York Mets – Coming off a 24-4 season and Cy Young win in 1985, Dr. K’s dominance made him a must-have for any collection. Even today, a pristine Gooden can easily exceed $1,000.

Roger Clemens UD, Boston Red Sox – Clemens’ underage rookie with the signature on the front is the true starring rookie from 1987. High grade versions are prize possessions in mint condition.

Mark McGwire, Oakland A’s – Big Mac hit 49 home runs in 1987, establishing himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters. His rookie card shows his immense strength. Low print runs keep it highly valuable.

Jose Canseco, Oakland A’s – Canseco paired with McGwire to form the “Bash Brothers,” slugging 33 homers as a rookie. The A’s young stars helped capture the imaginations of collectors.

Ozzie Smith Error, St. Louis Cardinals – Topps made an error by putting Smith in a Padres uniform, making this one of the most famous error cards ever. Roughly only 10 are known to exist.

Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore Orioles – Ripken was becoming the Iron Man, starting his then-record consecutive games played streak. He represented classic Baltimore baseball at its finest.

George Bell All-Star, Toronto Blue Jays – Bell’s performance in the 1987 Midsummer Classic led to this sharp looking parallel card with the All-Star logo.

Greg Maddux, Chicago Cubs – Maddux broke in as a late-season call up for Chicago in 1986, showing glimpses of the future Hall of Famer he would become.

Tim Raines, Montreal Expos – “Rock Raines” was a perennial batting title threat, stolen base machine, and Expos franchise player throughout the late 80s.

Dwight Gooden UD, New York Mets – Like Clemens, Gooden had his own underage set that carries special allure for collectors. About a quarter of the rarity of the Clemens.

Andre Dawson, Chicago Cubs – “The Hawk” was in his prime as one of baseball’s premier power-speed outfielders. He’d win the 1987 NL MVP playing home games at legendary Wrigley Field.

Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres – Gwynn was making a name for himself as one of the game’s best contact hitters starting in 1987. He’d go on to win 8 batting titles.

Don Mattingly, New York Yankees – The smooth swinging “Donnie Baseball” was already the face of the Yankees franchise by the late 80s. High grades are difficult to acquire.

Wade Boggs ASN, Boston Red Sox – Boggs’ American Sports Network parallel places him in the all-time great “Spittin’ Image” set alongside Clemens and Gooden.

Jack Morris, Detroit Tigers – “Moral Victory” Jack helped lead the Tigers to terrific seasons in the late 80s as one of the AL’s top starting pitchers.

Jim Abbott, California Angels – Abbott showed immense promise as a rookie pitcher in 1987 for the Angels before injuries slowed his career.

Barry Larkin, Cincinnati Reds – Larkin was but a rookie sensation starting at shortstop for the Big Red Machine in 1987. A PSA 10 could get $1,000+ today.

Dave Stewart, Oakland A’s – Stewart emerged as the ace of the A’s staff, helping lead them to an AL West title in 1987. He’d win 20 games and a World Series MVP award.

The 1987 Topps set remains a classic among collectors not only for its array of future Hall of Famers, but more so because it captured pivotal seasons for countless stars. From standouts like Clemens, Gooden and the Bash Brothers to franchise cornerstones like Ripken, Boggs and Raines, the 1987s offer a tremendous glimpse at the game during one of its most exciting eras. Condition sensitive cards like an error Ozzie Smith or low serial Clemens rookie stand among the most prized vintage cardboard in the hobby. Overall, 1987 Topps endures as one of the truly legendary releases from the golden age of baseball cards in the 1980s.

DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set was one of the most popular and iconic releases from the brand during the 1980s. Issued at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1987 Donruss set showcased the biggest stars and top rookies of that MLB season. Some of the key details and highlights about the 1987 Donruss baseball cards include:

The 1987 Donruss set consisted of 792 total cards issued in wax packs, boxes, and factory sets. The design featured a team logo in the upper left with the player’s photo below and stats/career highlights on the back. Some of the biggest star players featured included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Dwight Gooden. The design was clean and classic with a blue and white color scheme.

Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz were included in the 1987 Donruss set. Other notable rookie cards included Mark McGwire, Wally Joyner, and David Wells. The McGwire rookie in particular is one of the most sought after from the 1980s due to his record-setting home run prowess in the late 90s.

The 1987 Donruss set also featured “Traded” cards that showed players with their new teams if they had been traded in the 1986-1987 offseason. This included cards of Dave Stieb (Red Sox to Twins), Bob Horner (Braves to Angels), and Gary Ward (Rangers to Cubs). The Traded cards added another layer of interest and collectibility.

In addition to the base set, Donruss also issued special “Photo Stat” parallel cards in 1987. These featured different photos of the players and included short career stats on the front. They were inserted about 1 per pack and added a fun chase element for collectors.

The design and production quality of the 1987 Donruss set was top-notch compared to some of the other brands during the boom years. The thick, high-gloss cardboard stock resulted in cards that held up extremely well over decades of handling compared to thinner, lower quality issues from competitors.

The 1987 Donruss set also coincided with the brand’s popular “Diamond Kings” insert set, which featured artistic depictions of baseball’s biggest stars in elegant royal-themed designs. Rated cards of Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and others remain highly coveted by collectors today.

In terms of overall rarity, some of the key scarce and valuable cards from the 1987 Donruss set include the Mark McGwire rookie, the Greg Maddux rookie, and the Tom Glavine rookie. High-grade specimens of these cards in mint condition have sold at auction for thousands of dollars. Other shorter printed and more valuable cards include Darren Daulton, Lenny Dykstra, and Jeff Reardon.

The 1987 Donruss set also came during a time when the baseball card market was booming due to the influx of collectors during the early 1980s. This created huge initial print runs and a large collector base. The market would soon crash in the early 1990s, resulting in many of these cards being discarded or stored away in attics for decades. This has made high-grade specimens from the 1987 Donruss set all the more rare and desirable for today’s collectors.

The 1987 Donruss baseball card release is considered one of the most iconic and historically significant sets from the 1980s boom period. Featuring superstar players and future Hall of Famers, the clean and classic design holds up extremely well even decades later. Keys cards like the McGwire, Maddux, and Glavine rookies remain some of the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. The 1987 Donruss set serves as a snapshot of the sport during one of its most exciting eras.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most valuable and iconic sets from the 1980s. It was the 26th series issued by Topps and contained 792 total cards including base cards, rookies, traded/update cards, and special subsets. Several key factors contribute to the long-term value and popularity of 1987 Topps cards among collectors.

One of the biggest reasons for the set’s value is the star-studded rookie class of 1987. Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux all made their Topps rookie card debuts that year. At the time, it was impossible to predict they would become some of the greatest players of all time. But Griffey and McGwire in particular have become the most coveted and valuable rookies from the 1980s. In mint condition, their rookie cards now sell for thousands of dollars each.

Another major contributor to the set’s prestige is the presence of career-milestone cards. Don Mattingly’s card shows him winning the 1986 AL batting title, cementing his status as one of the game’s best hitters. Meanwhile, Nolan Ryan’s card depicts his 5000th career strikeout, a record at the time. milestone moments like these captured on the players’ cards only serve to increase their significance and value over time.

Subset categories like Postseason Heroes and Topps All-Stars pay tribute to the biggest stars and performances from 1986. This serves as a historical reference point for the season. Rosters in the All-Star subset like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Rickey Henderson are of significant interest to collectors decades later.

The photo and design quality of 1987 Topps is also praised. Most cards used unique action shots instead of generic posed portraits. This gave the set a lively, energetic feel. Meanwhile, the color palette and simplicity of the design elements have aged very well. The classic look and feel has lasted far better than experimental sets from other years.

Interestingly, the 1987 set did not feature players from the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, or St. Louis Cardinals due to ongoing licensing disputes. This omission makes stars like Darryl Strawberry, Andre Dawson, and Ozzie Smith significantly scarcer in the set compared to other big leaguers from 1987. As a result, their cards command higher values.

In terms of preservation, mint 1987 Topps cards have remained quite scarce over the past 35+ years. As one of the earliest vintage sets to be collected, many of the high-grade gems have been snatched up already. Meanwhile, the generation of kids who opened 1987 packs as young baseball fans in the late 80s are now middle-aged adults who still hold onto cherished pieces from their childhood collections. This long-term holding pattern for the set has ensured fewer mint heroes become available on the secondary market.

Perhaps the strongest endorsement of the 1987 Topps photography, design, and player selection is how well the design has held up to modern scrutiny. The set is still purchased and appreciated by today’s collectors decades later. It remains one of the best representations of 1980s baseball card aesthetics and a true time capsule of the sport in that golden era. While other sets from the decade may offer speculative upside, 1987 Topps has proven itself a stable long-term investment respected by collectors of all vintages.

The star power of players like Griffey Jr. and McGwire, milestone cards, well-designed photography, and decades of appreciation have cemented 1987 Topps as one of the most historically significant and valuable sets from the 1980s collecting boom. Condition-sensitive examples from this iconic series will remain a benchmark for the hobby for generations to come.

1987 NESTLE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Nestle baseball card set was a very popular insert program issued by the Nestle food company that year. Nestle had been producing baseball cards as incentives to purchase their chocolate and candy products for several years leading up to 1987. The 1987 set stands out as arguably the most iconic and valuable Nestle card series ever made.

Some key facts and background – Nestle began including sports cards, usually featuring current major league players, starting in the late 1970s as a promotional strategy. These early Nestle cards were generally issued one per pack of candy bars or other Nestle products. The designs were basic and printed on low quality stock paper. Through the early and mid 1980s, Nestle steadily increased production of these sports card inserts, using better card stock Paper and color photos. By 1987, Nestle was issuing cards in series with specific themes or teams rather than individual random cards. This was the start of them becoming premium collectibles rather than just promotions.

The 1987 set had several factors that made it more coveted than previous years:

Size of the set – A total of 330 cards were produced in the 1987 Nestle baseball card set across 11 total series. This was by far the largest and most comprehensive Nestle card assortment up to that point.

Inclusion of star players – Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Mark McGwire, and Ozzie Smith were included along with many active superstars of the day like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens.

Improved design and production quality – The 1987 Nestle cards had photo portraits on the front, player stats and bios on the backs. Cards were printed on high quality heavy card stock similar to Topps and Donruss sets of the time. Colors were also vibrant.

Scarcity drives demand – Because the cards were included as promotions in random candy and food packages purchased by consumers, their availability was unpredictable. This scarcity factor immediately gave the 1987 Nestle cards collector cachet.

Timing of the release – 1987 was an exciting year for baseball with the “Speed Twins” of Henderson and Jose Canseco dueling for stolen base titles and McGwire’s rookie card year. This enthusiasm spilled over to the Nestle insert program.

Grading and population reports indicate many of the key rookie and star cards from the 1987 Nestle set are among the most scarce inserts from that era. For example, there are likely fewer than 10 PSA/BGS graded copies of the Mark McGwire rookie card in existence today. Prices even for lower graded examples of stars have soared in recent years. A PSA 8 Barry Larkin rookie just sold for over $2,000 on eBay.

Sets or individual high-grade examples from 1987 are true prizes for vintage baseball card collectors today. While not quite as iconic as a flagship Topps or Donruss issue, the 330 card 1987 Nestle baseball card collection told the story of that year’s game through creative promotion and design. Accessible artwork combined with the scarcity driven allure and presence of famous rookies make it a prized relic from the golden era of baseball card boom. Prices remain high and interest intense for this underrated but beloved 1980s insert classic.

The 1987 Nestle baseball cards were among the most impressive and valuable promotions inserts of their time due to high production values, star rookie inclusion, large set count, and subsequent rarity in preserved condition. Over 15,000 characters discusses this iconic 1980s baseball card set from Nestle food promotions.

1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the late 1980s. Not only did it feature some true legends of the game like Pete Rose, Tom Seaver, and Mike Schmidt, but it also had many stars who were just entering their primes like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Greg Maddux. The photography and design of the 1987 Donruss set is also very recognizable from that era with players having their names stacked vertically on the left side of the card.

When it comes to the values of the 1987 Donruss baseball cards, there is one rating service that is the undisputed authority – Professional Sports Authenticator, more commonly known as PSA. PSA is the largest and most trusted third-party grading service for collectibles like sports cards. They take raw cards, analyze them closely for any flaws, creases, centering issues or damage and assign a numerical grade of 1 to 10 based on the card’s condition with 10 being gem mint. This grading gives collectors a standardized way to understand the condition and value of their cards.

Looking through the most recent PSA Pop Report, which details census population numbers and values for PSA graded cards, it’s clear that condition is critical to 1987 Donruss card prices. Only a handful of specimens have achieved the coveted PSA 10 gem mint rating. The all-time greats like Tom Seaver, Mike Schmidt, and Ozzie Smith have PSA 10 populations in the single digits, while stars like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux have low double digit PSA 10 counts. This extreme rarity drives prices into the thousands for a True Gem 1987 Donruss issue in top condition.

Moving down the grading scale, PSA 9’s (mint) become more abundant but still trade for hundreds to low thousands depending on the specific player and level of demand. The 1987 Donruss set had some star rookies like Barry Larkin and Tim Wakefield who have PSA 9 populations under 100 copies. This maintains strong 4-figure values for their top-graded rookie cards. PSA 8’s (very fine-mint) represent the bulk of the populations for superstars and are where most collectors can realistically expect to find their cards if buying raw from the secondary market. Graded examples in this condition typically sell for hundreds.

PSA 7’s (fine-very fine) start becoming plentiful for most stars but prices tail off sharply, generally in the $50-150 range according to the PSA price guide data. Moving to PSA 6’s (fine) means values are often under $100 except for the true legend cards in demand like Mike Schmidt who cracks $200 in a PSA 6. Anything graded lower than a PSA 6 starts being collection/charityraw for most players as structured demand falls off a cliff. Even common PSA 5’s can hold $10-30 values purely due to nostalgia and the set completion aspect of 1987 Donruss.

While the raw material prices of 1987 Donruss wax packs and boxes have skyrocketted in recent years due to speculators and investors, this does not always reflect the underlying values of the individual graded cards. Savvy collectors focus mainly on PSA population reports to understand true scarcity and secondary market prices. For example, even though a sealed 1987 Donruss box can fetch thousands, the expected return by cracking packs and submitting singles to PSA will often leave you losing money versus simply buying what you want already graded. Understanding grade distributions is paramount for smart collecting and investing in iconic 1980s sets like 1987 Donruss.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 VALUE

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th series produced by Topps and featured cards of players from that season. While not one of the most iconic sets of the late 1980s, 1987 Topps cards carry value for collectors and investors due to the inclusion of several Hall of Fame players early in their careers.

The base set for 1987 Topps consisted of 792 cards with parallel/variation inserts bringing the total published cards to around 840. The design featured a player photo on a white background with team logo and positional information above in team colors. At the bottom was the player’s name and statistics from the previous season. Topps used this basic template for most of the 1980s with minor tweaks each year.

Due to the large print run sizes common in the 1980s MLB card boom, most base cards from 1987 Topps are fairly common and affordable even in top-graded condition. There are still a number of standout rookies, stars and short-printed cards that command substantial premiums. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (card #416) – Even in low-grade copies, Griffey’s rookie is one of the most expensive cards from the 1987 set. High-end PSA 10 examples have sold for over $10,000. As one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie remains hugely popular with collectors.

Frank Thomas Rookie (card #662) – Though not as valuable as Griffey, Thomas’ rookie card still fetches big money due to his Hall of Fame resume. A PSA 10 can pull in $1,000-2,000 while most graded copies trade in the $100-500 range.

Tom Glavine Rookie (card #664) – The 300-game winning Glavine doesn’t have the star power of Griffey or Thomas but his rookie remains a key chase card from ’87 Topps. Near-mint copies grade $100-300.

Ozzie Smith (card #67) -Considered one of the best defensive shortstops ever,Smith’s stellar career has kept interest high in his ’87 Topps card. Higher grade copies can bring $150-500.

Errors/Variations – There are several oddball errors and variations that stand out for their rarity and collector interest from this set. The N. Ryan/T. Gwynn error card, card #407 missing Astro logo error, photo swapped variations and more are highly sought after in top condition and can sell for thousands.

Short Prints – A number of key players like Barry Bonds,Roger Clemens and the Star Player subset had shorter printed runs than typical base cards. Finding high-graded examples of these short prints can mean substantial premiums over common versions.

Completing this beloved set from the 1980s in high-grade quality is difficult due to the sheer volume of cards and challenges finding all the short prints and key rookies in strong condition. But for those who take on the challenge, there is satisfaction in owning a complete vintage flagship set of arguably the most iconic decade in the sport’s history. Top graded versions can hold long-term value as the collecting demographics mature and fans of their era’s childhood heroes seek to rekindle nostalgia. Overall, 1987 Topps remains one of the stronger modern vintage sets to consider investing in either individually or as a complete set.