The 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. While it didn’t feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, it does contain several highly valuable short prints and parallel cards that are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards.

One of the true gems from the 1987 set is the O-Pee-Chee Ted Williams parallel card. Only 15 of these special parallel cards were inserted in packs, making it extremely rare. The Williams parallel card features the same design and photo as the standard issue card, but with a light green border and designating it as a parallel card with unique numbering. In gem mint condition, good examples of this rare Ted Williams parallel have sold for over $15,000 given its scarcity and the legendary status of Williams.

Another very valuable short print from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set is the Ozzie Smith card. Unlike standard short prints which were usually inserted at a rate of 1 per every other wax box, it’s estimated that the 1987 Ozzie Smith short print was even rarer at a ratio of around 1 per 10 wax boxes. This makes an ungraded example of the Ozzie Smith short print worth around $2,000-3,000 to collectors today in decent condition. In a near mint to mint graded state, value increases significantly given its extreme rarity level compared to typical short prints.

Two other key short prints that command high values from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set include the Ron Guidry and Gary Carter cards. While each has a different per-box insert ratio estimated in the 1:72-144 range, both are still considered very rare pulls. A nicely centered Guidry short print in a PSA 8 holder recently sold for $1,150, while a BGS 9 graded Carter short print crossed the auction block for close to $2,000. Their scarcity and popularity as players in the 1980s fuels strong demand and prices for these short prints today.

In addition to short prints, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee set featured a limited number of parallel rookie cards for players inserted as alternatives to their standard rookie card. One of the most valuable from that year is the parallel rookie card of future Red Sox star Roger Clemens. While Clemens’ standard rookie is widely available, only a small number of his parallel rookie were produced. A couple years ago, a PSA 8 example in near-mint condition sold for over $4,000 given its status as one of Clemens’ scarcer rookie cards from that season.

Another mid-1980s star with a limited parallel rookie card was Wade Boggs. Like Clemens, Boggs’ standard ’82 rookie is very obtainable. His 1987 O-Pee-Chee parallel rookie was restricted to an estimated print run of around 10-15 copies. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 Boggs parallel rookie from 1987 has gone for upwards of $6,500 at auction. That speaks to its importance among collectors as one of the rarest and most condition-sensitive cards featuring Boggs as a young player.

rounding out the premier short prints from the 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is the Don Mattingly card. With an insert ratio generally estimated between 1:72-108 packs, the Mattingly short print isn’t quite as scarce as the Guidry or Carter variants. Still, in high grade it remains a strongly sought after and valuable piece for collectors. A PSA 9 copy sold for $850, while raw copies in similarly well-centered near-mint shape will pull in the $400-600 range depending on specifics. Along with stars like Ozzie Smith, Mattingly was one of the popular players of the era that fuels collector demand for his 1980s cards.

While it lacks true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the 1987 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of 1980s collectors. Its incredible scarcity-driven parallels of Ted Williams, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens rookies coupled with some of the rarest estimated short prints ever produced of players like Ozzie Smith, Ron Guidry and Gary Carter make it a true treasure trove. Over 35 years later, mint examples of these premium short prints and parallels continue to break auction records and be highly prized by veteran collectors of the era.

The 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1980s. It was the final year that O-Pee-Chee, the Canadian producer of Topps baseball cards, produced its own distinct set before switching to reprinting the standard Topps cards starting in 1987. So the 1986 set marks a significant milestone and collectors appreciate its historical importance and nostalgia. Like most vintage sets, the condition and rarity of individual cards greatly impacts their worth. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after 1986 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards:

Ryne Sandberg (#174) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, the Sandberg ranks as one of the elite rookie cards of all time. In pristine mint condition it can fetch over $10,000. Even well-worn copies still sell for $500-1000 due to Sandberg’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s iconic status. The gleaming gold border and “RotY” (Rookie of the Year) marking only add to its allure.

Mark McGwire (#294) – As one of the original pieces in the collection of any serious baseball card investor, McGwire’s rookie commands big money in high grades. Near mint to mint copies range from $1500-3000. His massive success and racing to break home run records in the late 1990s cemented Big Mac as one of the game’s all-time great sluggers despite the steroids controversies.

Roger Clemens (#198) – The Rocket’s first O-Pee-Chee issue is amazingly valuable for a pitcher’s card, often rivaling or surpassing position players. Gem mint 10 specimens have sold for over $4000. Clemens won the 1986 AL Cy Young and went on to dominate for over two decades, capturing 7 career Cy Young Awards.

Will Clark (#114) – Known as “The Thrill” early in his career, Clark made a huge splash in 1986 by batting .333 and launching 22 home runs as a rookie. High quality specimens trade hands for $700-1250 depending on condition. His impressive MLB tenure and Bay Area fanfare uphold his cards’ appeal.

Greg Maddux (#262) – Before emerging as one of the best pitchers ever in the 1990s, Maddux showed immense promise with a strong rookie campaign in 1986. Pristine copies can net $800-1500 with 4 Cy Youngs under his belt. The unassuming demeanor and accuracy of his control gave him universal respect around the league.

Barry Bonds (#276) – While his post-career reputation is controversial, Bonds stormed onto the scene in 1986 with 24 homers and a dark horse ROY case. Near-mint versions fetch $500-1000 given his all-time single season and career home run records. The elite physical tools he displayed early in Pittsburgh aroused excitement.

Kevin Mitchell (#163) – Mitchell took the NL by storm in 1986 with a .291 average, 17 homers, and 65 RBIs playing half a season as a rookie. This breakout performance made his card very desirable then and its price remains high today in the $500-800 range.

Dwight Gooden (#45) – “Doc” Gooden was theNL’s biggest star in 1985 but slumped slightly in ’86 amid injury. Still, his mystique endures and top condition copies remain at $350-600 as one of the most iconic pitchers of the decade.

Bob Horner (#113) – Horner clubbed 23 homers in his age 23 season and provided exciting talent for an improving Atlanta Braves club. Near mint ratings command $250-500 given his promising career arc cut short by injuries.

In addition to premier rookie issues and stars, there are several other noteworthy pieces of the ’86 O-Pee-Chee puzzle that can reach three figures depending on condition ratings. Cal Ripken’s ubiquitous #430 base issue consistently sells for $100-200raw. Ozzie Smith’s slick defensive wizardry keeps the #288 in steady demand around $150. Nolan Ryan’s status as a living legend maintains the #313 base card at $100-150 levels as well.

The 1986 O-Pee-Chee set perfectly encapsulates the excitement of 1980’s baseball. Its stars like Sandberg, McGwire, and Gooden were just breaking in but hinted at the greatness to come. Every card bears the nostalgic stylistic flair of the decade in its visual design too. For savvy collectors and investors, key singles hold immense long term appreciation potential. The historic significance as the Canadian printing’s swan song only enhances this cult classic’s staying power for decades to come.

The 1984 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the height of the baseball card boom of the 1980s. While it may not be as well known today as some other vintage sets, the ’84 O-Pee-Chee cards featured the sport’s biggest stars and rookies from that season and hold great nostalgia for many collectors from that era. Within the set, some cards certainly stand out in terms of rarity and grading history that make them highly valuable to vintage card enthusiasts. Here are some of the most prized 1984 O-Pee-Chee cards that can demand thousands of dollars or more in top condition:

Ryne Sandberg (#181) – As one of the true superstars of the 1980s, Sandberg’s rookie card is highly coveted by Cubs fans and collectors alike. His iconic smiling pose and star power from an early MVP season make it one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards from the whole decade. High-grade Sandberg rookies regularly bring in four figures, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $8,000. His card was widely distributed but maintaining a pristine copy has proven quite difficult, reinforcing its rarity.

Dwight Gooden (#432) – “Doc” Gooden’s rookie is arguably the most iconic baseball card from the whole 1980s period. He burst onto the scene in 1984 with one of the greatest rookie seasons ever for a pitcher. Gooden’s iconic action shot and overpowering season cemented him as a young star and his card as THE rookie to own from that year. PSA 10 Gooden rookies have crossed the $10,000 mark, showing no signs of slowing down as one of the most coveted vintage cards period. Even lower graded examples still demand thousands.

Gary Carter (#220) – One of the true “hits” of the 1984 set, “The Kid” was a superstar catcher in his prime for the Expos in the mid-1980s. His bubbly smile and perennial All-Star talent result in a highly sought-after card. High grades remain elusive, with only a couple PSA 10s known, making it arguably the rarest card from the set to find in pristine condition. Those perfect examples can bring over $6,000 on today’s market.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#481) – While not officially a true “rookie” since Ripken played in 1981 and 1982, his 1983 season began the franchise changing run at shortstop for the Orioles that would result in a record breaking career. This fun action shot captured Ripken at the beginning of his rise and the card remains wildly popular for Orioles and Ripken collectors alike. PSA 10s routinely top $1,000 with some exceptional auctions seeing over $2,000 for the elusive perfect Ripken.

Don Mattingly (#450) – The 1984 Donny Baseball was hitting his offensive prime coming off an All-Star campaign and continued building his legend through the rest of the decade. He was also one of the true “faces” of Topps and appeared on many memorable cards in the 1980s. Mattinglys remain some of the most ubiquitous vintage Yankees cards despite showing up in high grades less frequently than lower parallel rookies from the era. As such, pristine 10s can still net over $1,000.

Kirby Puckett (#552) – The 1984 set captured Puckett as an emerging young star beginning to earn national reputation with the Twins franchise by winning the first of six Gold Gloves. He remains one of the most popular and affordable stars from the vintage 1980s era for collectors due to his Hall of Fame career and winning persona. While a PSA 10 would only bring under $1,000 compared to the above superstars, it’s still a prized card at the pinnacle of the hobby.

From iconic rookie debuts of future Hall of Famers to starring players reaching their athletic primes, the 1984 O-Pee-Chee set provided a true snapshot of where the sport was at during a transformative era. Three decades later, the nostalgia combined with rarity of high-grade examples make certain stars truly valuable vintage specimens for dedicated collectors. With the continued cultural boom of the card collecting hobby, 1984 standouts like Sandberg, Gooden, and Carter show no signs of losing their cherished status among the most coveted cardboard from the sport’s grandest decade.

The 1982 O-Pee-Chee baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the brand’s stellar run producing cardboard for Canadian collectors during the heyday of the hobby in the latter 20th century. While it lacks some of the truly iconic rookie cards from prior years that have achieved astronomically high values, the ‘82 OPC set still contains several key cards that any serious vintage collector seeks to this day. Let’s take an in-depth look at the five most valuable 1982 O-Pee-Chee baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint prices as of 2022.

Coming in at the #5 spot is the Cal Ripken Jr. card. While not his true rookie issue, Ripken’s eighth Topps card from 1981 famously captured him in the process of breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. The ‘82 OPC version doesn’t carry that specific historic significance but it does reign as Ripken’s highest numbered card from his early Baltimore Orioles career before his ascension to stardom and eventual Hall of Fame induction. In Gem Mint PSA 10 condition, this Ripken averages between $850-1,000 due to his lasting popularity as one of the great iron men of baseball history.

Taking the #4 position is another future Hall of Famer and Baltimore legend, Eddie Murray. Murray’s ‘82 OPC is his second year card produced after his truly iconic 1981 Topps rookie. Like Ripken, Murray etched out a surefire Cooperstown career primarily with the Orioles and is regarded as one of the best hitting first basemen ever. Also akin to Ripken, Murray retains a strong fanbase that gives this otherwise straightforward ‘82 OPC card a market value around $1,000-1,200 in top PSA 10 condition.

At #3 is an iconic Canadian star, pitching great Dave Stieb. As a native of Sarnia, Ontario who made his MLB debut in 1982 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Stieb’s lone OPC issue from that season understandably holds cache with collectors from north of the border. Only appearing in 39 career games over four seasons, Stieb is far from a household name. His status as one of the first notable Canadian players in Blue Jays history makes his ‘82 OPC among the most important cards for Jays aficionados. In top grade, it appreciates to $1,500-2,000 at auction.

The runner-up in value terms is another Orioles legend, Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. Arguably the greatest right-handed pitcher of the 1970s, Palmer’s playing career was winding down by 1982 but he remained one of baseball’s biggest stars of the era. As his last OPC issue as an active player before ultimately retiring following the 1984 season, Palmer’s ‘82 card carries special significance. Even for a player of Palmer’s stature who has many valuable vintage cards across several brands and years, clean PSA 10 ‘82 OPC examples can command $2,000-2,500 on the market.

And coming in at #1 as the most prized 1982 O-Pee-Chee card is none other than the George Brett rookie. Like Palmer, Brett was already well established by 1982 after winning the 1980 AL batting title and MVP award. His 1975 Topps is widely considered one of the true Holy Grail cards of the hobby due to its scarcity, with PSA 10s selling for over $2 million in recent years. Brett’s true rookie card instead came in the 1974 OPC set – where he’s depicted in the iconic powder blue Royals road jersey. In PSA 10 condition, which is exceedingly rare for a card nearly 40 years old, Brett’s rookie consistently fetches $4,000-5,000 at auction. For dedicated OPC collectors, it reigns as the undisputed crown jewel of the entire 1982 set and one of the most essential investments any vintage baseball card portfolio.

While the ‘82 OPC set lacks some of the true rookie cards from the brand’s earlier years in the 1970s that have achieved the ultra-high values like a Rodriguez or Murray PSA 10, it still contains several notable hall of famers and iconic players that maintain strong followings among collectors. From Ripken to Murray to Palmer to Brett, finding high quality examples of these key cards would anchor any vintage baseball collections. Though a step below its predecessors in overall card quality and classic rookies, the 1982 O-Pee-Chee release still produces some true heavy-hitters even 40 years later that maintain their relevancy among enthusiasts.