The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic in the modern era and includes several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the late 1980s era. With 792 total cards in the flagship set, here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable and historically significant 1987 Topps baseball cards based on condition, player performance, and overall collector demand.
Ozzie Smith (#635) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps rookie card remains very popular with collectors. High grade PSA 10 copies can fetch $150-200 given his “Wizard” nickname and 13 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Smith played the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, making his rookie card an important one to hold.
Tim Raines (#660) – Nicknamed “Rock,” Tim Raines was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of the 1980s. His rookie card from 1987 Topps is quite sought after as well, with PSA 10 examples bringing in $200-300 depending on the market. Raines was a seven-time All-Star and still holds the single season stolen base record with 84. He was also elected to Cooperstown, cementing this card as a standout among collectors.
Barry Larkin (#129) – Many consider Barry Larkin one of the best shortstops of all-time and his exciting 1987 Topps rookie now demands big money in top condition. High-grade PSA 10 versions can sell for $350-450 given Larkin’s 12 Gold Gloves, 3 batting titles, and 1995 NL MVP award en route to his Hall of Fame induction. The Cincinnati Reds great is one of the top rookie cards from this set.
Mark McGwire (#278) – Before the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, Mark McGwire was beloved as one of baseball’s preeminent power hitters. His strong 1987 rookie campaign made this Topps card very popular. In PSA 10 shape, it can bring in $400-500 based purely on the historic 70 home runs he hit in 1998 to break Roger Maris’ single season record. McGwire was a notorious slugger throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Barry Bonds (#108) – Widely considered the greatest player of all-time based purely on statistics and skills, Barry Bonds’ rookie card is obviously a huge draw for collectors. PSA 10 copies usually sell between $500-700 given his record seven MVP awards and 73 home runs in 2001. Bonds played 22 seasons, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, redefining what was possible at the plate. His 1987 Topps is truly a prized possession regardless of performance-enhancing drug cloud.
Greg Maddux (#270) – One of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, Greg Maddux’s rookie card continues gaining value year after year. In top PSA 10 condition, it often fetches $600-800 based on his 355 career wins, 4 Cy Young Awards, and dominant control pitching style during his heyday with the Atlanta Braves in the 1990s. Maddux excelled for over two decades and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014, making this card an essential piece for any collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#399) – Widely considered the most valuable 1987 Topps card in pristine condition, examples of Ken Griffey Jr’s highly popular and iconic rookie card in PSA 10 grade sell for $1,000-1,500. Junior was arguably baseball’s top talent of the 1990s with 630 career home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, and induction to Cooperstown in 2016. His sweet swing and elite skills translated perfectly to cardboard as well, ensuring this remains a blue chip.
Frank Thomas (#526) – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas redefined what a power hitter could do by combining elite plate discipline with prodigious power. His rookie card never stops growing in demand, with high-grade PSA 10 copies reaching $1,200-1,800. Thomas piled up 521 career home runs, 2 MVPs, and dominated the 1990s AL with the Chicago White Sox en route to his Hall of Fame election in 2014. This 1987 Topps card stands as one of the crown jewels from the set.
Rafael Palmeiro (#642) – One of fewer than 20 players in MLB history with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, Rafael Palmeiro’s career will always be tainted by his positive steroid test very late in his career. Demand remains very strong for his 1987 Topps rookie card, especially in PSA 10 condition where it can sell between $1,500-2,000 based on his offensive brilliance throughout the 1980s and 1990s with the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. Palmeiro was a perennial All-Star and his card continues gaining value.
Ben McDonald (#350) – Considered by far the most difficult 1987 Topps card to find in pristine PSA 10 condition, examples of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Ben McDonald’s rookie card have sold for as much as $5,000-7,500 solely due to the extreme rarity involved. McDonald disappointed compared to expectations but retired after just eight MLB seasons. With less than 5 PSA 10 copies believed to exist, this McDonald rookie holds an immense pop report premium that won’t subside anytime soon. It remains the undisputed jewel of the entire set.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds tremendous iconography from the late 1980s era and beyond. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Maddux, Larkin, and Thomas will always be widely collected. Additional stars like McGwire, Bonds, Smith and Raines ensure this set has incredible depth of talent beyond the top rookie pieces as well. It’s among the most coveted releases from the modern era.
