The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases of the late 1980s. While it lacks the true star power of some other vintage sets, the ’87 Topps cards feature several young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers as well as rookie cards of players who made an immediate impact on the league. Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards based on the condition, demand and story behind each one:
Ozzie Smith (#81) – While not his true rookie card, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps card marks one of the final times collectors could find him in a regular Topps set before his ascension to stardom. Known for his flashy defensive plays at shortstop, Smith was already a six-time Gold Glove winner by 1987. In mint condition, his ’87 Topps card can fetch around $50-$75.
Mark McGwire (#164) – Still early in his career in 1987, Mark McGwire flashed his prodigious power with 49 home runs in his first full season in 1986. His 1987 Topps card as a member of the Oakland A’s carries considerable nostalgia as collectors look back to McGwire’s pre-steroid era. A PSA 10 gem mint copy can sell for over $100.
Eric Davis (#531) – One of the game’s rising stars in the late 1980s, Eric Davis had already established himself as a premier power-speed threat by 1987. He followed up his 27 home run, 50 stolen base 1986 season by winning the 1987 NL MVP award. Davis’ spectacular play and career cut short by injuries makes his ’87 Topps card a collectors’ item worth around $150 in top condition.
Barry Larkin (#111) – The smooth-swinging Barry Larkin was in his 3rd MLB season in 1987 and starting to show glimpses of the skills that would earn him NL MVP honors and a spot in Cooperstown. His 1987 Topps rookie card holds appeal for Reds fans and Larkin completists looking to own a early card of one of the franchise’s greats. Expect to pay $175-200 for a PSA 10 Larkin.
Tom Glavine (#574) – Though not his true rookie card either, Tom Glavine’s 1987 Topps issue is one of the more obtainable early cards for the future 300-game winner and two-time Cy Young Award victor. Still developing in the Braves system in 1987, Glavine has become a coveted name for team and player collectors. Near-mint to mint copies can bring in over $200.
Roger Clemens (#110) – Already a two-time Cy Young winner and the 1986 AL MVP, Roger Clemens had cemented himself as the ace of the Boston Red Sox staff by 1987. As one of the game’s true superstars of the late 80s, his ’87 Topps card remains greatly sought after by both Clemens and Red Sox collectors. Even well-centered, non-graded examples will sell for $250-300+.
Greg Maddux (#165) – Though not technically a rookie card, the 1987 Topps issue marks one of the more affordable early Greg Maddux cards collectors can acquire from one of the best pitchers ever. Tallied a 15-14 record as a 21-year old with the Cubs in 1986, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career. An untouched PSA 10 copy can go for $350-400.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#416) – The true rookie card of MLB’s premier player of the late 80s/90s, Ken Griffey Jr.’s explosive entrance onto the scene with the Mariners makes his 1987 Topps card iconic. While difficult to grade, high-end copies in the PSA 8-10 range will pull in over $500-600 due to nostalgia and Griffey’s eternal popularity.
Frank Thomas (#144) – As a muscular, powerful rookie slugger with the White Sox in 1987, Frank Thomas immediately drew attention. His 1987 Topps rookie card has since taken on greater significance as “The Big Hurt” forged a Hall of Fame career. Even well-centered near-mint copies still sell for $700-1000 or more.
Barry Bonds (#299) – No card is more sought after from the 1987 set than Barry Bonds’ true rookie card with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds combined prolific power and patience from the onset, a harbinger of the records he would shatter. Regardless of condition, this is consistently the most expensive card from the set, often trading hands for $1500-2500 even in worn condition due to its iconic status in the collecting community. Only the rarest PSA 10 GEM MT Copies could conceivably surpass $5000 at auction.
While the 1987 Topps set may not be as stacked as the offerings from the 1952, 1969, or 1975 releases, it still contains several treasured Hall of Fame rookie cards and early issues of superstar players that have only increased in esteem. Condition, of course, is critical to the value of any card, but nostalgia plays a sizable role in the demand for stars from baseball’s late-1980’s heyday as portrayed in the classic 1987 Topps design.
