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.
