The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable vintage issues from the late 1980s. While it doesn’t contain the huge stars or rookie cards of some other years, savvy collectors know there are still quite a few keys and gems that can earn you some serious cash if found in the right condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1987 Topps cards that are worth money today.
One of the most valuable from the set is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. As one of the greatest Houston Astros of all-time, there is big demand for Biggio’s first Topps issue. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, his 1987 Topps RC has sold for over $1,000. Even well-centered, sharp examples in PSA 9 Excellent condition can bring $300-500. Biggio went on to have a stellar 20-year career, playing in over 2,800 games and accruing 3,060 hits. His rookie is one collectors are always on the hunt for.
Another rookie card with high value is that of Dwight Gooden. As the 1985 NL Cy Young winner and a key piece of the 1986 Mets championship squad, Doc Gooden was one of the biggest stars in the game during the mid-80s. In PSA 10 condition, his 1987 Topps rookie has sold for between $800-1000. Even heavily played copies in PSA 5 Poor shape go for $50-100 based on past sales. Gooden’s talent and potential was on full display during the first few years of his career before injuries took over. His rookie remains a must-have for Mets and 80s baseball aficionados.
Hall of Famer Tim Raines had his breakout season in 1987 and that is captured forever on his Topps base card from that year. As a vital part of the Expos for over a decade and a member of the 2000 World Series champion Yankees, Raines was one of the finest leadoff hitters and base stealers of all-time. High grade copies of his ’87 have commanded $400-500 at auction. Even well-worn PSA 5s sell in the $50 range. Raines is still somewhat underappreciated so there is room for his cards to climb even higher in the years ahead.
While not a true rookie, the 1987 Topps card of Philadelphia Phillies star Mike Schmidt is quite valuable in higher grades. As a 10-time All-Star, 3-time NL MVP and key member of the 1980 World Championship team, Schmidt is a Phillies icon. His final Topps issued card from 1987 has sold for close to $300 in PSA 10 Mint condition. Even worn copies in the PSA 5-7 range can realize $50-$150 based on past sales. Schmidt remained a dangerous power threat right up until his retirement after the 1989 season.
The Philadelphia Phillies 1987 team set is also highly sought after by both Phillies collectors and enthusiasts of the classic 1985-87 ‘Boys of Summer’ Eagles. The World Series winning squad featured stars Schmidt, Juan Samuel, Steve Bedrosian, and others. Crisp PSA 10 graded team sets have sold online individually for $400-500 in recent years. PSA 9 Excellent sets command $300-350. Even rough PSA 5-7 graded team sets can pull in $100-200. This one is a must-have for Phillies fans and 80s nostalgia collectors.
The oft-underrated 1987 Topps card of Baltimore Orioles eventual Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. has also gained recognition and value over the years. While not considered one of the premier Ripken rookies, his last card as primarily a third baseman is still highly regarded. PSA 10 copies have reached $300-500 at auction. Even heavily played PSA 5 versions typically sell in the $50-100 range for this iconic player who held the all-time consecutive games played streak.
Perhaps the true hidden gem of the 1987 Topps set is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. Still somewhat under the radar compared to other rookie year debuts, pristine PSA 10 Alomar rookies are beginning to sell in the $800-1200 range. Extremely well-centered PSA 9s can bring $400-600. Alomar went on to have a Cooperstown career and is still remembered as one of the finer second basemen in baseball history. His first Topps issue seems poised to continue its rise in value as another Alomar generation of collectors comes of age.
There are also a number of other notables from the 1987 Topps set that are worth mentioning and can hold significant value depending on grade. Future Hall of Famer Gary Carter’s cardboard from his final season with the Mets has sold for $150-250 in high grade. Ozzie Smith’s last card before a decade-long run with the Cardinals changes hands for $100-200 in PSA 8-10. Journeyman outfielder Bill Madlock’s lone flagship Reds issue, erroneously featuring him in a Giants uniform, ranks among the true oddball curios and can pull in $50+ even in ratty condition due to its oddity. And while not as valuable as other years, Mike Schmidt’s Phillies teammate and 1987 NL MVP pitcher Steve Bedrosian has sold for $100 in pristine PSA 10 form.
Demand and prices have increased over the years for 1987 Topps cards in higher grades. This was the final Topps issue before the switch to the glossier PhotoShield stock in 1988. It remains an iconic set remembered by many collectors who came of age during the latter years of the 1980s. While not loaded with true superstars or Rookie Cup regulars, there is still money to be made in high grade copies of stars like Biggio, Gooden, Raines, Ripken, Alomar and others. For savvy vintage collectors, the 1987 Topps set provides numerous affordable opportunities to land keys for future appreciation potential. Just taking the time to organize and properly grade cards can yield strong long term rewards from this undervalued vintage release.
