The 1988 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the modern era by collectors and investors. With 792 total cards released as part of the main set and various inserts, the ’88 Topps issue contained rookie cards, short prints and other coveted cards that have proven to significantly increase in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 1988 Topps cards that are worth significant money today:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (Card #130): Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable modern rookie cards ever printed, Griffey’s rookie card is the crown jewel of the 1988 Topps set. In mint condition, grade 10 PSA/BGS versions have sold for well over $10,000. Even lower grade copies in 7-8 condition can still fetch $1,000+ due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as a fan favorite. The card features sweet shooting graphics and is extremely recognizable even to non-collectors.
Roger Clemens (Card #218): As one of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Clemens’ star was already rising in 1988 as an ace for the Boston Red Sox. His Topps card isn’t quite the rookie, but it captures an iconic point early in his HOF career. Higher graded versions in the PSA 9-10 range have sold for $2,000+. Even well-centered, sharp copies in a PSA 8 holder can sell for over $500.
Greg Maddux Rookie Card (Card #632): Despite playing prior in 1987 after being drafted in 1984, Maddux’s rookie card is considered the 1988 Topps issue since it was his first Topps baseball card. Like Griffey and Clemens, Maddux forged a legendary Hall of Fame career. Mint PSA 10 copies have sold for well over $1,000, with most graded 9s bringing $400-600. This is a true gem rookie card from one of the game’s all-time great pitchers.
Kevin Maas Rookie Card (Card #686): Maas’ blistering rookie season with the New York Mets made him a star out of Northeastern University and the cover of Sports Illustrated. His subsequent career flop has turned this into a quirky, obscure short print sought by collectors. PSA 10 versions have reached $700-800 despite Maas’ true career stats not living up to his ’86 hype.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (Card #758): Another ace hurler inducted into Cooperstown, Glavine’s Topps rookie remains relatively affordable compared to stars like Griffey, Maddux and Clemens. PSA 10 copies have sold around $200-300, showing solid returns for a key baseball HOF rookie card. Even lower graded versions retain value starting at $50-75.
Barry Larkin Rookie Card (Card #766): Larkin wasn’t just a 12-time All-Star and 1995 NL MVP – he was also one of the most underrated players of his generation. His rookie card, while less heralded than peers, has steadily increased in price. PSA 10s now reach $300-400 and copies in lower 9-8 condition still command $100-200.
Ken Hill Rookie Card (Card #777): Completing the “Triple Crown” of key rookies after Griffey/Maddux/Glavine, Hill’s rookie also remains affordable despite a respectable career mostly with the Cardinals. PSA 10s sell between $150-250 with most graded 9s around $75-100 still. Considered a “budget” star RC for set collectors.
In addition to these headliner cards, the ’88 Topps set also contains other stars like Mark McGwire (Card #11), Nolan Ryan (Card #92), Cal Ripken Jr. (Card #129), Ozzie Smith (Card #166), Wade Boggs (Card #177) and more whose pricier high-grade copies can reach $100-300+. Short prints like World Series highlights are also increasingly collected.
As time passes, the 1988 Topps issue has shown impressive endurance and growth as a collectible investment. Modern quality control make gems achievable even for lower middle class collectors. With a mix of affordable and high-end options, plus legendary rookies, the ’88 offering remains one of the most recognizable and valuable modern issues in the history of the hobby. For these reasons, it’s easy to see why the 1988 Topps baseball card set continues gaining appreciation and demand from collectors today.
