The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is one of the most iconic and beloved complete sets for collectors to acquire. Originally released in 1987 as packs of 11 cards, the full 660 card collection provides a snapshot into the rosters and players and teams from that late 80s MLB season. With colorful graphical design on bright stock featuring action shots of the players, these 1987 Topps cards activated the imaginations of children and sparked a lifelong hobby for many adults. Even over 30 years later, acquiring the mint pristine 1987 Topps complete base set in its factory sealed wax box is a holy grail for dedicated collectors.
While individual 1987 Topps cards can still be found in various condition grades floating around the secondary market, finding the entire 660 card collection intact and sealed remains an elusive chase. For those seeking to obtain this coveted set, checking the weekly sports card auction listings on eBay is usually the best chance at acquiring such a complete vintage wax box collection. Given the established vintage sports collectibles market and the iconic nature of the 1987 Topps set specifically, finding a sealed 1987 Topps lot on eBay usually means opening up your wallet, as these complete sets often sell for thousands of dollars.
Condition and provenance are obviously very important factors when it comes to high value 1987 Topps lots on eBay. With over 30 years having passed since production, even factory sealed wax boxes can potentially show some aging or damage accrued over decades of storage. Carefully examining photos looking for flaws, dings, creases or other issues helps buyers gauge overall condition without physically holding the lot in hand. Likewise, sellers who provide paperwork trail of the lot and its sealed status over years helps establish important provenance to bolster a listing.
A true “Gem Mint” grade 1987 Topps complete factory wax sealed set in pristine like-new condition without any flaws would undoubtedly be the Holy Grail find on eBay. An opportunity to acquire arguably the most desirable unopened vintage set in such phenomenal condition would certainly attract bids from collectors all around the globe. Such a rare preserved time capsule lot from 1987 could realistically sell for 5 figures or more, given the rarity, condition and history of the set and cards within.
More commonly however, vintage 1987 Topps lots on eBay will show some minor aging signs befitting a 35 year old product, even still sealed. Subtle warpiness to the cardboard flaps, minor discoloration on the plastic front, or slight dulling to the comic book style artwork are normal signs of vintage. These more “very fine” or “near mint” graded lots still encapsulate the full experience of acquiring the iconic 1987 MLB season release, and are considerably more realistic options for most collectors’ budgets. Well described 3-5 thousand dollar price range lots fitting this condition profile attract significant bidding wars with impassioned collectors.
Sample recently sold large 1987 Topps team or multi-box lots on eBay highlighted the marketplace. A full sealed wax box of San Diego Padres players retailed for just under $800. Two full vintage wax boxes featuring the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants squads combined reached almost $2,000. And the granddaddy of them all, a full sealed master set across 5 complete wax boxes amassed an epic final bid of over $12,000. These real auction results underscore both the enduring fandom for vintage 80s MLB plastic and cardboard, as well as the significant investment returns possible after decades of appreciating value.
Whether seeking iconic rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, or Benito Santiago, or simply reliving the glory days of Stadium Club and Fleer Ultra, acquiring the complete 660 card 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is considered the pinnacle achievement by many vintage collectors. While finding a true mint condition sealed factory set may remain budget-bustingly elusive, more reasonably graded “very fine” or “near mint” quality complete 1987 Topps lots do surface periodically on eBay. With patience and diligent searching of weekly sports auction listings, it’s certainly possible with a sizable monetary commitment to check this magnum opus of a vintage release off the collecting bucket list. The iconic cards, players, logos and team designs of the 1987 MLB season truly come to life through the longevity and nostalgia provided by the complete 660 card 1987 Topps Baseball Card factory sealed set.
