The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1980s. With 792 total cards released as packs, factory sets, cellos, and wax boxes, the ’87 Topps set saw some of the biggest stars and rookies of that era featured on cardboard for the first time. While most commons from the set hold little value today, there are plenty of high-price cards that fetch four and even five-figure sums. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key cards and players that drive the popularity and prices of 1987 Topps baseball cards over 30 years later.
One of the most coveted rookie cards from the entire 1980s is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. Distributed as card #592 in the ’87 Topps set, Alomar’s rookie is highly sought after by collectors. In top graded gem mint condition, an Alomar rookie PSA 10 can sell for over $2,000. Even lower graded near mint examples still pull in hundreds on the secondary market. Alomar went on to have a stellar 24-year career and is regarded as one of the finest second basemen in baseball history, immortalized in Cooperstown. This makes his rookie card a key piece for any investment-minded collector.
Another hugely valuable rookie from the 1987 set belongs to Chicago Cubs pitcher Gregg Maddux. Maddux’s legendary pitching career saw him rack up 355 wins, 6 career Cy Young awards, and induction into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2014. As one of the best hurlers to ever toe the rubber, demand is sky-high for Maddux’s Topps rookie, found as card #474. Higher graded Maddux rookies at PSA 9 and PSA 10 routinely sell for over $1000 each. Even well-centered and preserved PSA 8 copies can go for $500 or more. For rookie card collectors, owning a piece of Maddux history from his earliest cardboard is a must.
While stars like Alomar and Maddux lead the way, there are other ’87 Topps rookies that hold notable value as well. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dave Stieb has gained popularity in recent years, with his cardboard debut at #465 attainable yet still selling for $100-400 based on condition. Future Cy Young winner Tom Glavine also debuted that year as an Atlanta Brave, with his cheaper yet still highly regarded rookie at #573. The retirement of pitching icons Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton in the late 80s has also increased interest in their ’87 Topps cards at #’s 677 and 743 respectively. Both still deliver 4 figures for mint graded copies.
Moving beyond rookies, the true heavyweights of the 1987 set are centered around core Hall of Famers at the peak of their careers. A true condition census PSA 10 of slugger and “Hit King” Pete Rose’s action shot on card #1 is worth a considerable $4000-5000. Behind Rose at #2, San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn autographs his card, pulling in similar PSA 10 values. Hank Aaron’s regal portrait on card #82 remains one of the most iconic in the hallowed brand’s history. EvenWell-centered PSA 8 copies sell for $1000. Perhaps most valuable overall though is the card of New York Mets legendary pitcher Dwight Gooden, #158.
Gooden was coming off a historic season in 1986 where he won the NL Cy Young and set single-season records for strikeouts. A near mint PSA 9 of “Dr. K” in his Mets uni can fetch a cool $3000 to the right collector. The only card that might outpace Gooden for 1987 Topps is that of Boston Red Sox phenom and future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens on card #284. Considered the finest pitcher of the late 80s and 90s, a pristine PSA 10 Clemens in his first year with Boston can bring a staggering $5000-8000 at auction. No other ’87 Topps issue comes close to reaching those lofty heights.
While the 1987 Topps baseball card set had over 700 cards released, there are certainly standouts that drive the high values that collectors are willing to pay. Rookies of future stars like Alomar and Maddux reign supreme, but core Hall of Famer cards like Rose, Gwynn, Aaron, Gooden and Clemens represent the true crown jewels of the set. For investors and vintage collectors alike, locating and securing these key ’87 issues in the finest available grades can make for an sound long-term portfolio considering the enduring popularity and admiration for the players and careers commemorated over 30 years ago on cardboard.
