The 1987 Topps baseball card set has long been considered as one of the vintage gems that collectors seek to keep sealed in the original wax box. With its nostalgia of the late 1980s MLB season and star players of that era, along with key factors that make it a wise long-term investment, an unopened wax box of 1987 Topps baseball cards retains much value, fascination and potential for appreciation.
There are several aspects that make the 1987 Topps set a collector’s dream, starting with the stellar roster of players who are featured in the 792 total cards in the set. Major stars of the mid-to-late 80s like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Wade Boggs highlight the ‘87 set alongside all-time greats like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan who were still actively playing. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine as well. With so many future Cooperstown inductees and peak-year stars in one collection, it instantly became one of the most coveted sets by players.
In addition to star power, the visual design elements of 1987 Topps also lent to its popularity. The cards featured vivid team colors along the borders and in the player pose photos, which contrasted nicely against the standard white card stock. Subtle holograms were printed on many of the cards as well for added appeal. The overall look had a sharp, classic Baseball Card feel and remains a nostalgic favorite for collectors who grew up during that era.
Perhaps most importantly for investment purposes today, the 1987 Topps set had a large print run of over 800 million individual cards. A print run of that size ensured there would be enough boxes printed to satisfy demand but not too abundant to diminish long-term scarcity value. With so many boxes and packs opened over the past 35+ years, the population of sealed unopened boxes has significantly dwindled. Combined with persisting collector interest, this controlled initial quantity and the natural decline in sealed product over decades makes a1987 wax box highly coveted on the secondary market.
Remaining in the original sealed state is vital, as it preserves the cards and statistical/autograph chase potential within perfectly. While individual 1987 Topps cards can still be found in raw or graded condition without much premium over average price guides, finding a complete unopened wax box in Excellent/Mint condition is much more difficult. According to PSA’s Population Report, as of 2022 there are only around 250 PSA-graded 1987 Topps wax boxes in existence, showing how rare sealed examples have become.
From an investment vantage point, prices of unopened 1987 wax boxes have appreciated well over the long run. As recently as a decade ago, a sealed box in top condition could be acquired for $800-1200. Today, listings and recent sales of PSA-graded Gem Mint condition boxes are reaching $5,000-8,000. Given the set’s universal popularity, iconic rookie class, and closed supply loop due to finite sealed boxes surviving 35+ years, there is little sign that interest or value will decline any time soon from collectors and investors alike. The sealed box itself serves as an encapsulation and time capsule protecting the collectible cards inside.
Whether being held purely as an asset, opened for personal collecting enjoyment down the road, or eventually cracked and the cards resold individually, a pristine unopened box of 1987 Topps baseball cards stands as a solid vintage sports investment option. With a proven record of long term price appreciation, investment-grade scarcity, and nostalgia that continues to win over new generations of collectors, the allure of this sealed wax pack relic from the 1980s will likely endure for decades further as the set remains an icon among the hobby. For the modern collector, a 1987 Topps wax box check all the boxes as a rare and valuable sealed product primed to retain and grow its value for years to come.
