The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable vintage sets from the 1980s. Produced during Barry Bonds’ rookie season and when stars like Mark McGwire and Wade Boggs were in their primes, there are several standout rookie and star cards that have increased significantly in value over the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards collectors should be on the hunt for.
Barry Bonds (#216) – As one of the greatest hitters of all-time, Barry Bond’s rookie card is always in high demand from collectors. In top near mint to mint condition, examples regularly sell for $500-1000. Pristine mint copies in a PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label grade have escalated even further, reaching $5000-10,000 at auction. Bonds went on to break the all-time home run record and win a record seven MVP awards making his rookie card one of the cornerstone investments from the 1980s.
Mark McGwire (#383) – Before launching himself to stardom by breaking the single season home run record in 1998, Mark McGwire was already making a name for himself as one of the premier sluggers in the game in 1987. His rookie card carries a book value around $150-250 in top condition but examples cracking the prestigious mint 9 or PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label designation are bringing $1000-2000. Rumors of possible induction into the Hall of Fame continue to add to the long term potential of McGwire’s already valuable rookie issue.
Wade Boggs (#209) – As a perennial .300 hitter and five time batting champion, Wade Boggs had established himself as one of baseball’s finest by 1987. His ’87 Topps card has gained collector interest coming in around $75-150 in top mint condition. Boggs’ success and Hall of Fame career make this one of the premier vintage star cards from the set with strong chances to appreciate further.
Ozzie Smith (#178) – Nicknamed the “Wizard” for his dazzling defensive skills, fan favorite Ozzie Smith added to his already established legend in 1987 while playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. His card trades hands for $50-100 in mint condition but examples attaining high grades like PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label can double or triple in price. Smith’s all-time pedigree and widespread popularity ensure his ’87 issue remains a top rookie card chase for many collectors.
Roberto Alomar (#73) – Already beginning to establish himself as one of the games top all-around second basemen by 1987, Roberto Alomar went on to have a Hall of Fame career. While not as famous as some other names, his rookie card carries a steady $40-75 book value in pristine condition. Alomar’s successful career playing for both the Blue Jays and Orioles adds to the regional interest in his rookie issue.
Other notable ’87 Topps cards that can reach $50-100 in top grades include Lenny Dykstra (#261), Mike Greenwell (#509), and Tim Belcher (#264). Greenwell and Dykstra shots saw mild spikes as regional interest picks up.
Beyond star rookie cards, there are also several key vintage stars that can push four figures or more in top condition. Kirby Puckett (#226) routinely sells for $200-500 with pristine PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Black Label copies doubling that figure. Meanwhile Dwight Gooden (#344) and Darryl Strawberry (#53), key members of the 1986 Mets championship team, trade in the $150-350 range but can reach $1000+ for true gems.
While certain star cards have trended up in recent years, the full 1987 Topps set still offers opportunities for savvy collectors. Base cards in top condition are available for $1-5 while many stars reside in the $10-20 range. With over 700 cards in the set there are also several intriguing oddball subsets like Turn Back The Clock, All-Star stars and Futures Game to explore. Factor in the set’s connection to classic 1980s teams and players and it’s clear why 1987 Topps remains one of the most beloved and investible vintage releases. With many young stars just entering their primes, the cards shine new light on baseball’s past and maintain strong collector demand decades later.
The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds a special nostalgia for 80s kids and collectors alike. Featuring standout rookie issues like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire along with established stars still in their prime like Ozzie Smith and Wade Boggs, it perfectly captures a unique moment in the game’s history. While the full set can be collected affordably, key stars and rookies in top condition have steadily increased in value thanks to strong long term demographics of 1980s collectors now being in their peak earning years. For the vintage card investor, 1987 Topps provides a fun bridge to the past with cards that still hold real potential as sound long term keepsakes.
