The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the 1980s. While it does not contain superstars like the 1952 Topps or 1954 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie cards, there are still several valuable and desirable cards collectors seek after from the 1987 set. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards collectors should be aware of:
One of the most well-known and valuable rookie cards from 1987 Topps is Cardinals outfielder Ozzie Smith. As one of the premier defensive shortstops of his generation, Smith became a 13-time Gold Glove winner and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His rookie card, card #640 in the set, is among the most iconic and sought after from the late 1980s. In gem mint condition, an Ozzie Smith rookie fetches well over $1000 today. Another highly valuable rookie is that of Yankees starting pitcher Dave Righetti, card #248. “Rags” had a stellar career primarily as a reliever and his rookie in top grades can sell for $500 or more.
Two other stars whose rookie cards remain quite valuable are Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane, card #592 and Expos outfielder Tim Raines, card #258. “Smokin” Joe Magrane won the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year award and his card appeals to both Cardinals and rookie card collectors. Raines went on to a stellar career and was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of all-time. High grade examples of both these rookies can reach $400-500. Reds slugger Kal Daniels’ rookie on card #602 is also quite sought after nowadays, routinely achieving $200-300 for top conditioned copies.
In terms of big name veteran stars, one of the most iconic and valuable 1987 Topps cards is Nolan Ryan’s card #144. As one of the all-time greats and single season strikeout king, Ryan’s card is a hugely popular chase for collectors. In mint condition it can command $1000-1500. Another power pitching legend who remained quite active in 1987 was Don Sutton, whose card #218 in pristine shape will reach $400-500. One of the most famous 1987 Topps cards depicts slugger Andre Dawson mid-swing on card #220. “The Hawk” won both the NL MVP and batting title in 1987 and high grade versions achieve $300-400.
The 1987 set is also well-known for featuring rookie cards of players who went on to even greater fame and fortune years later such as Hall of Famer Randy Johnson on card #534. “The Big Unit’s” rookie in top shape can sell for $250-350 now.Cards featuring MLB managers are usually quite collectible too. This set featured Hall of Famer Tony La Russa’s manager card #557 which becomes quite valuable in top grades at $150-250. And for Cardinals fans, Whitey Herzog’s manager card #555 reaches $100-150 when pristine.
But what about the true superstar rookie cards from the 1987 Topps set that can sell for thousands? The biggest money cards involve players who were just breaking in but would become the faces of MLB for over a decade. First and foremost is Ken Griffey Jr’s spectacularly popular rookie on card #1. In pristine mint condition, Junior’s rookie is elite, routinely bringing $4,000-6,000. Another freshman phenom who became a career .300 hitter and 13x All-Star was Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen on card #232. High grade Rolen rookies can achieve $1500-2500 today.
And finally, while he struggled as a rookie, nobody could have predicted future home run king Barry Bonds would smash the single season HR record years later. His 1987 Topps rookie on card #633 is a true blue chip, with gem mint copies trading hands for $5,000-7,000 or more when availability is limited. While it does not have the earliest and most famous players, the 1987 Topps set features many valuable Hall of Famers, MVP winners, and true superstar rookies that have stood the test of time and remain huge collector favorites decades later. With baseball’s never ending popularity, prices will likely continue rising steadily for its prized vintage gems.
