The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable complete sets from the 1980s. The 1987 Topps set features 660 total cards including traded and update issue cards. It was the main flagship set released by Topps that year and contains rookie cards of several star players who went on to Hall of Fame careers. With its historical significance and popularity among collectors, a full 1987 Topps set in top condition can be worth a considerable amount of money. There are several factors that influence the potential value such as the overall condition of the cards, the presence of key rookie cards and other popular players, and current supply and demand trends in the collecting market.
To determine the value, it’s important to first examine the condition and completeness of the entire 1987 Topps set. The cards should all be in near mint to mint condition to fetch the highest prices. This means the surfaces and corners must be sharp and crisp with no creases, dents or residue. Edges should be clean and not worn. Only minimal print defects would be acceptable in top-tier condition. Any cards that are heavily played, worn or damaged would negatively impact the overall value. The set should also contain all 660 total cards to be considered a complete set. Missing any key rookie cards or stars would lessen its worth. Having the set professionally graded by a reputable authentication and grading company like PSA or BGS could help validate the condition and add confidence for potential buyers.
Some of the most valuable cards that can increase the worth of a 1987 Topps set substantially include rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Other notable stars with valuable rookies include Mark McGwire, Wally Joyner, and Juan Gonzalez. Popularity and on-field performances factor greatly into demand for these stars from their early career years. Condition is especially important for these cards, as even small flaws can lessen their price dramatically. Top PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ grades would be needed to realize maximum value. Beyond the rookie cards, other stars of the era like Barry Bonds, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith can provide condition-sensitive value as well. Having the bulk of these “hit” cards in high grade keeps the set desirable.
Taking into account all the above condition, completeness, and “hit” card factors, here is a reasonable value range one could expect for a full 1987 Topps set:
Graded PSA/BGS 8+ (very good to excellent cond.): $3,000 – $5,000
Graded PSA/BGS 9 (mint cond.): $5,000 – $8,000
Graded PSA/BGS 10 (gem mint cond.): $8,000 – $12,000
The true record sale for a 1987 Topps set was $14,700 for a PSA 10 graded set in 2018. Demand and prices are constantly fluctuating based on the larger collecting market and economy. Top graded rookies hold value independently as well, so a set owner could chose to “crack” a valuable card to sell individually. Condition is still king and can mean the difference of thousands depending on centering, corners and surfaces holding up under scrutiny. But for collectors seeking a complete high-end vintage set, a 1987 Topps in top-tier condition can prove a worthwhile and valuable investment.
