Remember the crack of the bat and the smell of freshly opened packs in 1987? That year brought us some truly memorable baseball moments and, of course, a massive wave of Topps baseball cards. But finding the gems in that sea of cardboard can feel overwhelming today. Which rookies actually mattered? Are you chasing the right Hall of Famers, or just sorting through filler?
Collecting 1987 Topps presents a unique challenge. The sheer volume produced means sorting through commons can be a real time-sink, and identifying the truly valuable stars hiding in those colorful borders takes a sharp eye. Many collectors worry about overpaying for common cards or missing out on that one sleeper rookie that could become a future star. It’s easy to feel lost among the high print runs.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will clearly break down the must-have rookies, the key veteran cards worth grading, and how to quickly identify the cards that actually hold collector value. You will walk away knowing exactly which 1987 Topps cards deserve a spot in your binder—and which ones you can safely trade away. Let’s dive in and rediscover the treasures of the ’87 Topps set!
Top 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Recommendations
- 1 (One) Box of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards
- 36 Packs, 17 Bubble Gum Cards, 1 Stick of Gum (DO NOT EAT OLD GUM)
- From Sealed Factory Case
- Possible Rookie Cards include Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin!
- An affordable early Topps box that includes many early cards of future hall of famers
- 1 Factory Sealed Rack Pack
- 48 Cards Per Pack + 1 All Star Card
- Several Packs Available
- This 1987 Topps complete set has been hand collated and consists of 792 standard-size cards.
- Cards were primarily issued in 17-card wax packs, 50-card rack packs and factory sets.
- Subsets include Record Breakers (1-7), Turn Back the Clock (311-315), All-Star selections (595-616) and Team Leaders (scattered throughout the set).
- The key Rookie Cards in this set are Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, Will Clark, Bo Jackson, Wally Joyner, Barry Larkin, Rafael Palmiero, Ruben Sierra and Devon White.
- Set Grades Average Nm-Mt.
- This 1987 Topps Baseball Box is the Vending Box.
- Box contains 500 cards.
- Look for rookie cards of Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, and Barry Larkin.
- Sealed Factory packs in great condition
- Possible Hall of Famers and superstars
- Perfect gift for any level collector
- 100 cards in total
- Bonds & McGuire Rookie Cards Possible!
- Great Design!
- Hall of Famers including Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken, Ken Griffey Jr, and Many More Possible!
- This is the factory sealed complete 792 card Topps set which includes Barry Bond's rookie card #320, Mark McGwire's 1st regular Topps card #366 and loads of other stars and rookies.
- This is the harder to find "Christmas" factory sealed version in the original cellophane wrapped green picture box!
- Includes Greg Maddox rookie card. 2015 HOF inductee.
- Matt Williams rookie card (Manager of Washington Nationals)
- Ellis Burks rookie card
- Terry Steinbach rookie card
- Trade card for Reggie Jackson.
Your Guide to Buying 1987 Topps Baseball Cards
The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is a classic piece of sports history. Collectors often seek these cards out. They represent a fun time in baseball. This guide helps you find the best cards for your collection.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a 1987 Topps card, several features tell you about its value and condition. These features are important for any collector.
Rookie Cards (RCs)
Rookie cards are the most exciting part of any set. Look closely for the first cards of future Hall of Famers. The 1987 set features rookies like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Rafael Palmeiro. A card marked “RC” is a big find.
Card Design and Color
The 1987 Topps set is famous for its bright, colorful design. The cards feature a prominent foil stamping, often in silver or gold, around the player’s name and the Topps logo. Check that this foil stamping is sharp and not rubbed off. The background colors vary, adding to the set’s distinctive look.
Checklist Integrity
Ensure the card number matches the official 1987 Topps checklist. Missing numbers or misprints are rare but can significantly change a card’s value. Most cards in the set are numbered 1 through 792.
Important Materials and Manufacturing
These cards use standard materials for that era. Understanding the material helps you judge the card’s longevity.
- Card Stock: The cards use thin, coated cardboard stock. Feel the card gently. It should not feel overly flimsy or damp.
- Ink Quality: The inks used were standard printing inks. Look for vibrant colors. Faded colors usually mean the card has been exposed to too much sunlight.
- Foil Application: The foil stamping is crucial. If the foil flakes off easily, the card was poorly manufactured or stored.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Card Quality
Condition is everything in card collecting. A small flaw can drop a card’s value significantly.
Quality Boosters (What makes a card better)
- Centering: The picture of the player should sit perfectly in the middle of the borders. Excellent centering is highly desired by professional graders.
- Sharp Corners: The four corners must be sharp, like new pencil points. Rounded or “whitened” corners decrease value.
- Clean Surface: The front and back must be free of scratches, print defects, or stains.
Quality Reducers (What makes a card worse)
Moisture is a major enemy. Water damage causes warping and staining. Also, handling the cards too much leaves fingerprints and oil smudges. Avoid cards that have been taped or glued anywhere. Never try to clean a card yourself; often, cleaning damages the surface ink.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do people buy 1987 Topps cards today?
Nostalgia Collecting
Many adults buy these cards to relive their childhood. They enjoy collecting the entire set just as they did years ago. This experience is purely fun and sentimental.
Investment Potential
While the 1987 set was heavily produced, key rookie cards (like Bonds or Maddux) in top-grade condition can increase in value over time. Investors focus on finding “gem mint” condition cards that can be professionally graded.
Set Building
These cards are perfect for beginners learning how to complete a full set. Since they are generally affordable, you can practice handling, storing, and organizing without risking expensive assets.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 1987 Topps Baseball Cards
Q: What is the most valuable card in the 1987 Topps set?
A: Generally, the most valuable cards are the key rookie cards, especially highly graded examples of Barry Bonds or Greg Maddux.
Q: Are 1987 Topps cards rare?
A: No, 1987 Topps cards were produced in very high quantities, so they are not rare. Condition makes them valuable, not scarcity.
Q: How should I store my 1987 Topps cards?
A: Store them flat in a cool, dry place. Use penny sleeves and top loaders for individual protection, then place them in archival-safe storage boxes.
Q: What is “whitening” on a card corner?
A: Whitening happens when the dark card stock shows through where the color or foil has been rubbed off the corner tip.
Q: Should I try to press or straighten a warped 1987 Topps card?
A: It is strongly advised against. Non-professional pressing often damages the card surface permanently.
Q: What is the set size of 1987 Topps?
A: The base set contains 792 numbered cards.
Q: Were there any major errors or variations in the 1987 Topps set?
A: There were very few major printing errors that significantly affected value, unlike some other years.
Q: Do the foil stampings on the cards tarnish?
A: The foil itself does not usually tarnish, but it can flake off or become scratched if handled roughly.
Q: Is it worth buying sealed boxes of 1987 Topps today?
A: Sealed boxes hold value primarily for nostalgia or the slim chance of finding a high-grade rookie card, but they are expensive.
Q: How do I tell if a card is a rookie card (RC)?
A: Look for a small “RC” logo printed near the card number or in the statistics area, depending on the specific card design element used by Topps that year.