Most Valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards: A Collector’s Guide to Prices

For many collectors, the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards set represents one of the most memorable releases in the history of Topps baseball cards. With its iconic wood-grain borders, it stood out instantly from other trading cards of the era, becoming a time capsule of 1980s baseball.

The set captures everything hobbyists love: rookie cards of future stars, legends in their prime, and affordable entry points for new collectors. You can still find ungraded cards for just a few dollars, while high-grade PSA 10s of the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards can reach hundreds of dollars. That perfect balance of nostalgia and investment potential makes 1987 one of the best baseball trading cards releases of the decade.

If you enjoyed our guide to the 30 most valuable 1988 Topps Baseball Cards

, you’ll love diving into this earlier set. From legends like Nolan Ryan and Jose Canseco to rookies that have become valuable baseball cards in their own right, the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards collection offers something for everyone. Whether you’re building a full set, chasing the rarest baseball card variations, or just reliving the thrill of opening old wax packs, this is one of the top baseball cards sets that never loses its charm.

Top Picks: 5 Cards to Start Your 1987 Topps Collection

If you’re new to collecting 1987 Topps Baseball Cards, it’s smart to start with a mix of iconic names and surprising values. Here are five cards that deliver nostalgia and collector appeal without breaking the bank:

1. Barry Bonds #320 (Rookie Card)

The crown jewel of the set and one of the defining rookie cards of the 1980s. Affordable raw but highly prized in PSA 10, this is a must-have centerpiece.

2. Bo Jackson #170 (Rookie Card)

A true cultural icon — Bo knows sports, and collectors know this card. It’s one of the best rookie cards of the decade, combining crossover appeal and value growth.

3. Mark McGwire #366 (Rookie Card)

“Big Mac” became a home run legend, and his ’87 Topps rookie is a great entry point into power-hitter collecting. A classic for both A’s fans and set builders.

4. Fernando Valenzuela #604

“El Toro” isn’t just a pitcher — he’s a cultural phenomenon. His card represents Fernandomania and the global reach of the game, making it a fantastic story-driven addition.

5. Nolan Ryan #757

No Topps collection feels complete without a Nolan Ryan. His 1987 issue shows the longevity and dominance that made him a legend, and it’s one of the safest long-term holds.

Top 24 Most Valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards

24. Steve Trout #750

Ungraded Price: around $1.25
PSA 10 Price: around $107.60
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Steve Trout carried a unique baseball legacy. The son of MLB pitcher Dizzy Trout, he carved out his own twelve-year career across the White Sox, Cubs, Yankees, and Mariners. Collectors often remember him best for being part of that unforgettable 1984 Cubs team — the one that finally ended decades of waiting with a postseason run. His 1987 Topps Baseball Card doesn’t scream Hall of Fame, but that’s exactly what makes it a gem: it’s a snapshot of a solid pitcher with a family pedigree, and a reminder that sets like these capture more than just the biggest names. For just over a dollar ungraded, it’s an easy card to slip into a binder, while a PSA 10 commands surprising respect at over a hundred dollars, showing how even the quieter stories of the game can hold value in the world of Topps baseball cards.

23. Gary Ward #762

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.26
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $108.78
Sale Location: eBay(not an affiliate link)

Gary Ward may not always come up in the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards lists, but he was a two-time All-Star who gave fans plenty of reasons to collect his Topps cards. With power, speed, and the ability to hit for average, Ward was one of those steady 1980s outfielders who could change a game in different ways. In 1982, he even hit for the cycle — the kind of achievement that lives forever in the record books.

For collectors, this card is a great reminder that baseball cards don’t have to feature only Hall of Fame names to hold value. Ungraded, it’s still easy to pick up for about the price of a pack of gum, but in PSA 10, Ward’s card clears the hundred-dollar mark. That jump shows how condition drives 1987 Topps Baseball Card values, even for players who flew just under the superstar radar.

22. Don Mattingly #500

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.69
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $114.28
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Few players from the 1980s embodied the era of Topps baseball cards quite like Don Mattingly. Nicknamed “Donnie Baseball” and “The Hit Man,” Mattingly was the heart of the Yankees throughout the decade. He wasn’t just a fan favorite — he was a batting champion, an MVP, and a defensive wizard who collected nine Gold Gloves at first base.

This 1987 Topps Baseball Card comes from the height of his career, when he was one of the most feared hitters in the American League. Collectors love it not only for the wood-grain design but also because it captures Mattingly in his prime as captain material, years before Derek Jeter would inherit the role. At under two dollars ungraded, it’s accessible to just about any collector, but in PSA 10, it sits comfortably above $100. That makes it one of those 1987 Topps Baseball Card values that proves condition can turn an everyday card into one of the most valuable baseball cards of its time.

21. Glenn Hoffman #374

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.13
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $115.28
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Not every card in the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards set features a superstar, and that’s part of the magic for collectors. Glenn Hoffman’s card reminds us that sets also capture the reliable infielders who kept teams steady through the grind of a season. Hoffman, who spent time with the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Angels, was a dependable presence on the field — never flashy, but always solid at shortstop and third.

For collectors, this card shows how Topps baseball cards preserve more than just highlights — they hold the memory of role players who were part of the game’s everyday fabric. Ungraded, Hoffman’s card remains one of the more affordable baseball trading cards from the set. But in PSA 10, it crosses the hundred-dollar mark, proving again how condition alone can turn a common into one of the more valuable baseball cards tucked inside the wood-grain borders of 1987.

20. Jeff Sellers #12

Ungraded Price: ≈ $0.99
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $115.50
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Jeff Sellers may not have had a long MLB career, but he still found his way into one of the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards thanks to condition scarcity. A Red Sox pitcher from 1985 to 1988, Sellers is remembered best for a near no-hitter on October 1, 1988, when he struck out ten Cleveland batters and carried a shutout deep into the game. It was one of those flashes of brilliance that collectors love to see immortalized on cardboard.

This 1987 Topps Baseball Card is one of the set’s hidden surprises: ungraded, it hovers right around a dollar, yet in PSA 10 it pushes above $115. That jump shows how even players with brief careers can have cards that end up among the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards because pristine examples are so rare. For collectors who enjoy chasing the unexpected, Sellers’ card is a reminder that the hobby isn’t just about superstars — sometimes the thrill comes from finding value where few others are looking.

19. John Henry Johnson #377

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.04
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $117.65
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

For collectors of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards, John Henry Johnson’s entry is a good reminder that this set wasn’t just about Hall of Fame names. Johnson carved out his big league career as a left-handed pitcher in the 1980s, appearing with the Oakland A’s, Texas Rangers, and other clubs. His role was often in relief, and while he didn’t rack up star-level stats, he was the kind of dependable arm teams leaned on during long seasons.

What makes his card interesting is how it performs in the hobby market. Ungraded, it’s one of the cheaper finds in the wood-grain bordered set, usually just about a dollar. But in PSA 10 condition, it climbs to nearly $120. That leap is exactly why collectors track 1987 Topps baseball cards value so closely — even role players can become part of the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards conversation when condition scarcity kicks in. It’s proof that the appeal of these baseball trading cards goes well beyond the obvious superstars.

18. Nolan Ryan #757

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.67
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $119.02
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Few names in the hobby carry the weight of Nolan Ryan. By 1987, he was already a legend in progress, the flamethrower who seemed immune to time itself. Ryan’s career spanned 27 seasons, leaving behind MLB records that will likely never be broken — 5,714 strikeouts and seven no-hitters, each one etched into baseball history. Despite never winning a Cy Young, his sheer dominance made him a fan favorite and one of the icons of Topps baseball cards through the decades.

This 1987 Topps Baseball Card might not be his rarest issue, but for collectors, it represents the charm of the wood-grain set: affordable in raw condition, yet commanding attention in high grade. Ungraded copies usually cost under two dollars, while PSA 10s climb into triple digits, putting Ryan firmly in the mix of rare baseball cards from the era. For collectors picking up ungraded versions, a simple Card Mag is an ideal way to keep a Nolan Ryan card safe and ready for display, protecting a piece of hobby history without taking away from its nostalgic feel.

17. Keith Atherton #52

Ungraded Price: ≈ $0.94
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $120.00
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Keith Atherton might not be a household name, but his role out of the bullpen for the Twins gave him a place in baseball history. Traded to Minnesota midway through 1986, Atherton became a steady late-inning arm and earned his World Series ring in 1987, appearing in two postseason games during that championship run.

From a collecting standpoint, Atherton’s card is a fascinating example of how 1987 Topps Baseball Cards can surprise. Ungraded, it’s about as affordable as you’ll find — often under a dollar. But in PSA 10, it leaps all the way to $120, a reminder that condition alone can elevate even role-player cards into serious territory. While it will never rank among the most expensive baseball cards ever sold, Atherton’s card is proof that in the hobby, scarcity and condition can make even overlooked names part of the conversation.

16. Dennis Boyd #285

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.40
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $123.50
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd was one of the most colorful characters of the 1980s baseball scene. Known as much for his personality as his pitching, Boyd became a fan favorite in Boston during the mid-decade, especially after winning 15 games in 1985 and following up with 16 more in 1986. His complete-game win in the ’86 ALCS clinched the pennant for the Red Sox, cementing him as part of franchise lore, even if the World Series didn’t end in glory.

Collectors enjoy Boyd’s 1987 Topps Baseball Card because it captures a player who was more than just numbers on a stat sheet — he was a personality that defined the game’s human side. Ungraded, his card is still easy to find, but in PSA 10 it climbs above $120. For hobbyists, it’s a great reminder that the most enjoyable parts of a set aren’t always the MVPs or Hall of Famers. In the world of rare sports cards, a player like Boyd adds character and charm to any collection, proving that collecting is about stories as much as value.

15. Bob Stanley #175

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.14
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $123.50
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Bob Stanley spent his entire 13-year career with the Boston Red Sox, a versatile pitcher who could start, relieve, and close games with equal reliability. With over 1,700 innings pitched and 132 career saves, Stanley earned his place among Boston’s most trusted arms of the 1980s. His durability was legendary — in 1982, he pitched 168⅓ innings out of the bullpen, an American League record that shows just how much the team leaned on him.

For collectors, Stanley’s 1987 Topps Baseball Card is a snapshot of one of Boston’s most dependable pitchers of the era. While ungraded versions remain inexpensive, PSA 10s hold triple-digit value. This is exactly the kind of card casual hobbyists can scoop up raw and preserve for the long haul. Keeping a workhorse like Stanley in top condition is simple with a Card Mag, which makes it easy to enjoy the card without worrying about wear. For anyone chasing the full set, it’s an affordable but meaningful addition.

14. Maury Wills #315

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.46
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $124.95
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Maury Wills changed the game of baseball by bringing the stolen base back into the spotlight. With the Dodgers in the 1960s, Wills became a terror on the basepaths, swiping 104 bags in 1962 to shatter Ty Cobb’s long-standing record. His speed didn’t just earn him an MVP award — it reshaped strategy, forcing pitchers and catchers to rethink how they approached the running game.

Though Wills’ playing days were long behind him by the time this card was printed, his 1987 Topps Baseball Card serves as a bridge between generations of fans. Collectors value it not only as a piece of cardboard, but as a reminder of how one player’s style can redefine the sport. At just a buck or two ungraded, it’s a budget-friendly pick-up, but in PSA 10 it crosses the hundred-dollar mark. For fans chasing the best baseball cards tied to baseball’s innovators, this one is a quiet treasure.

13. Dave Stewart #14

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.05
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $125.00
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Dave “Smoke” Stewart was as intimidating as his nickname suggests. With his menacing stare from the mound and a fastball that cut through lineups, Stewart became one of the defining pitchers of the late 1980s. He found his greatest success in Oakland, where he rattled off four straight 20-win seasons and established himself as a postseason warrior, eventually earning World Series rings with both the Dodgers and Blue Jays.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card captures Stewart just before his peak dominance, which gives it extra weight for collectors who love cards that mark the turning points in a career. Ungraded, it remains easy to grab for about a dollar, but PSA 10 examples command higher prices, putting it among the more valuable baseball cards of the set. For collectors who enjoy cards that foreshadow greatness, Stewart’s wood-grain issue is an underrated gem.

12. Greg Harris #44

Ungraded Price: ≈ $0.98
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $125.46
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Greg Harris had one of the most unusual careers in baseball. A journeyman pitcher who played 15 seasons across eight teams, Harris racked up over 1,100 strikeouts and logged more than 700 appearances. But he’s best remembered by collectors and fans for being the first switch pitcher in the modern era — in one memorable outing, he actually threw to batters left-handed despite being a righty.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card reflects the “everyday grinder” side of the hobby. Ungraded, it barely costs a dollar, but in PSA 10 it jumps into triple digits. It may not be the rarest baseball card in the set, but Harris’ quirky place in baseball history makes this card stand out for collectors who enjoy stories as much as stats.

11. Oddibe McDowell #95

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.34
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $125.51
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Oddibe McDowell brought excitement and energy wherever he played. A former Golden Spikes Award winner at Arizona State, McDowell broke into the majors with the Texas Rangers and quickly became known for his speed and athleticism. In 1987, he was a spark plug for the Rangers’ lineup and a player who felt like the future of the franchise.

Collectors view McDowell’s 1987 Topps Baseball Card as a window into baseball’s youthful energy in the late ’80s. It’s not one of the most expensive sports cards, but the climb from just over a dollar raw to more than $125 in PSA 10 shows the hobby’s love for clean, well-preserved cardboard. For fans who collect more than just stats, McDowell’s card embodies what makes cards baseball culture so much fun.

10. Shawon Dunston #346

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.10
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $127.66
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Shawon Dunston was a fan favorite for the Chicago Cubs, known for his cannon arm and electric defense at shortstop. He spent the bulk of his career in Chicago, thrilling fans with his athleticism and adding steady offensive production along the way. For many Cubs collectors, Dunston cards feel like a direct link back to afternoons at Wrigley Field in the ’80s and ’90s.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card is one of those baseball cards worth far more in gem mint condition than you’d expect. At barely more than a dollar ungraded, it’s easy to scoop up, but PSA 10 copies reach into the $120+ range. That kind of jump illustrates why the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards set remains one of the most fascinating in the hobby — even reliable everyday players can have cards that surprise in value when preserved in top condition.

9. Steve Farr #473

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.12
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $128.05
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Steve Farr wasn’t a flashy name, but collectors know that reliable relievers have their place in cardboard history. Over 11 seasons, Farr collected 132 saves and became a trusted bullpen arm for the Royals and Yankees. In the late ’80s, he was the definition of consistency — a closer who could be counted on when the game was tight.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card is one of those sleeper picks that shows how condition drives value. Ungraded, it’s basically a dollar card. But PSA 10s cross the $125 mark, placing it alongside far bigger names in the set. For collectors who like to protect raw pickups without fuss, a Card Mag Plus offers extra peace of mind — the perfect fit for mid-value cards that still deserve long-term security. It’s not one of the most valuable sports cards of the decade, but it’s a great example of how depth players can hold steady hobby value.

8. Vince Coleman #590

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.77
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $139.99
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Few players embodied speed like Vince Coleman. Bursting onto the scene with the Cardinals, Coleman swiped over 100 bases in each of his first three seasons, something unheard of in the modern era. His speed electrified fans and kept pitchers nervous every time he got on base.

Coleman’s 1987 Topps Baseball Card is a collector favorite because it represents one of the last true base-stealing phenoms in baseball history. While ungraded copies are still cheap, PSA 10s climb toward $140. That makes it an appealing addition for fans who chase top baseball cards of the 1980s, especially those that highlight unique skills like Coleman’s unmatched speed.

7. Pete Rose #200

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.40
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $145.36
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Pete Rose, “Charlie Hustle,” remains one of the most polarizing yet unforgettable figures in the game. The all-time leader in hits, games played, and at-bats, Rose’s relentless style made him both a fan favorite and a symbol of pure determination. His 17 All-Star appearances across five positions remain unmatched in baseball history.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card of Rose is particularly compelling because it came out the same year he broke Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record, cementing his legacy. Ungraded, it’s a bargain, but in PSA 10 it pushes toward $150. While it may never rival the top 10 most expensive baseball cards, it represents one of the defining figures in the sport. Collectors who value history as much as price know Rose’s card is a cornerstone in any serious 1987 Topps collection.

6. Fernando Valenzuela #604

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.17
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $146.75
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

“El Toro” Fernando Valenzuela was more than a pitcher — he was a cultural movement. With his devastating screwball, the Mexican star became an instant sensation for the Dodgers in the early ’80s, winning both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in 1981, then leading L.A. to a World Series title. His popularity stretched far beyond the mound, inspiring an entire generation of Latin American fans and future players.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card holds weight not only because of his performance, but because of the memories tied to “Fernandomania.” Ungraded copies are still just a couple of bucks, but PSA 10 examples push past $140. For collectors who love to showcase history-makers, this card deserves more than a shoebox — it belongs in a Card Display Mag, where it can be mounted and appreciated as part of a true hobby centerpiece. Among most expensive sports cards, Valenzuela’s ’87 issue is affordable, but its cultural importance makes it priceless to fans.

5. Dave Righetti #616

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.08
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $165.75
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Dave Righetti made history on both sides of the mound. As a starter for the Yankees, he threw a no-hitter on July 4, 1983 — an Independence Day memory Yankee fans will never forget. Soon after, he transitioned to the bullpen and became one of the most dominant closers of the 1980s. His versatility and steady hand made him a fixture in New York lore.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card featuring Righetti is a reminder of his unique career arc. Ungraded, it’s an inexpensive pickup, but PSA 10 examples push toward $165, making it one of the stronger mid-tier cards in the set. It’s not the topps baseball card that comes to mind first when collectors think of the ’80s, but it remains a great example of how stars who wore multiple hats (starter and reliever) carved their place into hobby history.

4. Bob Grich #677

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.02
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $169.34
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Bobby Grich was one of the most underrated second basemen of his era. A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, he brought both defensive excellence and surprising power at the plate, finishing his career with 224 home runs. Collectors who followed the Angels or Orioles in the ’70s and ’80s remember Grich as a fiery competitor who gave everything on the field.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card carries that legacy forward. While it costs about a dollar raw, PSA 10 examples approach $170 — an impressive leap that shows how condition elevates even underappreciated stars. This isn’t just one of the top 100 most valuable sports cards, but within the 1987 Topps set it’s proof that great careers don’t have to be Hall of Fame-bound to earn a place in cardboard value.

3. Rick Dempsey #28

Ungraded Price: ≈ $0.99
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $175.49
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Rick Dempsey spent 24 seasons behind the plate, earning a reputation as one of the game’s toughest and most durable catchers. Known more for his defense and game-calling than his bat, Dempsey was a cornerstone for the Orioles during their 1983 World Series run and later provided veteran leadership to the Dodgers.

His 1987 Topps Baseball Card shows the staying power of respected role players. Ungraded, it barely costs a dollar, but in PSA 10 it climbs to nearly $175. It’s not just about numbers — it’s about what the card represents: longevity, grit, and reliability. A piece like this looks right at home in a Card Display Mag, where collectors can honor the glue guys of the game as much as the legends. Cards like Dempsey’s remind us that the hobby isn’t only about the flashiest or most valuable sports cards, but about the players who defined an era in quieter ways.

2. Frank White #692

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.29
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $200.00
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Frank White spent his entire career with the Kansas City Royals, and few second basemen ever played the position better. With eight Gold Gloves and steady offensive production, he was the definition of consistency and loyalty to one franchise. Royals fans remember him not only as a defensive wizard, but also as a key contributor to the 1985 World Series championship.

In the hobby, White’s 1987 Topps Baseball Card has become one of the more surprising risers in value. From little more than a dollar ungraded to an even $200 in PSA 10, it’s a perfect example of why collectors track 1987 Topps baseball cards most valuable so closely. While it will never be confused with the most expensive baseball card in the hobby, it’s a fitting tribute to a player whose career embodied quiet excellence. Even searches for “topp cards” often bring collectors back to overlooked gems like this one.

1. Toby Harrah #152

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.06
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $227.49
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Toby Harrah was a steady and versatile infielder, splitting his career between shortstop and third base while spending most of his playing days with the Rangers. He was a four-time All-Star and a respected leader, bridging the early days of the Washington Senators’ move to Texas and the rise of the Rangers as a franchise.

As the #1 most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Card in this ranking, Harrah’s entry shows how condition scarcity elevates value in surprising ways. At barely more than a dollar raw, it looks like a common. But in PSA 10, it tops $225, putting it firmly in the mix of rare baseball cards from the wood-grain set. While it’s not the rarest baseball card ever made, its high-grade value proves why collectors continue to chase these cards decades later. It’s an unexpected but fitting finale to a countdown that shows the full range of what the 1987 Topps set has to offer.

Rookie Card Spotlight: Top 6 Rookie Cards in the 1987 Topps Set

The heart of every set is in its rookie cards. They’re the ones that capture future legends before the world knew just how bright their stars would shine. The 1987 Topps Baseball Cards lineup is stacked with exciting rookies — from underrated defensive standouts to some of the most iconic sluggers in history. These aren’t just cards; they’re investments, conversation pieces, and for many fans, the first glimpse of greatness. Whether you’re chasing affordable gems or one of the most valuable rookie cards in all of 1980s cardboard, this list delivers a mix of nostalgia and serious collecting firepower.

6. Andy Allanson Rookie Card#436

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.51
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $108.12
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Andy Allanson debuted as Cleveland’s catcher of the future in 1986, showing promise as a defensive anchor. Though his bat never quite lived up to expectations, he still carved out eight MLB seasons across several teams. His rookie card isn’t one of the headliners in the set, but that’s what makes it fun: it’s affordable, accessible, and a must for collectors chasing the full run of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards. In PSA 10, it sneaks into three-digit value, proving even the quieter names can surprise.

5. Mark McGwire Rookie Card #366

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.89
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $114.21
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Mark McGwire’s rookie is one of the defining cards of the decade. “Big Mac” went on to smash 583 home runs, and though his record-breaking 1998 chase came later, this card captures the moment before it all began. Collectors love rookies that foreshadow greatness, and McGwire’s does exactly that.

While ungraded copies are still affordable, PSA 10 examples cross the $110 mark, keeping it firmly in the rookie cards conversation for this set. For collectors picking this up raw, a Card Mag Plus is perfect — easy access, strong protection, and no need for penny sleeves. McGwire’s card may not be the most expensive baseball card out there, but as one of the best baseball cards of the ’80s, it’s essential to any serious Topps collection.

4. José Canseco Rookie Card #620

Ungraded Price: ≈ $1.82
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $126.87
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

José Canseco brought swagger and power to the Oakland A’s, winning Rookie of the Year in 1986 and MVP in 1988. His mix of strength and charisma helped define late-’80s baseball, making him one of the faces of the game.

The 1987 Topps rookie card captures Canseco just as his star was exploding. Ungraded, it’s cheap enough for any fan, but in PSA 10 it pushes into the $125 range. While it won’t make the top 10 most expensive baseball cards, it’s still one of the valuable baseball cards from the set, especially for collectors who lived through the Bash Brothers era.

3. Rafael Belliard Rookie Card #541

Ungraded Price: ≈ $0.99
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $167.08
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Rafael Belliard wasn’t known for power, but his glove made him invaluable. Over 17 MLB seasons, he became a defensive specialist for the Pirates and Braves, eventually winning a World Series in Atlanta in 1995.

His rookie card is an underdog story in itself. Raw, it’s barely a dollar, but PSA 10 examples top $160, putting him surprisingly high on the list. It’s not the flashiest piece in the set, but for those building complete runs of rookie cards, it’s proof that defense-first players can carry hobby value too.

2. Bo Jackson Rookie Card #170

Ungraded Price: ≈ $2.01
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $225.00
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Bo Jackson was a phenomenon — a two-sport superstar whose combination of speed and power made him one of the most exciting athletes of the era. His highlight-reel plays and larger-than-life persona have kept him a hobby favorite long after his short career ended.

His 1987 Topps rookie card is among the crown jewels of the set. Ungraded, it runs just a couple dollars, but PSA 10s push past $225, making it one of the most valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards period. For cards like this, a Card Display Plus Mag is the perfect way to protect and showcase it — turning one of the top baseball cards of the ’80s into the centerpiece of any collection.

1. Barry Bonds Rookie Card #320

Ungraded Price: ≈ $2.25
PSA 10 Price: ≈ $499.99
Sale Location: eBay (not an affiliate link)

Barry Bonds needs no introduction. The all-time home run king, seven-time MVP, and one of the most dominant players in baseball history, Bonds changed the game every time he stepped to the plate. His career may be complicated by controversy, but in terms of performance, he was unmatched.

The 1987 Topps Barry Bonds rookie card is the heavyweight of the set. Raw copies remain affordable, but PSA 10s approach $500, easily making it one of the most valuable rookie cards of the 1980s. In the world of rare sports cards, few issues carry this level of star power and debate all in one. For a card of this stature, a Card Display Plus Mag isn’t just recommended — it’s essential for turning it into the showpiece of any collection. This is the one that belongs in every “top 100 most valuable sports cards” conversation.

Final Comments

The 1987 Topps Baseball Cards set proves that value isn’t just in Hall of Fame names. From surprising commons that soar in PSA 10 to rookie cards of Bonds, Bo, and Big Mac, this wood-grain classic shows why collectors keep coming back. These aren’t just rare baseball cards — they’re pieces of hobby history that balance nostalgia with real market heat.

Protect your raw finds in a Card Mag or turn the big hits into wall-ready centerpieces with a Card Display Plus Mag. And if you’re hungry for more wood-grain greatness, don’t miss our deep dive into the 1988 Topps Baseball Cards — the chase only gets better.

FAQs

What baseball cards are worth money?

Many ‘80s cards remain affordable raw—but condition changes everything. A raw card worth $1 can jump into triple digits in PSA 10. In the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards set, rookie cards like Barry Bonds, Bo Jackson, and Mark McGwire are among the most valuable, but gems of unexpected names—Toby Harrah, Frank White—also show surprising high-grade strength.

What is the most valuable 1987 Topps Traded card?

Among the 1987 Topps Traded set, Greg Maddux’s rookie card (#70T) is the standout—especially the rarer Tiffany version. A PSA 10 copy can easily climb above $100, often outpacing most cards in the flagship release.

What was the error on the 1987 Topps Bonds card?

That error wasn’t Topps—it’s actually the 1987 Donruss Opening Day Barry Bonds card that accidentally features Johnny Ray instead of Bonds. While often mentioned in hobby lore, the flagship Topps issue doesn’t have a known misprint involving a wrong photo.

Who were the rookies in 1987 baseball?

The 1987 Topps set boasts several notable rookie cards: Barry Bonds, Bo Jackson, Mark McGwire, Rafael Belliard, and Andy Allanson. In the Traded subset, key rookie connections include Greg Maddux, Fred McGriff, and Matt Williams—making ’87 one of the richest rookie years Topps ever produced.