Most Valuable 1987 Donruss Baseball Cards (PSA 10 Prices)

The 1987 Donruss baseball set is one of the defining releases of the late '80s. With its black borders and clean design, this set captured the early careers of several future legends. While the infamous 1987 Topps wood-grain design gets more mainstream attention, Donruss produced arguably better photography and more desirable rookie cards that year.

Here’s a look at the most valuable cards from the 1987 Donruss baseball card set, based on PSA 10 value and population data.

1. Greg Maddux #36 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$350
PSA 10 Population: 2,817
Significance: Many consider this the premier rookie card of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. Known for his pinpoint control and baseball IQ, Maddux won four consecutive Cy Young Awards and finished his career with 355 wins. His ability to dominate without overpowering velocity made him a master craftsman on the mound. This Donruss rookie captures the beginning of a legendary career that would span 23 seasons, most notably with the Braves and Cubs.

2. Bo Jackson #35 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $225–$300
PSA 10 Population: 1,562
Significance: Bo Jackson was a once-in-a-generation athlete who played in both the MLB and NFL at elite levels. His sheer power and speed made him a fan favorite, and his baseball highlights—like breaking bats over his knee or throwing out runners from the warning track—became iconic. While injuries cut his career short, Bo's cultural impact remains strong, and this Donruss rookie is a key part of his legacy.

3. Barry Bonds #361 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$275
PSA 10 Population: 1,959
Significance: Before becoming baseball’s all-time home run king, Barry Bonds made his cardboard debut in this 1987 Donruss issue. Bonds was a 7-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, and a 12-time Silver Slugger known for his unmatched plate discipline and power. Despite the controversy surrounding his career, Bonds remains one of the most dominant offensive players the game has ever seen.

4. Mark McGwire #46 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$150
PSA 10 Population: 1,926
Significance: “Big Mac” took the league by storm with 49 home runs as a rookie, setting a new MLB record at the time. He later became a central figure in baseball’s 1998 home run chase with Sammy Sosa, finishing his career with 583 home runs. McGwire’s rookie card in this set is one of his earliest mainstream appearances and holds strong value among collectors.

5. Nolan Ryan #138

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100–$150
PSA 10 Population: 498
Significance: Nolan Ryan's cards are always collectible, and this 1987 Donruss version is no exception. The all-time strikeout leader and seven-time no-hitter hurler was still firing fastballs past hitters into his 40s. This card captures Ryan during his dominant run with the Houston Astros, a period that helped further cement his reputation as a legend.

6. Don Mattingly #52

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$80
PSA 10 Population: 272
Significance: “Donnie Baseball” was one of the most consistent and respected hitters of the 1980s. A 9-time Gold Glove winner, MVP, and fan favorite in New York, Mattingly was the face of the Yankees before the Jeter era. His swing and leadership still resonate with collectors, and this card reflects his prime years.

7. Ozzie Smith (Diamond Kings) #5

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$80
PSA 10 Population: 59
Significance: Known as “The Wizard,” Ozzie Smith was a defensive genius at shortstop and a 15-time All-Star. This Diamond Kings card honors Ozzie Smith for his unmatched defensive brilliance at shortstop. By 1987, he had already set the single-season record for most assists by a shortstop (621). The card highlights his growing offensive contributions as well—leading the Cardinals in 1986 with a .280 average and 144 hits.

8. Jose Canseco (Diamond Kings) #6

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$70
PSA 10 Population: 61
Significance: Canseco was one of baseball’s most feared sluggers in the late '80s and early '90s. In 1988, he became the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season. This Diamond Kings insert captures him just as he was emerging into superstardom.

9. Pete Rose #186

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$70
PSA 10 Population: 380
Significance: The all-time MLB hits leader with 4,256 hits, Pete Rose remains a polarizing but undeniable figure in baseball history. This 1987 card came during the twilight of his playing and managerial career with the Reds. Though he's not in the Hall of Fame, his stats and grit continue to attract collectors.

10. Mike Greenwell #585

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60
PSA 10 Population: 96
Significance: Greenwell was a two-time All-Star and a standout for the Boston Red Sox in the late '80s. In 1988, he finished second in AL MVP voting to Jose Canseco. Though he never quite became a household name, his consistency at the plate and ties to a passionate Red Sox fanbase make this one of the sleeper hits in the set.

11. Bobby Bonilla #558 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
PSA 10 Population: 40

12. Kirby Puckett (Diamond Kings) #19

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
PSA 10 Population: 86

13. Rickey Henderson #228

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$55
PSA 10 Population: 153

14. Roberto Clemente #612

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 99

15. Darryl Strawberry #118

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 44

16. Will Clark #66 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$50
PSA 10 Population: 666

17. Kirby Puckett #149

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 135

18. Barry Larkin #492 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 1,335

19. George Brett (Diamond Kings) #15

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$50
PSA 10 Population: 86

20. Dave Parker #388

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
PSA 10 Population: 16

21. Devon White #38 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 45

22. Ryne Sandberg #77

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 191

23. Roger Clemens #276

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 83

24. Cal Ripken Jr. #89

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 428

25. Tony Gwynn #64

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$40
PSA 10 Population: 179

26. Mike Schmidt #139

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 193

27. Jose Canseco #97

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 300

28. Rafael Palmeiro #43 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 867

29. David Cone #502

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 334

30. Tom Seaver #375

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35
PSA 10 Population: 85

31. Ozzie Smith #60

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 112

32. Wade Boggs #252

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 89

33. Dwight Gooden #199

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$35
PSA 10 Population: 70

34. George Brett #54

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30
PSA 10 Population: 169

35. Fred McGriff #621

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25–$30
PSA 10 Population: 121

36. Reggie Jackson #210

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $25
PSA 10 Population: 90

Final Thoughts

The 1987 Donruss baseball set remains one of the most collectible of the junk wax era, anchored by a strong rookie class and Hall of Fame veterans. While the Greg Maddux and Bo Jackson rookies steal the spotlight, the set also includes early cards of future legends like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, along with iconic names like Nolan Ryan, Don Mattingly, and Ozzie Smith.

With its bold black borders and Diamond Kings artwork, this set continues to attract both investors and nostalgic collectors alike. It's a perfect blend of 1980s flair and baseball greatness. For collectors hunting value in a nostalgic set, 1987 Donruss delivers.