Top 10 Most Valuable 1987 Topps Baseball Cards

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is a nostalgic gem for collectors. With its distinctive woodgrain border and stacked checklist, this set was overproduced during the junk wax era—but that hasn’t stopped certain cards from rising in value, especially in pristine PSA 10 condition. In this post, we break down the top 10 most valuable 1987 Topps baseball cards, focusing on iconic rookies, Hall of Famers, and surprising risers in today's market.

1. Barry Bonds #320 (Rookie Card)

• Value in PSA 10: $250–$300
• Why It’s Valuable: One of the most iconic (and controversial) players in MLB history, Barry Bonds' Topps rookie card leads the pack. His record-breaking home run total keeps collectors interested, and high-grade examples fetch top dollar due to centering and print issues.

2. Bo Jackson #170 (Future Stars Rookie)

• Value in PSA 10: $175–$200
• Why It’s Valuable: Bo Jackson remains a cultural icon due to his rare two-sport dominance. The 1987 Topps "Future Stars" card features a young Bo with a clean design and loads of nostalgia. This card is a favorite even among non-sports fans.

3. Mark McGwire #366 (First Topps Base Card)

• Value in PSA 10: $100-$115
• Why It’s Valuable: Although McGwire's USA rookie card appeared in 1985 Topps, this is his first official Topps base card in an MLB uniform. His role in the home run race of the late 1990s keeps this card relevant despite steroid controversies.

4. Jose Canseco #620 (All-Star Rookie)

• Value in PSA 10: $100
• Why It’s Valuable: Once the face of baseball, Canseco’s career has been a rollercoaster. Still, his 1987 Topps card—complete with the iconic All-Star Rookie cup—remains a top collectible for fans of the era.

5. Greg Maddux #70T (Topps Traded Rookie)

• Value in PSA 10: $80–$100
• Why It’s Valuable: Although technically part of the 1987 Topps Traded set, this is Maddux’s first Topps card and a must-own. As one of the greatest pitchers ever, his rookie is highly sought after and one of the most valuable cards from the entire 1987 print run.

6. Nolan Ryan #757

• Value in PSA 10: $70–$80
• Why It’s Valuable: Nolan Ryan cards always carry collector weight. His 1987 card came during his time with the Astros and showcases his enduring dominance. The scarcity in gem mint condition gives it long-term value.

7. Will Clark #420 (Rookie Card)

• Value in PSA 10: $40–$50
• Why It’s Valuable: Clark had a solid MLB career and was a fan favorite. His 1987 Topps rookie card is a sentimental staple among collectors, especially those who followed the Giants in the late ‘80s.

8. Barry Larkin #648 (Rookie Card)

• Value in PSA 10: $35–$50
• Why It’s Valuable: A Hall of Fame shortstop, Larkin's rookie card is relatively undervalued. As interest grows in overlooked HOF players, this card is gaining momentum—especially in gem mint condition.

9. Andre Dawson #345 (NL MVP Year)

• Value in PSA 10: $35–$45
• Why It’s Valuable: Dawson’s 1987 MVP season adds historical weight to this card. Though not a rookie, it's a collector favorite and represents a peak in his career.

10. Rafael Palmeiro #634 (Rookie Card)

• Value in PSA 10: $30–$40
• Why It’s Valuable: Palmeiro is part of the 500 HR / 3,000 hit club—despite PED issues. His rookie card is increasingly appreciated by vintage and stat-focused collectors.

Honorable Mentions

• Wally Joyner #80 (Rookie Cup) – Popular during the 1986 season hype.
• Rickey Henderson #735 – Always a strong seller in any condition.

Final Thoughts

While the 1987 Topps set is a symbol of the overproduction era, that doesn’t mean valuable cards are absent. In fact, with PSA 10 examples getting harder to find due to poor centering and printing, demand is rising. Whether you're a nostalgic collector or an investor, these cards remain iconic and rewarding pickups.