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)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $250–$400
PSA 10 Population: 1,727
Significance: Barry Bonds is one of the most polarizing figures in baseball history. A seven-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, Bonds holds the all-time MLB record for both single-season (73) and career home runs (762). Despite controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, his rookie cards—especially from flagship sets like Topps—remain highly sought after due to his undeniable dominance at the plate and impact on the game.

2. Bo Jackson #170 (Future Stars Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $175–$200
PSA 10 Population: 2,257
Significance: Bo Jackson was a once-in-a-generation two-sport athlete who became a cultural icon in the late 1980s and early ’90s. Though his MLB career was cut short due to a hip injury, Jackson’s raw power, speed, and charisma left a lasting impression. His 1987 Topps "Future Stars" rookie card is a favorite among collectors for its bold design and symbolic optimism.

3. Mark McGwire #366 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $80–$120
PSA 10 Population: 1,959
Significance: Although McGwire's USA rookie card appeared in 1985 Topps, this is his first official Topps base card in an MLB uniform. His 583 career home runs and his role in the home run race of the late 1990s keeps this card relevant despite steroid controversies.

4. Kirby Puckett #450

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$110
PSA 10 Population: 123
Significance: A beloved figure in Minnesota, Kirby Puckett was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Twins. Known for his infectious energy and clutch performances—most notably his walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series—Puckett earned a place in Cooperstown.

5. Jose Canseco #620 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $75–$100
PSA 10 Population: 280
Significance: As the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season, Jose Canseco ushered in the steroid era with flair. The 1988 AL MVP and cornerstone of the “Bash Brothers” in Oakland, Canseco's rookie card offers a mix of nostalgia and notoriety. Still, his 1987 Topps card—complete with the iconic All-Star Rookie cup—remains a top collectible for fans of the era.

6. Nolan Ryan #757

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $70–$100
PSA 10 Population: 827
Significance: The strikeout king of Major League Baseball, Nolan Ryan played a staggering 27 seasons and racked up 5,714 strikeouts. Even into his 40s, he was throwing no-hitters. Every Ryan card holds timeless appeal, and his 1987 Topps issue—showing him with the Astros—continues to be a staple for collectors.

7. Pete Rose #200

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$100
PSA 10 Population: 193
Significance: Pete Rose is one of the most prolific hitters in baseball history, holding the all-time MLB record with 4,256 career hits. Known as “Charlie Hustle,” Rose was admired for his relentless playing style, versatility, and leadership. His 1987 Topps card captures a rare moment in modern baseball—Rose serving as both player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds. While his career remains one of the most debated in the sport’s history, his on-field accomplishments continue to resonate with fans and collectors alike.

8. Don Mattingly #500

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$90
PSA 10 Population: 372
Significance: “Donnie Baseball” was the face of the Yankees throughout the 1980s. A nine-time Gold Glove winner and 1985 AL MVP, Mattingly was beloved for his work ethic and hitting consistency. His 1987 Topps card captures him during his prime, and his loyal fan base keeps demand high despite his absence from the Hall of Fame.

9. Will Clark #420 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$75
PSA 10 Population: 585
Significance: Will Clark had one of the most beautiful left-handed swings of his generation. A six-time All-Star and NLCS MVP in 1989, “The Thrill” was a fan favorite in San Francisco and later in Texas. Clark had a solid MLB career and his 1987 Topps rookie card is a sentimental staple among collectors, especially those who followed the Giants in the late ‘80s.

10. Jack Morris #778

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $60–$70
PSA 10 Population: 33
Significance: A three-time World Series champion and 1991 World Series MVP, Jack Morris was known for his durability and big-game performances. His Hall of Fame induction came later in his career via the Modern Baseball Era Committee.

Other Notable Cards

11. Mike Schmidt #430

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $50–$60
PSA 10 Population: 163

12. Rickey Henderson #735

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$60
PSA 10 Population: 420

13. Tony Gwynn #530

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $40–$60
PSA 10 Population: 339

14. George Brett #400

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$55
PSA 10 Population: 225

15. Cal Ripken Jr. #784

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45–$55
PSA 10 Population: 385

16. Pete Rose #393 (Manager)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$55
PSA 10 Population: 351

17. Ryne Sandberg #680

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 262

18. Barry Larkin #648 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$50
PSA 10 Population: 1,778

19. Darryl Strawberry #460

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 188

20. Rickey Henderson #311

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 52

21. Reggie Jackson #300

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $35–$45
PSA 10 Population: 324

22. Wally Joyner #80 (Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$45
PSA 10 Population: 170

23. Rafael Palmeiro #634 (Future Stars Rookie)

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 804

24. Ozzie Smith #749

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 244

25. Roger Clemens #340

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 356

26. Don Mattingly #606

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$40
PSA 10 Population: 240

27. Tony Gwynn #599

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $30–$35
PSA 10 Population: 151

28. Wade Boggs #150

Estimated PSA 10 Value: $20–$35
PSA 10 Population: 250

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.