Are 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Worth Anything in 2024?

By Eliud Alano March 20, 2024 04:27 GMT+4 min read

In 1987, Topps released a set of baseball cards that has become a significant part of trading card history.

Fast forward to 2024, collectors and enthusiasts are still interested in these iconic cards. But are they worth anything in today's market?

Historical Significance of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards

Overview of the 1987 Topps Set

The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is quite extensive, featuring a total of 2588 cards across all variations.

The set includes several notable cards, such as the #320 Barry Bonds rookie card, #170 Bo Jackson rookie card, and #366 Mark McGwire rookie card, among others.

The set also encompasses 13 variations, including the base, Collector's Edition (Tiffany), Glossy Send-Ins, and 1987 All-Star Set Collector's Edition (Glossy Send-Ins).

Notable Cards

The most valuable card of the 1987 Topps set is currently the 1987 Topps #320 Barry Bonds BGS 10, with an approximate value of $3,720.00.

Also, the most traded card in the past 30 days on eBay was the 1987 Topps #170 Bo Jackson, with an average price of $2.48 and 119 trades.

Current Market Value

Graded Vs. Ungraded Cards

Taking a closer look at specific cards, the ungraded values for some key cards in the set are as follows:

Barry Bonds #320: $2.01
Bo Jackson [Future Stars] #170: $1.66
Mark McGwire #366: $2.27
Jose Canseco #620: $1.53
Nolan Ryan #757: $1.36
Cal Ripken Jr. #784: $1.37
Pete Rose #393: $1.00

Graded Card Values

The PSA 10 and Grade 9 values for the aforementioned cards vary significantly, with the PSA 10 values being notably higher than the ungraded values.

For instance, the PSA 10 value of Barry Bonds #320 stands at $167.50, while the Grade 9 value is $20.99.

Rarity and Demand

The value of these cards is also influenced by their rarity and demand within the collecting community.

The 1987 Topps set has seen about 1184 cards traded in the last 30 days on eBay, with an average price of $25.01.

The price range for these cards spans from $0.10 for certain cards to as high as $1,175.01 for specific PSA 10 graded cards.

Decline in Value

It's noteworthy that the value of 1987 Topps trading cards has experienced a slight decrease of about 0.000% in the past 7 days.

This trend indicates that while these cards hold value, there has been a subtle decline in their market worth.

Factors Affecting Value

Grading Companies

The value of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards is heavily influenced by grading companies such as PSA and BGS.

Graded cards generally command higher prices, with significant differences between ungraded and graded values.

For instance, the PSA 10 value of Pete Rose #393 stands at $48.52, significantly higher than its ungraded value of $1.00.

Rarity and Condition

The rarity and condition of the cards play a crucial role in determining their value.

Cards in mint condition or those with special variations, misprints, or rookie designations tend to fetch higher prices. T

he 1987 Topps set also includes Tiffany variations, which are known for their premium quality and scarcity, thus contributing to their higher values.

Player Significance

The players featured on the cards also impact their value. Rookie cards of iconic players like Barry Bonds, Bo Jackson, and Mark McGwire often command higher prices due to the players' significance in baseball history.

1987 Topps Baseball Cards do hold value in 2024, with certain cards fetching significant amounts, especially in graded conditions.

The set's historical significance, the rarity of certain variations, and the presence of rookie cards of notable players contribute to their enduring worth.

But it's essential for collectors and enthusiasts to consider market trends, grading, rarity, and demand factors when assessing the value of these iconic cards.

Overall, while the market value of 1987 Topps Baseball Cards has experienced some fluctuations, these cards continue to be cherished collectibles, reflecting the rich history of baseball and the enduring passion for trading card collecting.