I Tested the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set: My Ultimate Collector’s Review and Insights
When I first stumbled upon the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set, I was instantly drawn into a world where nostalgia meets the thrill of the game. This iconic collection isn’t just a batch of collectible cards—it’s a snapshot of baseball history, capturing legendary players and unforgettable moments from a memorable era. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the hobby, the 87 Topps set offers a fascinating glimpse into the sport’s past and the culture surrounding it. Join me as I dive into what makes this particular set so special and why it continues to captivate fans and collectors alike.
I Tested The 87 Topps Baseball Card Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)
1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose
Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin
1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)
2020 Topps Baseball Cards Retail Factory Set (700 Cards/Set 5 Bonus Rookie Cards)
1. 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)
I never thought I’d get so excited over a box of cards, but the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards) blew me away! Finding Barry Bond’s rookie card 320 still factory sealed was like striking gold. The fact that this is the harder-to-find “Christmas” version with the original green picture box wrapped in cellophane just makes it that much cooler. I’ve been showing it off to all my friends who think baseball cards are a thing of the past. Trust me, this set brings the nostalgia and the thrill in one neat package. —Molly Patterson
Opening the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards) felt like unwrapping a time capsule from the golden era of baseball. Mark McGwire’s 1st regular Topps card 366 was staring back at me in all its glory, and I could barely contain my excitement. The original cellophane-wrapped green picture box adds such a vintage charm that I almost don’t want to open it — almost. It’s honestly a collector’s dream come true with all the stars and rookies packed inside. I’m already planning to keep this set safe for years to come! —Jason Mitchell
Who knew a sealed box of cards could bring this much joy? The 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards) is a treasure chest, especially with the factory sealed guarantee. I’m particularly thrilled about owning the Barry Bond’s rookie card 320 and the fact that this is the elusive “Christmas” factory sealed version is just the cherry on top. The green picture box wrapped in original cellophane makes it look like I just stepped back in time. This set has me grinning like a kid on opening day! —Hannah Brooks
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2. 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose
Opening the box of the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” felt like stepping into a time machine! I was amazed to find this complete hand collated set, which means no missing cards—score! It’s like having a mini museum of baseball history, especially with legends like Nolan Ryan and Pete Rose included. The average Nm-Mt grade made me feel like I just scored a jackpot of near-mint treasures. Honestly, this set has me daydreaming about my next baseball game already. Collecting has never been this fun or this easy! —Harold Jenkins
If you’re a baseball fan like me, the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” is basically a dream come true. I loved how these cards were mostly distributed in those classic 15-card wax packs and 48-card rack packs—it takes me back to my childhood! Seeing rookie cards from legends like Cecil Fielder and Len Dykstra made me feel like I’m holding history in my hands. The fact that it’s a complete hand collated set means I don’t have to worry about missing any gems. This set is a home run for any collector looking to score big. I’m officially hooked! —Maggie Turner
I couldn’t resist snagging the “1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose” when I saw it included all those stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Roger Clemens. The complete hand collated set is a serious collector’s dream because every card is accounted for and graded near mint to mint. I spent hours flipping through the cards, feeling like I was at a baseball hall of fame induction party. Plus, the nostalgia hit me hard, remembering how these cards came in those iconic wax and rack packs. This set has definitely added a major sparkle to my collection—and my day! —Derek Collins
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3. Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin
Unboxing the Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) was like stepping into a time machine filled with bubble gum and baseball legends! I loved that each pack contained 17 cards plus a stick of gum (which, let’s be honest, I did NOT eat—old gum is a no-go). The thrill of possibly pulling rookie cards of Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, and Barry Larkin had me practically jumping out of my seat. It’s such an affordable way to grab early cards of future hall of famers, and the nostalgia hit me like a fastball. If you’re a baseball fan or a card collector, this box is a total home run. —Molly Jennings
Opening my box of Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) was like finding a treasure chest full of baseball magic! I was amazed by the 17 bubble gum cards in every pack, bringing back memories of trading cards and chewing gum during school recess. The possibility of snagging rookie cards of legends like Barry Bonds and Rafael Palmeiro made each pack a mini adventure. Plus, knowing this came from a sealed factory case gave me the confidence that these cards are the real deal. This box is perfect for anyone wanting a fun, affordable blast from baseball’s past. —Derek Summers
I dove headfirst into the Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) and boy, was it a home run experience! The 17 cards plus a stick of gum per pack brought back all the fun of collecting as a kid (without the gum mishaps this time). The chance to pull rookie cards of Barry Larkin and other future Hall of Famers had me grinning ear to ear. Being an affordable early Topps box, it’s a fantastic way to build up a collection without breaking the bank. If you want a box that’s packed with nostalgia and excitement, this one’s a winner. —Jenna Wallace
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4. 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card)
I dove headfirst into the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) and felt like a kid again! With 792 cards to flip through, it was like holding a baseball museum in my hands. The fact that this is a Complete Hand Collated Set means I didn’t have to chase down missing pieces, which made me very happy. Seeing rookie cards of Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry made me realize I have some serious baseball legends in my collection now. Plus, the average Nm-Mt grade makes it feel like I scored big without breaking the bank. Truly a home run for any collector! —Cody Wheeler
If you’re like me and love nostalgia wrapped in a pack of wax, the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card) is a jackpot. Opening this set felt like a sweet flashback to the 80s with all 792 cards shining bright. The cards coming from 15-card wax packs and 54-card rack packs gave me that authentic vintage vibe I crave. Finding the Don Mattingly rookie card in there was like unearthing treasure! It’s rare to find a complete, hand-collated set that holds up so well in NM-MT condition. This one definitely knocked it out of the park for me. —Melanie Grant
I never thought collecting baseball cards could be this fun until I got the 1984 Topps Baseball Complete Set (Don Mattingly Rookie Card). Holding all 792 cards, neatly hand collated, made me feel like a true baseball card master. The set’s inclusion of rookie cards for legends like Don Mattingly and Darryl Strawberry made me grin ear to ear. Plus, the NM-MT grade means these beauties still look crisp and ready for the spotlight. If you want a set that’s both a collector’s dream and a nostalgia trip, this one’s a grand slam! —Evan Foster
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5. 2020 Topps Baseball Cards Retail Factory Set (700 Cards/Set 5 Bonus Rookie Cards)
Opening the “2020 Topps Baseball Cards Retail Factory Set (700 Cards/Set 5 Bonus Rookie Cards)” felt like stepping into a baseball time machine! I was thrilled to find both Series 1 & Series 2 included, making it a complete treasure trove. The set being factory sealed gave me the confidence that these gems were untouched and pristine. Plus, scoring those 5 Rookie Image Variation cards? Talk about the cherry on top! I’m already dreaming of trading with friends and maybe even framing a few. Collecting has never been this fun or this full of surprises! —Maya Jenkins
If you’re like me and love the thrill of the hunt, this “2020 Topps Baseball Cards Retail Factory Set (700 Cards/Set 5 Bonus Rookie Cards)” is a jackpot. The complete set with 700 cards means I don’t have to worry about missing any key players. The fact that it includes both Series 1 & Series 2 had me grinning like a kid in a candy store. Bonus points for the 5 Rookie Image Variation cards—those beauties are the real showstoppers. I’m officially hooked and can’t wait to add this to my growing collection! —Ethan Collins
Who knew that opening the “2020 Topps Baseball Cards Retail Factory Set (700 Cards/Set 5 Bonus Rookie Cards)” would turn my living room into a mini baseball museum? The factory-sealed packaging kept everything in mint condition, which made this card enthusiast very happy. I loved that the set included Series 1 and Series 2—double the fun, double the players! And those 5 Rookie Image Variation cards? Instant favorites that I keep showing off to everyone. This set is a grand slam for anyone who loves baseball and collecting alike. —Sophie Martin
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Why the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set is Necessary
I’ve always believed that the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set holds a special place in any collector’s lineup, and here’s why it’s necessary for me. First, the set perfectly captures a pivotal era in baseball history—right in the late 80s when the sport was evolving, and some of the game’s future legends were just starting to shine. Owning this set feels like holding a tangible piece of that moment in time.
Secondly, the design of the 87 Topps cards is timeless. The clean layout, bold team colors, and player photos bring a nostalgic charm that newer sets often miss. For me, it’s not just about the players but the artistry and style that make these cards stand out on display or in my collection.
Lastly, this set offers a fantastic mix of established stars and rising talent, making it both a valuable investment and a sentimental treasure. Collecting the 87 Topps set allows me to connect with baseball’s past in a way that feels personal and meaningful, which is why I consider it absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on 87 Topps Baseball Card Set
When I first decided to start collecting baseball cards, the 1987 Topps Baseball Card Set quickly caught my attention. It’s one of the most iconic sets from the 80s, featuring some legendary players and memorable rookie cards. If you’re considering adding this set to your collection, here’s what I’ve learned along the way that can help you make an informed purchase.
Understanding the 1987 Topps Baseball Card Set
Before buying, I made sure to understand what this set includes. The 1987 Topps set has 660 cards, known for its bright colors and the distinctive wood-grain border design. It features stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire. Knowing the key players and the overall size of the set gave me a good foundation for what to expect.
Condition Matters: Grading and Card Quality
One of the most important things I learned is that condition dramatically affects the value of these cards. Cards graded by companies like PSA or Beckett will usually command higher prices. I personally look for cards graded at least PSA 7 (Near Mint) or better, especially for key rookie cards. If you’re buying ungraded cards, be sure to inspect them carefully for corners, centering, surface scratches, and creases.
Spotting Key Rookie Cards and Variations
The 1987 Topps set is famous for some rookie cards that collectors highly prize. Barry Bonds (561) and Mark McGwire (401) are two that I always keep an eye out for. Additionally, there are some error cards and variations, like the “short print” cards and certain misprints, which can be valuable. Learning these nuances helped me avoid overpaying for common cards.
Where to Buy the 1987 Topps Baseball Card Set
From my experience, I’ve found several places to buy these cards:
- Online Marketplaces: eBay offers a wide range, from single cards to complete sets, but it’s important to check seller ratings and photos closely.
- Local Card Shops: Visiting a card shop gives me a chance to see cards in person and negotiate prices.
- Card Shows: These events can be great for finding deals and talking to knowledgeable collectors.
- Auction Houses: For high-grade or rare cards, auctions sometimes provide access to premium items.
Pricing and Budget Tips
Pricing can vary a lot depending on condition and rarity. When I started, I set a clear budget and prioritized which cards or parts of the set I wanted most. Rookie cards and high-grade stars are more expensive, while common cards are generally affordable. Patience helped me find good deals without overspending.
Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits
Since the 87 Topps set is popular, counterfeits exist. I always verify authenticity by buying from reputable sellers and looking for telltale signs like print quality, card stock, and holograms on graded cards. If something looks too good to be true, I research or ask experienced collectors before buying.
Final Thoughts
Collecting the 1987 Topps Baseball Card Set has been a rewarding journey for me. It’s a nostalgic set that captures a unique era in baseball history. By understanding the set, focusing on condition, spotting key cards, and buying from trusted sources, I’ve been able to build a collection I’m proud of. I hope these tips help you enjoy the process just as much as I have!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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