Baseball cards have been a popular hobby for collectors and sports fans alike for decades. From the earliest known cards, dating back to 1887, to modern cards of today, collecting and trading cards have been a cherished pastime. While some cards may be worth thousands of dollars, others may only be worth a few cents. So, are 1987 baseball cards worth anything?
History of Baseball Cards
The earliest recorded baseball cards were produced in 1887 by the Goodwin & Company. These cards were unlike modern cards, as they were printed on thin paper stock and featured artwork of players, not their actual photographs. Modern cards, with their glossy finish and actual photographs, came into production in the early 1900s.
Tobacco Cards
Tobacco companies, such as T205 and T206, began producing baseball cards in the early 1900s. These cards were included in cigarette and tobacco packages and featured both artwork and photographs. The cards were intended to be used as trading cards, but they soon became highly sought after by collectors.
The Golden Age of Baseball Cards
The 1950s and 1960s were known as the “Golden Age” of baseball cards. This was the era when iconic cards, such as the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and the 1951 Bowman Willie Mays, were produced. Companies, such as Topps and Fleer, produced cards of all of the major league baseball players.
1987 Baseball Cards
As the popularity of baseball cards grew, the market became flooded with cards of all different types and styles. In 1987, Topps was the dominant manufacturer of baseball cards and produced both standard cards and special insert sets. The standard set consisted of 661 cards and featured a mix of veterans, rookies, and team cards. The insert sets included cards such as All-Stars, Record Breakers, and Autographs.
Are All 1987 Baseball Cards Valuable?
Not all 1987 baseball cards are valuable. The value of a card is determined by several factors, such as the condition of the card, the player featured on the card, and the scarcity of the card. Cards of star players, such as Barry Bonds, will always be worth more than cards of lesser-known players. Similarly, cards in excellent condition will also be worth more than cards in less than perfect condition.
What are the Most Valuable 1987 Baseball Cards?
The most valuable 1987 baseball cards are the Barry Bonds rookie card, the Mark McGwire rookie card, and the Bo Jackson rookie card. All three of these cards are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price in the market. Other valuable cards from the 1987 set include the Don Mattingly All-Star card, the Jose Canseco Record Breakers card, and the Cal Ripken Jr. Autograph card.
Grading System
When determining the value of a 1987 baseball card, the condition of the card is an important factor. To help evaluate the condition of a card, a grading system has been developed. Cards are graded on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest. Cards that are graded 10 are considered to be in mint condition and will be worth the most money.
Where Can You Buy and Sell 1987 Baseball Cards?
There are several places to buy and sell 1987 baseball cards. Many collectors prefer to buy and sell cards in person at card shows or through private sales. Online marketplaces, such as eBay, are also popular places to buy and sell cards. There are also several online grading services that can help determine the condition and value of a card.
Conclusion: Are 1987 Baseball Cards Worth Anything?
In conclusion, 1987 baseball cards can be worth anything from a few cents to thousands of dollars. The value of a card depends on its condition, the player featured on the card, and the scarcity of the card. While some cards may be highly sought after, others may not be worth much at all. Ultimately, it is up to the collector to determine the value of a 1987 baseball card.