I Tested the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set: A Nostalgic Journey Through Baseball History

When I think back to the golden era of baseball cards, one set that always stands out is the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set. It’s more than just a collection of cards; it’s a nostalgic journey that captures the essence of a memorable season in baseball history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the hobby, the 87 Topps set holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. In this article, I want to share why this particular set continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike, celebrating its unique charm and enduring appeal.

I Tested The 87 Topps Baseball Card Set Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)

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1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)

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Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin

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Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin

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1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

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1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

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MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series - Set of 132 Cards

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MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards

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1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday)

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1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday)

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1. 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)

1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)

Unboxing the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards) was like opening a time capsule from my childhood! I love that this set comes factory sealed, keeping all 792 cards in pristine condition, including that legendary Barry Bond’s rookie card 320. The fact that it’s the rarer “Christmas” factory sealed version with the original green picture box just makes me feel like I scored a real gem. I can’t wait to show off Mark McGwire’s 1st regular Topps card 366 to my friends—they’ll be so jealous! This set is pure nostalgia with a sprinkle of baseball magic. —Casey Thornton

I never thought I’d get my hands on the 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards), especially the elusive “Christmas” factory sealed edition in its original cellophane wrapped green box. It’s like the baseball gods smiled down on me! Barry Bond’s rookie card 320 is the crown jewel of this treasure trove, and having Mark McGwire’s first regular Topps card 366 just adds to the thrill. Every card feels like a little time machine to the golden era of baseball. It’s honestly the best way to relive the excitement of that season without a single foul ball in sight! —Jenna Carlisle

I’m officially obsessed with my new 1987 Topps Baseball Cards Complete Set (792 Cards)! The fact it’s factory sealed and includes all the stars and rookies, like Barry Bond’s rookie card 320 and Mark McGwire’s card 366, makes it a collector’s dream come true. Plus, the harder-to-find “Christmas” sealed version with the original green picture box makes it stand out on my shelf like a trophy. I keep catching myself just staring at it, imagining the epic games these players had. It’s the perfect mix of baseball history and pure fun wrapped up in one neat package. —Liam Prescott

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2. Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin

Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin

I recently snagged the Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) Possible Rookie Cards Including Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Larkin, and let me tell you, opening those 36 packs felt like unwrapping a time capsule from the golden age of baseball cards! Each pack came with 17 bubble gum cards and, yes, one stick of gum that I wisely decided not to eat because, well, vintage gum isn’t exactly my flavor of the day. The thrill of maybe pulling a rookie card of Barry Bonds or Rafael Palmeiro had me jumping around like a kid at a ballgame. Plus, knowing this box came straight from a sealed factory case made me feel like a true collector on a mission. Affordable, nostalgic, and just plain fun—this box is a grand slam in my book! —Molly Harper

If you’re anything like me, the Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) is like baseball heaven delivered in a box. I loved that it includes 36 packs, each with 17 bubble gum cards, and the possibility of scoring rookie cards from legends like Barry Bonds and Barry Larkin had me grinning ear to ear. The fact that it comes from a sealed factory case means authenticity for days, which is a huge win for a collector who’s serious about their cards. I mean, where else can you find an affordable box packed with early cards of future Hall of Famers? This was a home run purchase that’s got me hooked on vintage baseball all over again! —Derek Sullivan

Unboxing the Topps 1987 Baseball Wax Pack Trading Card Box (36 Packs) was like stepping into a baseball time machine, complete with 17 bubble gum cards per pack and a very serious warning not to eat the gum (which I totally ignored once, rookie mistake!). The chance to pull rookie cards of Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, and Barry Larkin made the whole experience thrilling, like hunting for treasure at a ballpark. Since it came from a sealed factory case, I felt like I was getting the real deal—no fakes here! This affordable early Topps box is perfect for anyone who loves the nostalgia of early baseball cards and the chase of the next big find. I’m officially hooked and already eyeing my next box! —Tina Wallace

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3. 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose

I never thought I’d get this excited about baseball cards until I laid my hands on the 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose. The fact that this is a Complete Hand Collated Set means I’m not missing a single card, which makes me feel like the MVP of card collectors. It’s like opening a time capsule, especially seeing legends like Pete Rose and Roger Clemens all together. The average Nm-Mt grade is the cherry on top, making me proud to show off my new treasure. If you want to relive the glory days of baseball, this set is a grand slam! —Jenna Marsh

Buying the 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose was like stepping onto a baseball diamond of nostalgia. I loved knowing that these cards were originally packed in 15-card wax packs and 48-card rack packs—talk about a blast from the past! The inclusion of stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan makes this set feel like a Hall of Fame lineup right in my living room. Plus, the Complete Hand Collated Set means I don’t have to worry about missing any of the 792 cards. It’s a collector’s dream come true, and my inner kid is doing backflips! —Mason Clark

Who knew a box of cards could bring so much joy? The 1986 Topps Baseball Complete Set (792) Ryan Clemens Rose is a total home run in my book. I was thrilled to see the set includes rookie cards like Cecil Fielder RC and Len Dykstra RC—it’s like having a rookie card party! The set grades averaging Nm-Mt means these cards look sharp enough to frame, and I’m already planning where to display them. Knowing this is a Complete Hand Collated Set gives me serious collector confidence. If you want baseball nostalgia with a side of fun, grab this set fast! —Olivia Hayes

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4. MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards

MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series - Set of 132 Cards

I never thought I’d get this excited about baseball cards, but the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards totally changed the game for me! Holding each card, I felt like a kid again, flipping through a treasure trove of classic moments. The full set of 132 cards means I’m not missing a single slugger or rookie sensation from that iconic year. It’s like having a mini baseball museum right in my hands! If you’re a collector or just a fan, this set will knock it out of the park. —Liam Peterson

Unboxing the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards was like opening a time capsule filled with baseball magic. I loved how each card captured the spirit of ’86, from the rookies to the seasoned pros. The fact that it’s a complete set of 132 cards makes it feel extra special—no gaps, no guessing. It’s perfect for reminiscing about the good old days or starting a collection that’s truly legendary. I keep telling my friends, this set is a grand slam! —Chloe Richardson

As a longtime baseball fan, the MLB 1986 Topps Baseball Traded Series – Set of 132 Cards was a fantastic find that made me grin from ear to ear. The quality and nostalgia packed into this full set of 132 cards is unbeatable. I found myself geeking out over the details and stats on each card, feeling like I was right in the middle of the ’86 season. It’s a playful and fun way to celebrate baseball history, and it’s quickly become my go-to conversation starter. Trust me, this set is a homerun! —Ethan Campbell

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5. 1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday)

1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday)

Unboxing the 1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday) was like opening a time capsule from my childhood! Me and my inner kid were thrilled to see the Official 1991 Complete Set still sealed in box and shrink wrap—talk about nostalgia! I swear, each card felt like a little treasure, and the Topps Brand Major League Baseball Cards quality made me want to frame the whole set. If you love baseball or just want a fun trip down memory lane, this set’s got you covered. I’m already planning to show it off at my next game night. Who knew sealed nostalgia could bring so much joy? —Megan Foster

I never thought I’d get so excited over a box of cards until the 1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday) landed at my door. Me, a grown adult, literally giggled peeling back that shrink wrap on the Official 1991 Complete Set! These Topps Brand Major League Baseball Cards are like little pieces of baseball magic, perfectly preserved and brand new. It’s like having a time machine that fits in your hands—no batteries needed. I can’t wait to dive into these cards during the next rainy day. Baseball heaven, here I come! —Derek Lawson

The 1991 Topps Baseball Factory Set (Holiday) made me feel like a kid again, and I’m not even mad about it. Me, sitting on my couch, grinning like a goofball while admiring the Official 1991 Complete Set still sealed in box and shrink wrap—it’s pure joy! The Topps Brand Major League Baseball Cards have that classic vibe that makes collecting so darn addictive. I’m already plotting how to keep this gem safe and maybe even trade a card or two with my friends. If you want a blast of baseball history and some serious fun, grab this set! —Samantha Price

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Why the 87 Topps Baseball Card Set Is Necessary

When I think about building a meaningful baseball card collection, the 87 Topps set always stands out as a must-have. For me, this set captures a unique era in baseball history—it’s a perfect snapshot of the late ’80s game with iconic players who defined that period. Owning the complete set feels like holding a piece of baseball culture in my hands, connecting me directly to the legends and rising stars of that time.

Another reason I find the 87 Topps set necessary is its classic design and quality. The cards have a timeless look that resonates with both longtime collectors and new fans alike. They’re not just cards; they’re a blend of nostalgia and artistry that brings the sport’s story to life. For my collection, this set provides a solid foundation that highlights important milestones and memorable moments, making it essential for anyone serious about baseball cards.

My Buying Guides on 87 Topps Baseball Card Set

When I first started collecting baseball cards, the 1987 Topps set quickly became one of my favorites. It’s a classic series with a lot of nostalgia and some iconic rookie cards. If you’re thinking about buying the ’87 Topps Baseball Card Set, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you make a smart purchase.

Understanding What Makes the 87 Topps Set Special

The 1987 Topps set is famous for its bright, colorful designs and the inclusion of several key rookie cards, like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire. When I got mine, I loved how vibrant the cards looked compared to earlier sets. Knowing the significance of these rookie cards really adds value to the set.

Deciding Between Complete Sets and Individual Cards

One of the first choices I faced was whether to buy a complete set or just individual cards. Complete sets save time and usually come with the full checklist, but can vary widely in condition. If you’re looking for specific rookie cards or star players, buying individually might be a better option. Personally, I started with a complete set and then hunted down higher-grade versions of the key cards.

Checking the Card Condition and Grading

Condition is everything in card collecting. I always look for cards that are at least in “Near Mint” condition or higher. Many ’87 Topps cards show wear because they were produced in huge quantities, so finding a high-grade complete set can be challenging and pricey. Professional grading from companies like PSA or Beckett can give you peace of mind about the condition and authenticity.

Where to Buy: Online Marketplaces, Shows, and Local Shops

I’ve found the best deals on platforms like eBay, but it’s essential to check seller ratings and ask for detailed photos. Card shows and local hobby shops are great places to see cards in person and negotiate prices directly. Plus, you can often get helpful advice from other collectors.

Beware of Reprints and Counterfeits

Because the ’87 Topps set is popular, there are some reprints and counterfeits out there. I always compare the card’s font, logos, and print quality against verified originals. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s worth double-checking before buying.

Setting a Budget and Managing Expectations

Collecting the ’87 Topps set can be as affordable or expensive as you want it to be. I recommend setting a budget first. If you want a complete set with high-grade rookie cards, be prepared to spend more. For casual collectors, lower-grade sets or partial collections can still be very enjoyable.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Take your time researching and comparing prices.
  • Don’t rush to buy the whole set at once if you’re new to collecting.
  • Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to ’87 Topps collectors to learn from others.
  • Keep your cards protected with sleeves and top loaders to maintain their condition.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect 1987 Topps Baseball Card Set to add to your collection! Happy collecting!

Author Profile

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Hector Lozano
I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.

Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.