1987 Donruss Baseball Cards: Best Budget-Friendly Collectibles

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set offers collectors a nostalgic trip back to the late 1980s. With its distinctive black borders and wealth of rookie cards, this set remains popular among budget-conscious collectors today. Let’s explore what makes the 1987 Donruss set special and highlight some of the best cards to look for.

What makes the 1987 Donruss set unique?

The 1987 Donruss set stands out for a few key reasons:

• Black borders: The cards feature bold black borders that give them a sleek look.
• Rookie cards: Several future Hall of Famers have rookie cards in this set.
• Affordable: Compared to other 1980s sets, 1987 Donruss remains relatively budget-friendly.
• Large print run: Donruss produced these cards in large quantities, making them readily available.

While not as scarce as some earlier 1980s sets, the 1987 Donruss design and rookie lineup make it an attractive option for collectors on a budget. The black borders are prone to showing wear, so finding well-preserved cards can be challenging.

What are the key rookie cards to look for?

Some of the most valuable rookie cards in the 1987 Donruss set include:

• Greg Maddux (#36)
• Barry Bonds (#361)
• Bo Jackson (#35)
• Barry Larkin (#492)
• Mark McGwire (#46)

These rookie cards of future stars and Hall of Famers form the backbone of the set’s value. Even in raw, ungraded condition, these cards can sell for $10-$30 each in nice shape. Graded examples in mint condition can fetch much higher prices.

How many cards are in the complete 1987 Donruss set?

The 1987 Donruss base set contains 660 cards. This includes:

• 26 Diamond Kings cards
• 20 Rated Rookie cards
• 614 standard player cards

Donruss also produced some insert sets and parallel versions in 1987:

• 60-card All-Star set
• 56-card Highlights set
• 48-card Opening Day set
• 63-piece puzzle cards

A complete set with all the base cards is relatively affordable, usually selling for $20-$40 depending on condition. This makes it an attainable goal for budget-minded collectors looking to own a piece of 1980s baseball card history.

What condition issues should collectors watch for?

The black borders on 1987 Donruss cards are notorious for showing wear easily. When evaluating cards, pay close attention to:

• Chipping along card edges
• White spots on borders
• Corner wear
• Surface scratches
• Centering issues

Because of the dark borders, even minor flaws tend to stand out. This makes high-grade examples quite valuable. When buying raw, ungraded cards, examine them closely under good lighting to spot any condition problems.

How does card grading impact 1987 Donruss values?

Getting cards professionally graded can significantly increase their value, especially for key rookies and stars. For example:

Card	Raw Value	PSA 9 Value	PSA 10 Value
Greg Maddux RC	$5-10	$20-30	$200-300
Barry Bonds RC	$5-10	$15-25	$100-150
Bo Jackson RC	$5-10	$25-40	$150-250

As you can see, mint graded copies can sell for many times more than raw examples. However, grading fees must be factored in when considering this option. For common cards, grading usually isn’t cost-effective unless you’re confident in getting a high grade.

What are some of the most valuable 1987 Donruss cards?

While not as pricey as some earlier 1980s sets, certain 1987 Donruss cards can still command good money in top condition:

1. Greg Maddux Rookie (#36) – $200-300 in PSA 10
2. Barry Bonds Rookie (#361) – $100-150 in PSA 10
3. Bo Jackson Rookie (#35) – $150-250 in PSA 10
4. Mark McGwire Rookie (#46) – $75-125 in PSA 10
5. Barry Larkin Rookie (#492) – $30-50 in PSA 10

Stars like Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, and Nolan Ryan also have valuable cards in the set, especially in high grades. However, most common cards remain very affordable even in nice condition.

How does the 1987 Donruss set compare to other 1987 releases?

The major baseball card manufacturers in 1987 were Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. Here’s how they stack up:

Set	Design	Rookie Cards	Availability
1987 Topps	Wood grain borders	Good selection	Very common
1987 Fleer	Blue borders, cursive names	Solid rookies	Common
1987 Donruss	Black borders	Strong rookie class	Common

While all three sets are readily available, many collectors prefer the look of the Donruss black borders. The Donruss rookie selection is also considered one of the strongest of the three major 1987 sets.

What are some budget-friendly ways to collect 1987 Donruss?

For collectors on a tight budget, there are several affordable ways to enjoy 1987 Donruss cards:

• Buy a complete set: Often cheaper than piecing it together
• Focus on common players: Most can be found for under $1 each
• Look for lower-grade rookies: Even with some wear, still cool to own
• Collect team sets: More manageable than the full 660-card set
• Buy lots: Large card lots often offer good per-card value

You don’t need to spend a fortune to build a nice 1987 Donruss collection. With some patience, you can find good deals on these classic cards.

Are there any rare variations or errors to watch for?

Unlike some sets, 1987 Donruss doesn’t have many notable variations or errors. A few minor ones exist:

• Card #177 Tim Flannery (Padres spelling error)
• Card #168 Candy Maldonado (Wrong photo on some)
• Card #648 Randy O’Neal (Name spelled “O’Neil” on some)

These aren’t particularly valuable but can be fun oddities for specialized collectors. The set is generally very consistent in its production.

How should 1987 Donruss cards be stored and preserved?

To keep your 1987 Donruss cards in good shape:

1. Use penny sleeves and top loaders for valuable cards
2. Store commons in card boxes with dividers
3. Keep cards away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight
4. Handle cards by the edges to avoid fingerprints
5. Consider using acid-free storage materials for long-term preservation

The black borders on these cards make proper storage especially important. Even minor wear can be very noticeable against the dark background.

What are some tips for buying 1987 Donruss cards?

When shopping for 1987 Donruss cards, keep these tips in mind:

• Check card centering carefully
• Look closely for border wear and chipping
• Compare prices across multiple sellers
• Buy from reputable dealers for key rookies
• Consider graded copies for high-value cards
• Beware of reprints and counterfeit rookie cards

Taking your time and being selective can help you build a great collection without overpaying. Don’t be afraid to pass on cards that don’t meet your condition standards.

How has the value of 1987 Donruss cards changed over time?

The value trajectory of 1987 Donruss cards has been interesting:

• Late 1980s: Highly popular when new
• 1990s: Declined as market was flooded
• 2000s: Remained relatively low in value
• 2010s: Began to see renewed interest
• 2020s: Steady increase, especially for graded rookies

While not as valuable as some earlier 1980s sets, 1987 Donruss has seen a resurgence in recent years. Nostalgia and the strong rookie class have helped drive renewed collector interest.

What role do 1987 Donruss cards play in the broader hobby?

The 1987 Donruss set holds an important place in baseball card history:

• Represents the peak of the 1980s card boom
• Features rookies of several Hall of Famers
• Showcases classic 1980s card design elements
• Remains widely recognized even by casual collectors
• Serves as an affordable entry point to vintage cards

While not as scarce or valuable as some earlier sets, 1987 Donruss captures a specific moment in baseball and hobby history. Its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of collectors.

How do 1987 Donruss cards fit into player collections?

For collectors focusing on specific players, 1987 Donruss offers some key cards:

• First Donruss cards of many rookies
• Early career cards of established stars
• Diamond Kings subset features artistic player renderings
• All-Star subset highlights top performers

Whether you collect Hall of Famers or favorite hometown players, chances are good their 1987 Donruss card is an important piece of their cardboard history.

What is the future outlook for 1987 Donruss cards?

Looking ahead, here are some predictions for 1987 Donruss cards:

• Continued steady appreciation for key rookies
• Growing premium for high-grade examples
• Sustained nostalgia-driven interest from 1980s kids
• Potential for renewed interest in overlooked commons
• Likely to remain more affordable than scarcer 1980s sets

While huge price spikes are unlikely, 1987 Donruss should remain a popular, accessible set for years to come. Its mix of rookie potential and 1980s nostalgia gives it enduring appeal.

In conclusion, the 1987 Donruss baseball card set offers budget-conscious collectors a chance to own a piece of cardboard history. With its distinctive design, strong rookie lineup, and general affordability, it’s a set that can be enjoyed by both serious collectors and casual fans alike. Whether you’re chasing pristine graded rookies or just want to recapture some childhood memories, 1987 Donruss has something to offer.