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Sports CardsCommon

Mark McGwire 1987 Highlights— Value & Price Guide

1988 Score1988Score#659

Market Valuation

HOLD

Fair Market Value

$1.50

0
Low
$0.50
Median
$1.50
High
$3.00
0%long-term
AI Estimate

Expert Analysis

This 1988 Score Mark McGwire card is a common base card from a mass-produced era, and its value is relatively low. While McGwire was a significant player, this particular card does not command a high premium. Holding it for sentimental value or as part of a complete set is reasonable, but it is not expected to appreciate significantly in the near future. If you have a graded Gem Mint (PSA 10) version, it might fetch a slightly higher price, but raw copies typically sell for under $5.

Market Analysis & Price Trends

Based on current market data, the Mark McGwire 1987 Highlights has a current fair market value of $1.50 with prices ranging from $0.50 to $3.00.

Market trends show stable movement over the past long-term, with a flat price change. This is a common base card from a mass-produced set, and historical sales data for similar common cards from this era suggests a stable, low-value market. There are no recent sales to indicate any significant price movement.

Our AI analysis rates this card as a HOLD. This 1988 Score Mark McGwire card is a common base card from a mass-produced era, and its value is relatively low. While McGwire was a significant player, this particular card does not command a high premium. Holding it for sentimental value or as part of a complete set is reasonable, but it is not expected to appreciate significantly in the near future. If you have a graded Gem Mint (PSA 10) version, it might fetch a slightly higher price, but raw copies typically sell for under $5.

Collecting Insights

This card is a Common rarity, Base variant, from the 1988 Score set, released in 1988. Collectors value this card for its unique attributes and market positioning.

Notable features include: Vintage baseball card (late 1980s), Features Mark McGwire, a prolific home run hitter, Common base card from a mass-produced set, Highlights his record-breaking rookie season. These characteristics contribute to the card's collectibility and market demand.

McGwire's card value is driven by his status as one of baseball's most prolific home run hitters and his involvement in the historic 1998 home run chase, despite the later steroid admission which has impacted his Hall of Fame eligibility and some collector interest.

Key Features

  • Vintage baseball card (late 1980s)
  • Features Mark McGwire, a prolific home run hitter
  • Common base card from a mass-produced set
  • Highlights his record-breaking rookie season

Quick Facts

  • Mark McGwire is one of only nine players in MLB history to hit over 580 career home runs, ranking 11th all-time.
  • He set the rookie home run record in 1987 with 49, a record that stood for 30 years until Aaron Judge broke it.
  • McGwire was a central figure in the 1998 home run chase, where he and Sammy Sosa captivated the nation by breaking Roger Maris's single-season record.
  • Despite his incredible power, McGwire won a Gold Glove at first base in 1990, showcasing his defensive skills early in his career.
  • His 1988 Score card captures the excitement around his record-breaking 1987 rookie season, making it a nostalgic piece for many collectors.

Grading ROI Estimate

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Estimated value after professional grading, based on typical grade multipliers for this price range.

GradeEst. ValueCostNet Profit
PSA 10$5.25$25.00-$21.25
PSA 9$2.70$25.00-$23.80
BGS 9.5$3.75$30.00-$27.75
CGC 9.8$3.00$22.00-$20.50

Estimates based on typical grade multipliers. Actual values vary by card popularity, scarcity, and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on recent verified eBay sold listings, the Mark McGwire 1987 Highlights has a fair market value of $1.50. Prices range from $0.50 to $3.00 depending on condition and seller. Values are updated regularly based on real transaction data.

Mark McGwire 1987 Highlights Base - Trading Card Image

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Last updated5/10/2026

About the Mark McGwire 1987 Highlights

Mark McGwire's iconic power is captured on his 1988 Score card, specifically the "1987 Highlights" subset. This piece celebrates a pivotal year for Big Mac, showcasing his rookie season prowess where he blasted 49 home runs, setting a new MLB rookie record. While not his true rookie card, this 1988 Score issue remains a popular early career collectible for fans of the Oakland Athletics slugger. Its affordability makes it an accessible entry point for collectors looking to own a piece of McGwire's historic journey, reflecting a time before his record-breaking home run chase. It's a nostalgic snapshot of a player who redefined power hitting in the late 80s.

Career Highlights

  • 1989 World Series Champion (player)
  • 2011 World Series Champion (coach)
  • MLB record for at bats per home run ratio (10.6)
  • Former record holder for home runs in a single season (70 in 1998)
  • Former record holder for home runs by a rookie (49 in 1987)
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