1987 Topps Tim Raines #30
Tim Raines · Topps · Base Card
Player
Tim Raines
Set
1987 Topps Base Set
Year
1987
Card #
#30
Condition Grade
PSA 7 (Near Mint). Centering appears slightly shifted left-to-right (approx 65/35). Top-left corner shows minor softening. Surface appears clean but matte wood-grain borders of 1987 Topps are prone to edge chipping.
Category
Base Card
Manufacturer
Topps
Demand Level
Moderate. Tim Raines is a popular Hall of Famer, but this is a high-print-run base card from the 'Junk Wax' era. Demand is driven primarily by set builders and player collectors.
Valuation
Raw (Ungraded) Value
$0.50 - $2.00
Graded Value
PSA 8: $15-25, PSA 9: $45-60, PSA 10: $250-350
Comparable Sales
Recent raw sales range from $0.25 to $3.00 depending on shipping. PSA 9 examples recently sold for $48 and $55. PSA 10 examples are rare due to the wood-grain border sensitivity and command a significant premium ($300+).
Description
A classic 1987 Topps baseball card featuring Hall of Famer Tim Raines in his prime with the Montreal Expos. This card features the iconic faux wood-grain border design that defined the late 1980s hobby. Raines is captured in an action pose on the basepaths, wearing the vintage Expos powder blue-trimmed uniform. The card includes the circular Expos logo in the top left and a blue nameplate at the bottom.
Key Features
Hall of Fame player, iconic 1987 Topps wood-grain design, nostalgic Expos franchise branding.
Authenticity Indicators
Genuine card stock with appropriate pulp texture for the era. The halftone printing dot pattern is consistent with 1987 Topps factory production. Logo and nameplate colors match known authentic examples. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Left-to-right centering is slightly heavy on the left border. Tip of the top-left corner shows very light whitening. Potential micro-chipping on the bottom edge which is common for this brown-bordered set.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as a PWE/Standard Envelope listing), COMC (consignment), or as part of a lot at local card shows.
Selling Tips
Due to the low raw value, grading is not recommended unless you are certain it will achieve a PSA 10. For a card in this condition, list it using 'eBay Standard Envelope' to keep shipping costs under $1.00 for the buyer, which makes sub-$5 cards much easier to sell.