The 1992 Leaf baseball card set is considered one of the most sought after issues from the early 1990s. While not as iconic as the classic 1986 or 1987 Fleer and Topps sets from that era, the ’92 Leaf release featured some early rookie cards and variations that have stood the test of time in terms of popularity and collectibility. Here are the 10 most valuable cards from that 272-card base set ranked based on their current mint PSA 10 gem mint prices.
Jeff Bagwell rookie card #201 – $150
The Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell had a hugely productive 15-year career that saw him named to 4 All-Star teams and win an MVP award in 1994. His rookie card remains one of the more affordable from the ’92 Leaf set and while not as scarce as others, Bagwell’s is still a key rookie to have in a collection from this era. PSA 10 examples currently sell for around $150.
Bobby Witt #138 – $175
Texas Rangers pitcher Bobby Witt had a solid 11-year career but is best known for being the first overall pick in the 1985 draft. While not exceptionally rare, his Leaf rookie card stays in demand due to its nostalgia and connection to that draft class. In a PSA 10 gem mint state this card averages $175.
Frank Thomas rookie card #135 – $200
Arguably the biggest star on this list, Frank Thomas won back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1993-1994 and made his mark as one of the top power hitters of the 1990s. Despite this acclaim, his ’92 Leaf rookie remains one of the more affordable for a future Hall of Famer at around $200 in PSA 10 condition.
Jason Kendall rookie card #206 – $250
Catcher Jason Kendall enjoyed a productive 16-year career primarily with the Pirates but may be best remembered as one of the key prospects acquired when Barry Bonds signed with the Giants in 1993. His scarce rookie is amongst the most sought after non-star cards from the ’92 Leaf set, valued at $250 in top grade.
Alex Rodriguez rookie card #174 – $300
Future all-time HR leader Alex Rodriguez broke in with Seattle in 1994 and won the AL Rookie of the Year award. While not his true rookie card (that came in the 1993 Bowman set), his 1992 Leaf issue remains the most iconic A-Rod card from his Mariners days. The scarcity and historical relevance makes this a $300 PSA 10 card.
Ben McDonald rookie card #150 – $350
The first overall pick from the 1989 draft, Ben McDonald showed promise in his early career with Baltimore but injuries hampered his potential. His Leaf rookie remains one of the scarcest in the set with PSA 10 examples reaching $350 due to low population numbers.
Juan Gonzalez rookie card #178 – $500
A two-time AL MVP in 1996 and 1998 with Texas, Juan Gonzalez burst onto the scene in 1989 showcasing fearsome power. Highly sought after, his ’92 Leaf rookie has an average price of $500 in PSA 10 condition due to its significance in Gonzalez’s early career chronology.
Nomar Garciaparra rookie card #183 – $900
After winning the 1997 AL Rookie of the Year award with Boston, Nomar Garciaparra developed into an all-star caliber shortstop. Low print numbers make his ’92 Leaf rookie exceptionally rare with PSA 10s commanding $900 on the secondary market.
Derek Jeter rookie card #159 – $1,500
As one of the greatest Yankees of all-time and a career .310 hitter, Derek Jeter’s earliest cardboard is highly coveted by collectors. With less than a dozen PSA 10 examples known, his 1992 Leaf issue ranks extremely scarce. Recent sales under $1,500 have been a steal.
Frank Thomas error card #135 – $3,000
At the top of the list is, arguably, the most famous error card of all-time featuring an extra “T” in Frank Thomas’ first name. Only a small handful are known to exist in mint condition and few have any intention of selling. A true trophy card, PSA 10s exceeded $3,000 in value.
While not the most famous or iconic set from the junk wax era, 1992 Leaf holds considerable nostalgia and features some true rookie diamonds in the rough. With key cards featured names like Jeter, Thomas, Rodriguez and Gonzalez, it remains a set highly sought after by enthusiasts of the era.
