The 2002 Topps baseball card set marked the start of a new decade and featured some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time. While not considered one of the most iconic years, the 2002 Topps set contains several extremely valuable rookie and star player cards that have increased dramatically in price over the past 20 years. Here are the 10 most valuable 2002 Topps baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition prices:
Vladimir Guerrero (#183) – Around $150-200
Vladimir Guerrero was one of the most feared hitters of his generation with his smooth left-handed swing and ability to hit for both power and average. In 2002, Guerrero was in his prime with the Montreal Expos and considered one of the top outfielders in baseball. While not his rookie card, Guerrero’s 2002 Topps base card still holds value as it captures him during his peak years. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $150-200.
Ichiro Suzuki (#337) – Around $200-250
Ichiro Suzuki broke onto the MLB scene in 2001 with the Seattle Mariners and immediately became a huge star by winning the AL Rookie of the Year and batting title. His 2002 Topps card was his true rookie in the set and remains a key piece for any Ichiro PC. PSA 10 examples reflecting his exciting debut season have brought in the $200-250 range.
Rafael Furcal (#630) – Around $250-300
Rafael Furcal’s magical rookie season of 2000 saw him finish third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting with the Atlanta Braves. By 2002, he had solidified his spot in the Braves lineup and was considered one of the best young shortstops in baseball. Furcal’s shiny 2002 Topps rookie continues to be a sought-after card for collectors, with PSA 10’s bringing over $250.
Barry Bonds (#232) – Around $300-350
Barry Bonds was already a living legend by 2002 after winning 4 MVPs in 5 years leading up to that season. But starting in 2001, he began his infamous steroid-fueled run that saw him shatter the single season HR record. Bonds’ intimidating presence in his Giants uniform during those peak years makes his sharp looking 2002 Topps base card a hot commodity for collectors, with PSA 10’s around $300-350.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#248) – Around $350-400
Even after numerous injuries slowed him down, Ken Griffey Jr. remained one of the most beloved players in baseball during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless style in the outfield made him a fan favorite. Griffey’s high-gloss 2002 Topps base card depicting him during his Reds tenure has proven to be a steady riser, with PSA 10’s currently in the $350-400 range.
Alfonso Soriano (#299) – Around $400-450
Alfonso Soriano broke out in a huge way in 2002 with the Yankees, smashing 39 home runs and stealing 41 bases on his way to becoming an All-Star. His intimidating power/speed combo made him one of the game’s most exciting players. Soriano’s sharp looking rookie card has fans and investors keenly interested, with PSA 10’s commanding $400-450.
Miguel Cabrera (#499) – Around $450-500
Even as a 19-year-old rookie with the Marlins in 2002, Miguel Cabrera showed the talent and polish that would make him a future Hall of Famer. While not histrueRC(whichis2003Topps),his’02debut card was the first glimpse collectors had of his legendary abilities. High-grade examples have proven to be a solid long term hold, with PSA 10’s at $450-500.
Alex Rodriguez (#601) – Around $550-600
Already a 3-time AL All-Star and MVP with the Mariners, Alex Rodriguez took his game to new heights after being traded to the Rangers following the 2000 season. The 2002 Topps card capturing A-Rod during one of his finest individual seasons continues to hold tremendous nostalgia and allure for collectors. PSA 10 examples can bring over $550.
Jason Giambi (#674) – Around $600-650
After winning the 2000 AL MVP award with the Oakland A’s, Jason Giambi enjoyed one of the finest individual seasons of his career in 2002 by batting .314 with 41 HR’s for the Yankees. This star-studded card showcasing Giambi in his Yankee pinstripes during that huge season has quickly become one of the most expensive modern rookie cards, with PSA 10’s at $600-650.
Barry Bonds (#232 SP) – Around $700-750
For collectors wanting the true crown jewel of the 2002 set, look no further than Barry Bonds’ prized autograph parallel short print variation (#232 SP). Only available one per case, obtaining Bonds’ imposing autograph from the year he broke the single season HR record is the Holy Grail. Recent PSA 10 sales have soared well above $700.
While not always considered a “classic” year, the 2002 Topps baseball set witnessed stars like A-Rod, Bonds, Cabrera and more performing at the peak of their powers. Combined with the strong rookie class of Soriano, Furcal and others, it’s easy to see why so many sought-after gems emerged from that production run. Two decades later, the leading rarities from ’02 Topps like the Bonds SP continue to attract serious collector demand and shatter price barriers. With the recent surge in vintage sports card interest, there’s little doubt the values of these elite ’02 rookies and stars profiled here will keep appreciating over time.
