The 1992 Topps baseball card set featured some of the all-time greats of the era like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr. and Roberto Alomar. While the entire set isn’t considered the most valuable compared to rookie cards from the 80s, there are still quite a few cards from the 1992 Topps set that can fetch good money depending on the grade and condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 1992 Topps baseball cards that consistently sell for the most on the secondary market.
One of the obvious choices is the Barry Bonds rookie card. Bonds would go on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and shatter the single season home run record. His iconic 1992 Topps rookie card is highly sought after by collectors. In near mint to mint condition, graded PSA 8-10, Bonds rookie routinely sells for $100-$200. Higher graded mint copies in PSA 9-10 can reach up to $500-1000. While not as valuable as some other star rookies of the era, Bonds is arguably the greatest player of his generation so his rookie maintains strong demand.
Another star rookie is Ken Griffey Jr. who was already one of the most exciting young players in 1992. Griffey became one of the faces of the sport in the 1990s. In PSA 8-10 condition, his rookie typically sells in the $50-$150 range. Pristine PSA 10 versions can reach over $300. Like Bonds, Griffey’s on-field exploits and popularity as a player keep interest high in his rookie card from collectors. Condition is crucial, so higher grades demand a significant premium.
Cal Ripken Jr.’s consecutive games played streak was the sports story of the early 1990s. By 1992, Ripken was already a two-time AL MVP and regarded as the iron man of baseball. His 1992 Topps card isn’t technically a rookie but it remains one of the most desirable cards from the set, especially for Orioles fans. In PSA 8-10 condition, Ripken’s 1992 card sells for $30-100. Top grades of PSA 10 can reach $150-300 depending on the market. Durability, consistency and awards make Ripken one of the iconic players of his generation.
Another star player who had an MVP caliber season in 1992 was Roberto Alomar. Fresh off winning a Gold Glove and batting title in 1991, Alomar had one of his finest campaigns, hitting .295 with 14 home runs and 54 RBI for the Padres and Blue Jays. Considered one of the finest fielding second basemen ever, Alomar’s 1992 Topps card is popular for collector sets highlighting his accomplishments. PSA 8-10 versions trade hands in the $15-50 range. Like the other stars, pristine PSA 10 condition increases value significantly to $75-150.
While rookies and stars receive most of the attention, one underrated 1992 Topps card that can still fetch a good price is Nolan Ryan’s final season card with the Rangers. Known as “The Ryan Express”, he was still pitching effectively into his mid-40s, appearing in 31 games with a 4.72 ERA in 1992. Among collectors who appreciate Ryan’s legendary status as a strikeout king and longevity record holder, his final season Topps card can sell for $5-15 in PSA 8-10 condition. Higher grades around PSA 9 pull in $20-40.
Another interesting valuable 1992 Topps card belongs to Devon White. As a Gold Glove center fielder for the Blue Jays, White had a strong season, batting .255 with 13 home runs and 59 RBI. But it’s the rarity of his photo negative printing plate parallel card that makes it so desirable for collectors. Only 50 of these parallel plates were produced instead of the traditional printing process. In Gem Mint PSA 10 condition, White’s negative plates have sold for upwards of $800 due to their ultra-limited production run. Condition is everything for these especially since they are printing plates and not true baseball cards.
The 1992 Topps set has maintained interest from collectors but it doesn’t command the highest prices of the late 80s rookie booms. Still, there are always opportunities to find valuable gems whether it’s star rookies, serial numbered parallels or well-known veterans chasing career milestones. For the biggest players of the time like Bonds, Griffey and Ripken, their 1992 Topps cards remain a core part of their collectibles portfolio. With the right grade, condition and collector interest, there is money to be made by recognizing the most desirable 1992 issues.
