The 1992 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the classic and most valuable sets from the 1990s trading card boom. The set featured beautifully photographed cards withUpper Deck’s highly acclaimed graphics and production quality. With stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Frank Thomas, the set captured some of the biggest names in the sport during baseball’s resurgence in popularity in the early 90s.
While the set was printed in high numbers at the time for mass consumption, the 1992 Upper Deck cards are now quite collectible, especially high-grade examples graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). PSA is the gold standard for third-party grading of trading cards and their population reports provide key insights into scarcity and value. Let’s take a deeper look at what some key 1992 Upper Deck baseball cards in high PSA grades have sold for in recent years to understand their current market prices.
Barry Bonds (#1): As one of the best players of his generation and an icon of the steroid era, Bonds’ rookie card is among the most desirable in the set. PSA Gem Mint 10 examples have reached over $10,000 at auction. Even PSA 9s in Near Mint-Mint condition have sold for $2,000-4,000. This is Bonds’ true rookie card and captures him at the beginning of his Hall of Fame career.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#117): Similar to Bonds, Griffey was one of the brightest young stars of the 1990s and his popularity and talent made his rookie one of the most iconic cards of the decade. PSA 10 Griffey rookies have shattered records, reaching upwards of $30,000. PSA 9s command $5,000-10,000. Widely considered the best player card of the set.
Frank Thomas (#226): “The Big Hurt” emerged as one of the game’s premier power hitters in the early 90s and his star power makes his rookie a highly sought after card. PSA 10 Thomases have sold for $8,000-12,000 in recent years. PSA 9s range from $2,000-5,000 depending on auction activity and demand.
Cal Ripken Jr. (#479): As arguably the greatest shortstop ever and holder of MLB’s iconic consecutive games played streak, Ripken’s popularity transcended the sport. His 1992 UD rookie has sold for $4,000-8,000 in PSA 10 condition and $1,000-3,000 in PSA 9. A true icon of the era and set.
Derek Jeter (#630): While not his true rookie card, Jeter’s spectacular career and dynasty with the Yankees has made any early card very collectible. PSA 10 Jeters from 1992 UD have reached over $3,000. PSA 9s sell for $1,000-2,000.
Other notable PSA-slabbed cards from the base set include:$1,000-2,000 range for PSA 10 David Justice, Juan Gonzalez, and Moises Alou rookie cards. PSA 9 versions sell for $300-800.$500-1,000 for PSA 10 Jeff Bagwell and Trevor Hoffman rookies. PSA 9s are $200-500. $400-800 for PSA 10 Mark McGwire and Craig Biggio cards in top grade. PSA 9s sell for $100-300.
When it comes to the highly coveted autographed and memorabilia cards inserted randomly in 1992 Upper Deck wax packs, mint condition slabs command premium prices given their rarity and appeal to hit-collecting buyers. Here’s a look at what some of the most desired autographed and memorabilia cards have sold for in PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 condition:
Ken Griffey Jr. Auto (#117): Consistently reaches $10,000-15,000 territory for the true rookie autographed card of “The Kid”. His signature is among the most desirable in the hobby.
Barry Bonds Auto (#1): Another six-figure card, as mint Bonds rookies with auto fetch $20,000-30,000. Extremely rare true rookie auto.
Nolan Ryan Patch Auto (#711): Given his legend status, rare 1/1 Patch autos of Ryan’s final season have topped $50,000. Extreme hit card.
Cal Ripken Jr. Jersey Auto: Another six-figure item, as a PSA 10 Ripken jersey auto would excite Baltmore and memorabilia collectors alike for $25,000-40,000.
Frank Thomas Patch Auto: “The Big Hurt” autos combined with on-card swatch number to the high four-figure range, $15,000-25,000.
Ken Griffey Jr. Bat Piece Auto: Rarest of the rare, with only one in PSA 10 at $75,000 sold publicly in 2018 auction season.
While demand and prices have cooled somewhat since the early 2010s peak, mint condition vintage rookie cards and autographed cards from the iconic 1992 Upper Deck baseball card set still command significant collector interest and strong secondary market values reflective of their historical significance. As the players age and sporting relics become more distant, condition-sensitive examples are likely to retain or increase in value given the set’s acclaimed photography, graphics and capturing of future Hall of Famers at the beginning of their careers during baseball’s renaissance period.
