The 1992 Topps set is one of the most iconic and desired among collectors for its memorable rookie cards and stars of the era. While most packs from ’92 hold cards worth around $1-5 today, there are some true gems that can fetch big bucks. Let’s take a look at the 10 highest value 1992 Topps cards that command top dollar on the secondary market.
Coming in at the #10 spot is Derek Jeter rookie card #632. As one of the most famous and accomplished players of his generation, it’s no surprise that Jeter’s Topps debut card from his age 18 season holds value. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, it can sell for around $500-600. Even in lower grades, a Jeter rookie still fetches $50-100 on a good day.
At #9 is the Tom Glavine rookie card #97. Glavine went on to become a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the best left-handed pitchers ever. In a PSA 10 mint condition, his ’92 Topps RC has brought over $650 at auction. Most graded copies sell between $150-400 depending on the grade.
Taking the #8 spot is Kirby Puckett #432. Puckett was already a six-time All-Star and two-time batting champion by 1992, but injuries would cut his career short a few years later. Still, his charisma and leadership made him a fan favorite. A PSA 10 Puckett can sell for $700-800, with lower grades in the $150-300 range.
The #7 card on our list is the Bernie Williams rookie #561. As a lifetime .297 hitter mostly with the Yankees, Williams made five All-Star games and won four Gold Gloves in center field. Condition is key here as a true PSA 10 could potentially break $1,000. Most graded cards sell between $300-600.
At #6 is Jeff Bagwell rookie card #473. Bagwell went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career with the Astros, winning an MVP in 1994. The 1st year star potential and Houston fandom keep Bagwell among the top rookie cards from 1992. A PSA 10 could bring north of $1,000, with $300-800 for lower grades.
The #5 card is Barry Larkin #500. Larkin was already a three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner by ’92, and would be named NL MVP the next season. He’s one of the best shortstops ever, which is why high grade Larkin rookies can sell for $1,200-1,500 in a PSA 10. Most other grades still fetch $300-800.
At #4 is the Mo Vaughn #509 rookie. Big Mo would emerge as one of the game’s premier power hitters, winning an MVP with the Red Sox in 1995. A 10 in pristine condition could potentially sell for $1,500-2,000 given his Boston following and MVP pedigree. Graded Vaughn rookies typically sell between $400-1,000.
The #3 card is the Jimmy Key #523. While not a true “rookie” since Key debuted in ’81, he was an All-Star at the height of his career in ’92 with the Blue Jays. A flawless PSA 10 is tough to find but could sell for over $2,500. Even lower grades usually sell for $500-1,000.
The #2 card on the list another uber-popular shortstop – Cal Ripken Jr. #523. Already a two-time AL MVP by ’92, Ripken was on his way to breaking Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. Needless to say, any Ripken card from the era holds huge nostalgia. A PSA 10 can sell for $2,500-3,500. Most other grades still fetch $1,000-2,000.
And finally, at the #1 spot is none other than Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card #1. The most iconic and valuable card from the entire set. Known simply as “The Kid”, Griffey was already a budding superstar by age 22. Condition is everything here, as a black label PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey rookie has sold for upwards of $5,000-10,000 in recent years. Even lower grades still command $1,000-3,000 for this true holy grail of a card.
While the majority of 1992 Topps cards hold fairly modest value, there are always going to be big money cards from sets that featured true future Hall of Famers, MVPs, and superstars like Griffey, Ripken, Bagwell, and others. For collectors and investors, it pays to have an eye out for these true blue chip cards that can appreciate significantly over time. The high grade rookies and stars from ’92 will likely only increase in demand and price as the years march on.