The 1992 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the hobby. While it may lack the nostalgia and historical significance of older sets from the 1950s and 1960s, the ’92 Topps release is tremendously popular with collectors and contains several of the sport’s biggest stars from that time period. Not surprisingly, with such high-profile players featured, many of the cards from this 792-card checklist have escalated greatly in value over the past few decades. Several sell now for thousands of dollars in top-graded condition.
While any investment carries risk and past performance does not guarantee future results, the 1992 Topps set provides a glimpse into some cards that have stood the test of time and maintained strong collector demand. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1992 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market today based on recent sales data:
Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Widely considered the biggest star and most coveted card from the ’92 Topps set, the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card has become one of the true icons of the modern baseball card era. Even relatively low-graded versions can sell for $300-500. Near-mint to mint PSA/BGS 9-10 copies, however, break all records, with several topping $10,000 in recent auction results. The card’s appeal comes not only from Griffey’s legendary career, but also his vibrant smiling image featured prominently on the card front.
Barry Bonds #206 – As one of the most prolific home run hitters in MLB history, Barry Bonds’ 1992 Topps rookie card retains strong allure despite the controversy surrounding his later career. Near-mint PSA 9 examples often sell for $1,000-2,000, with flawless mint PSA 10 cards reaching $5,000-$8,000 or more. No rookie is more storied than Griffey’s, but Bonds still has one of the most desirable inaugural issues from the set.
Derek Jeter #6 – The captain and face of the Yankees dynasty for two decades, Derek Jeter’s rookie is coveted not just due to his career achievements but the iconic pinstripes imagery on the front. PSA 9 copies get $500-1,000, while PSA 10 GEM MT examples can go for $2,500-$4,000. Condition sensitive buyers are willing to pay a premium for true mint status here.
Albert Belle #687 – Known best for his prodigious home run power, Albert Belle’s explosive career was somewhat underappreciated before injuries cut it short. His rookie nonetheless retains strong interest, with PSA 9s selling $300-500 and rare PSA 10 examples reaching $1,200+. Belle fans and Indians collectors are willing to pay up for this bruising slugger’s prestigious first card.
Chipper Jones #640 – As one of baseball’s all-time great third basemen and the face of the Atlanta Braves dynasty, Chipper Jones’ rookie remains a premier issue from the set. Even well-loved PSA 9s can sell for $600-900, while PSA 10 gem mint copies trade hands for $1,800-$2,500 at auction. Few young players ever had a career as storied as Jones’.
Tom Glavine #566 – One of just three Hall of Fame pitchers featured as rookies in the set (along with Piazza and Maddux), Tom Glavine’s strong career credentials and two Cy Young Awards give his card lasting appeal. Respectable PSA 9 copies sell for $400-700, with PSA 10 singles rarely available but reaching over $1,500. Glavine was a star from the very beginning.
Mike Piazza #512 – Arguably the greatest hitting catcher in baseball history, Mike Piazza’s esteemed rookie remains a standout from 1992 Topps. Even lower grade PSA 8 copies can bring $300-500 currently, while strong PSA 9 samples fetch $700-1,000. True gem mint PSA 10 Piazzas escalate all the way up to $2,000-3,000. Future Hall of Famers simply don’t have rookie cards much more desirable than Piazza’s.
Greg Maddux #557 – Along with Tom Glavine, Maddux comprised one half of the historic Braves rotation that led the team to dominance in the 1990s. His impressive rookie card maintains demand too, with PSA 9s selling for $400-700 and rare PSA 10 specimens reaching the $1,500 range at auction. Four Cy Young Awards puts Maddux among the best pitchers ever.
Frank Thomas #630 – “The Big Hurt” went on to have one of the most prolific power hitting careers for a lefty slugger in baseball annals. His intimidating rookie image remains a standout from the set, with PSA 9s easily clearing $400-700. True gem mint PSA 10 Thomas’ have topped $2,000 before. Few players embodied raw strength at the plate like Frank Thomas in his prime.
Fred McGriff #474 – Nicknamed “Crime Dog,” Fred McGriff’s reliability and consistency at first base and as a middle-of-the-order left-handed power threat kept him a feared hitter for 19 big league seasons. His rookie card has found renewed interest, with PSA 9 copies selling between $300-500 on the secondary market presently. A real gem PSA 10 could potentially bring over $1,000.
Roberto Alomar #99 – Widely considered one of the finest all-around players of his generation, Roberto Alomar smashed defenses both at the plate and in the field with smooth grace over 17 MLB campaigns. High-grade versions of his acclaimed rookie still trade hands actively, with PSA 9s bringing $400-700 and flawless PSA 10s reaching the $1,000-1,500 echelon.
This covers many of the most expensive and sought-after 1992 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market based on recent auction prices and sales data. As with any collectibles, condition and scarcity factor heavily into prices – but the names above have proven to withstand the test of time based on the incredible careers and feats of the players depicted. For avid vintage collectors, these diamonds in the rough from the ’92 Topps set remain premier investment targets from the modern card era.
