The 1992 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the 1992 MLB season and featured cards of players from the previous season. Nearly 30 years later, there are a number of stars and memorable rookie cards from the ’92 Topps set that hold significant value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from this set that are highly sought after.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from the ’92 Topps set is Griffey Jr. Ken Griffey Jr. had just begun what would become a legendary career with the Seattle Mariners in 1991 after being drafted No. 1 overall in 1987. His rookie card from the ’92 Topps set is one of the most iconic in the hobby. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, this card has sold for over $10,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or BGS 9, Griffey Jr.’s rookie still commands prices of $500-1000. The card’s rarity coupled with Griffey’s superstar status and iconic Upper Deck rookie from 1989 make this one of the crown jewels for any baseball card collection from the early ’90s.
Frank Thomas also has an extremely valuable rookie card from 1992 Topps. “The Big Hurt” captured both the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in 1990 with the Chicago White Sox and was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. A PSA 10 Graded Griffey Jr. rookie card recently sold for over $13,000. In PSA 9 condition, Thomas rookies have changed hands for $1,500-2,000. Even one receiving a PSA 8 grade can sell in the $400-600 range. Thomas was recognized as one of the premier sluggers of the 1990s and his ’92 Topps RC is considered among the best from that entire decade of cards.
The ’92 Topps set also included two other rookies that would go on to have standout careers: Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees and Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves. Jeter’s card, with his boyish smile and Yankees pinstripes, is an icon of 1990s baseball cards. In a PSA 10 mint state, Jeter rookies can exceed $10,000 at auction. Copies in PSA 9 are worth $1500-2500 still. Chipper Jones, who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Braves, had his first Topps issue in ’92 as well. A PSA 10 Jones rookie has sold for over $6,000 online. In a PSA 9 grade, expect to pay $500-800.
Some of the biggest stars of the early ’90s are found throughout the ’92 Topps set as well. Barry Bonds was already one of the game’s premier power hitters with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bonds cards in high PSA grades hold incredible value. A PSA 10 recently eclipsed $13,500 in an auction. Cards receiving the BGS Black Label “10” designation topped $20,000. Even a PSA 9 Bonds is a $1,500+ card.
Ken Griffey Sr. is also wonderfully captured in his Mariners uniform during the twilight of his career in 1992 Topps. Played alongside his legendary son, Griffey Sr.’s card remains popular for father/son PC collectors. In a PSA 10, the senior Griffey reached over $1000 recently, with PSA 9s bringing $150-250. The late Roberto Alomar was a burgeoning star with the Toronto Blue Jays and his cards gained notoriety even outside the hobby. PSA 10 Alomars crack four figures, with PSA 9s in high demand around the $250-350 range as well.
Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley is showcased as a key member of the Oakland A’s pitching staff that dominated in the early 1990s. A PSA 10 Eckersley sold for over $1100. PSA 9s typically sell between $150-250 for collectors pursuing the top closers of that era. Alan Trammell played his final season with the Detroit Tigers in 1991 before retiring. Even though he’s later in his career, Trammell remained a fan favorite and his ’92 Topps card reaches over $300 in top grades. The set also includes veteran stars like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith possessing values upwards of $100 PSA 9.
While finding mint condition examples of stars from 1992 Topps is challenging nearly 30 years later, there are plenty of highly valuable cards within the set. Rookies of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Jeter and Chipper Jones are the true blue-chip investments. Star players like Bonds, Alomar and the Griffey Sr. father/son card also hold great long-term collector value. For players and teams appealing to collectors of the early 1990s, the ’92 Topps baseball card set endures as one of the most historically significant issues from that decade. With prices only growing over time, now is a great opportunity for collectors to pursue valuable singles from this classic hobby release before they become further out of reach price-wise.
