The 1992 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the all-time great vintage issues and is highly sought after by collectors. With dominant rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones and Jim Thome and starring veterans like Nolan Ryan in his final season, the ’92 Topps set launched several keys to the hobby. While far from the most expensive vintage release, several sharp rookie and star player cards from the set command big money at auction today. Here’s a closer look at some of the most valuable 1992 Topps baseball cards that can fetch four-or five-figure prices for high-grade specimens.
Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 22 years old in 1992, Griffey was already one of baseball’s biggest stars with back-to-back AL MVP awards. His iconic upper deck rookie from 1989 is one of the most coveted modern cards. In ’92 Topps, Griffey’s smiling face on card #1 marked him as the cover boy and a superstar player. High-grade copies in PSA/BGS 10 have sold for over $2000.
Chipper Jones – Arguably the finest third baseman of his generation, Jones burst onto the MLB scene in 1995 and won the ROY award. But his true rookie card came in the ’92 set on card #501. High-end PSA 10 copies have surpassed $2000 at auction. Even in lower grades, Jones’ ’92 is a staple in collections and trades briskly.
Tom Glavine – The beloved Braves ace and Hall of Famer’s first Topps issue appeared here in card #249. While not his true rookie, Glavine in his second season established himself as an ace. Pristine PSA 10s fetch $1500-2000.
John Smoltz – Like Glavine, fellow Braves hurler and Cooperstown inductee Smoltz debuted in the ’92 set on card #400. Though not a true rookie either, high-grade specimens of Smoltz’s seminal card have also crested $1000-1200.
Jim Thome – Speaking of rookie year power hitters, Thome’s intimidating 6’4″ frame greeted collectors on card #506. Big Jim went on to smash 612 home runs and made the Hall of Fame in 2018. PSA 10 Thome rookies have brought $2000-2500. Even well-centered graded 8s trade for $300-500.
Mark McGwire – Arguably the top chase card from the ’92 set, card #500 features Mac in a Athletics uniform. He slugged 49 homers that year beginning his march to the all-time home run record. Pristine PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 copies have realized $4000-5000 each due to McGwire’s legendary power and massive fanbase. Even well-preserved lower graded examples can net $1000-1500 and more.
Nolan Ryan – The greatest flame-throwing righty in MLB history wrapped up his 27 year career with the Rangers in 1992. Card #168 highlights Ryan’s final card in the standard Topps design before later issues with Upper Deck and others. PSA/BGS 10 examples have made over $2000 as some of the most iconic vintage Ryan cards out there.
Cal Ripken Jr – Mr. Consistency anchored the Orioles lineup through the 1990s. His smooth swing is captured on the popular card #299. Top-graded PSA/BGS 10 Ripkens have sold for $1500-2000 each.
Brady Anderson – Not the biggest star, but Anderson’s 1992 rookie on card #642 experienced a surge of attention for a short time. When Anderson hit 50 home runs in 1996 many collectors scrambled to find his scarce rookie, driving PSA 10 prices up near $1000 before settling back down. Even today, a flawless Anderson rookie can net $500-700.
Others like Moises Alou, Ray Lankford, Ivan Rodriguez and Chuck Knoblauch also featured among highest 1992 Topps card sales. But the rookie cards of Griffey, Jones, Thome, McGwire and special commons like Ripken and Ryan remain the true headliners bringing the biggest bucks today for investment-grade specimens preserved in pristine condition. Graded 10 examples in particular demand the loftiest prices. The ’92 Topps set launched a golden era of talent and provides an affordable yet historically significant vintage set for collectors on a budget to build around.
