Derek Jeter is considered by many to be one of the best baseball players of his generation.
He played his entire 20-year career with the New York Yankees, winning five World Series titles and becoming the franchise's all-time leader in hits.
Values of Jeter's rookie cards saw a significant increase upon his election to the Hall Of Fame in 2021, but have since cooled dramatically. Still, his rookie cards remain highly sought-after by collectors.
Here's everything you need to know about Derek Jeter rookie cards, including a gallery of some of the most valuable cards and investment ideas.
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How Many Jeter Rookie Cards Are There?
Early scouting reports had Derek Jeter pegged as a future star. Thus, the card companies started early, producing cards of Jeter well before his arrival in the big leagues in 1995.
All told, 44 Derek Jeter rookie cards were issued from 1992 to 1993.
In 1992, a total of 18 different minor league cards were produced for Jeter. These are his pre-rookie cards, since they were issued before Jeter hit the big leagues and as part of minor-league card sets.
Jeter's official rookie cards came in 1993, included in major release sets from the likes of Upper Deck, Topps, Bowman and SP. There were also other minor league Jeter cards issued in 1993. A total of 26 Derek Jeter cards were issued in 1993.
Some hobby officianados say that any of the major league rookie cards for Jeter issued in 1993 are still pre-rookies since Jeter didn't make his major league debut until 1995.
For example, this 1996 Derek Jeter Donruss rookie card is still considered a 'rookie card' in the hobby, but I'd say that collectors should stick to the 1992 to 1993 Jeter cards.
See Our Derek Jeter Rookie Card Checklist, which includes PSA 10 Population data and PSA 10 Estimated Values.
Ranking Top Derek Jeter Rookie Cards
I will not cover every Derek Jeter trading card issued from 1992 to 1993 here. Instead, I focus on the cards most collectors should target, especially if considered a longer-term investment.
1. 1993 SP Derek Jeter Foil RC #279
Our choice for the best Derek Jeter rookie card is his 1993 Upper Deck SP Foil #279 card. The set, on issuance, was a massive hit among collectors and was a premium product from Upper Deck.
The 290-card set featured a twenty-card prospect set featuring Jeter, along with rookie cards of Chipper Jones, Johnny Damon, and Manny Ramirez.
The SP foil cards are highly sensitive to scratching and chipping, making it challenging to find cards in perfect condition. The Jeter SP rookie is not rare but was issued in more limited quantities than his other base rookie cards from 1993.
The total PSA population of Jeter's SP rookie card is over 22,000, although only 21 copies have received a Gem-Mint (PSA 10) grade. PSA 9 copies are a bit easier to come by - 618 total graded PSA 9 copies exist.
2. 1993 Topps Gold Derek Jeter RC #98
Jeter has a total of four 1993 Topps rookie cards.
A base card from the 1993 Topps set, two special Inaugural Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies variations (see below), and a Topps Gold card.
A 1993 Topps Colorado Rockies Inaugural Variation Derek Jeter Rookie Card
A 1993 Topps Florida Marlins Inaugural Variation Derek Jeter Rookie Card
Of the four Topps Jeter rookies, I like the Topps Gold insert card, which was produced in much more limited quantities than Jeter's Topps rookie.
Topps Gold cards parallel the base set and feature a gold nameplate and a gold Topps logo. The gold inserts were issued one per wax pack, three per rack pack, five per jumbo pack, and ten per factory set.
There are less than 9,000 PSA graded Topps Gold Jeter rookies, less than half the graded total of Jeter's SP Rookie card.
PSA has graded over 40,000 1993 Topps Jeter rookies!
Those I would avoid due to mass overproduction.
One could also make a strong case for either of the Colorado Rockies or Marlins Jeter variations, which were produced in much more limited quantities.
Today, a PSA 10 Topps Gold Jeter is priced mostly on par with one of the other two PSA 10 variations.
I should also quickly mention the 1993 Topps 'Micro' Jeter issue, which is a fraction of the size of the regular Topps card. The set was produced in more limited quantities, and there are only 40 PSA 10 graded copies.
1993 Topps Jeter Micro issue
3. 1993 Stadium Club Murphy Derek Jeter RC #117
Stadium Club did not include Jeter in its 1993 base set, yet made up for it with a special 200 card hobby only 'Murphy Stadium' set that came inside of a box, inside of a plastic replica of Jack Murphy stadium in San Diego. The Murphy set was produced in somewhat limited quantities, with 128,000 sets issued.
Interestingly, Topps used the design of the 2012 Stadium Club cards for the 2013 Stadium Club Murphy set.
There are about 5,000 PSA graded Stadium Club Murphy rookie cards, making it about half as scarce as the 93 Topps Gold Jeter and around a quarter of the population of his more popular 93 SP Foil rookie card.
Stadium Club Murphy Derek Jeter PSA Population
Since the Murphy Jeter's came straight from a boxed set, the cards are easier to find in nice condition.
PSA has awarded around 1,000 Gem-Mint (PSA 10) Murphy Jeter's, good for about 20% of the total population.
The Stadium Club Murphy Jeter PSA 10's are more affordable than the PSA 10 Topps Gold rookie, selling for around $600.
4. 1993 Bowman Derek Jeter RC #511
Out of all the base (non-variation) Jeter rookie cards, the 1993 Bowman Jeter rookie card has the lowest PSA graded population, with roughly 8,000 graded copies.
Bowman had a good sized production run in 1993, but not to the same extent as Topps, Upper Deck, Score, Select or Pinnacle.
The 1993 Bowman design was a bit drab in my opinion, however, we get a shorter run production of Jeter in all his glory. About 900 PSA 10's out of 8000 total graded. Roughly the same amount of PSA 10's as the Stadium Murphy Jeter.
PSA 10 Bowman Jeter's run for around $500, slightly below the Stadium Club Murphy Jeter.
5. 1992 Fleer Excel Derek Jeter #210 RC
Jeter had many different minor league cards issued in 1992, but the 1992 Fleer Excel Jeter is my favorite.
Featuring Jeter while a member of the Greensboro Hornets, the card is sharp, has a gold nameplate and is a great pose of Jeter.
In addition, the cards were not produced to the same levels as the major league issues from 1993. PSA has graded roughly 1600 copies, with less than 250 PSA 10's awarded. A PSA 10 Jeter Fleer Excel minor league rookie card sells for between $300 to $400.
This one wins my choice as the best overall value of all Derek Jeter Rookie cards.
6. 1992 Little Sun HS Prospects Derek Jeter RC #2
A bit of an oddball issue, the thirty card Little Sun High School Prospects set features a base Jeter pre-rookie card (#2), showcasing a young Jeter in the field at Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
At the time, Jeter was a premier prospect, drafted by the Yankees in the 1992 MLB draft, coming out of high school as the top high school prospect.
Only 3000 Little Sun High School Prospects sets were released and numbered on the checklist and issued in a plastic snap case. PSA has graded about 1000 copies, and PSA 9 copies can be found for between $400 to $500.
Little Sun also randomly inserted autographed cards of several prospects, including Jeter, with only 250 copies of each player produced. The autographed Jeter card features the high schooler in a different sitting pose and it is one of the most sought after Jeter rookie cards.
7. 1992 Upper Deck Minor League Derek Jeter RC #5
A great looking card from another major card producer, the Jeter Upper Deck Minor league card is one of the highlights from Jeter's 1992 pre-rookie cards. However, Upper Deck hit the printing presses pretty hard on this set, but not nearly the same level as the 1992 Upper Deck base set.
There are about 3,800 PSA graded copies of Jeter's Upper Deck Minor League pre-rookie card, with about 1,500 PSA 10 copies. Those white borders make it a bit easier to get a high grade from the grading companies.
Collectors can often find PSA 10 graded copies for around $100. This is quite reflective of the major production run of the set, likely in the hundreds of thousands.
8. 1993 Pinnacle Derek Jeter RC #457
Aside from the SP card, the 1993 Pinnacle Jeter card is his best card among all of the major league issued cards. The Pinnacle set was produced in sizeable quantities, but in lower amounts than the Topps, Score, Upper Deck and Select sets.
The black borders make finding a PSA 10 copy a bit more of a challenge, although, still, there are roughly 700 Gem Mint graded copies from PSA. Some might consider it a bit overvalued for the production totals - PSA 10's sell for around $700, but it still is a highly collectible card.
Derek Jeter Autographed Rookie Cards
There are four Derek Jeter pre-rookie and rookie card pack issued autographed cards. The cards were all issued by what I might consider non-major card issuers, although Classic had a fairly big presence in the hobby in the 1990's.
1992 Classic Four-Sport Derek Jeter Autograph Insert
1992 Classic Four-Sport Jeter Auto Insert
Classic flooded the market with four sets in 1992 - Classic, Classic 4 Sport, Classic Best, Classic C3, and Classic Draft Picks. Needless to say, this was near the peak of mass overproduction in the sports card market.
Any of the base Classic cards are of little interest to me, but the 1992 Classic Four-Sport set had a Jeter autograph insert numbered to 1125.
Note that any cards found in the packs are numbered on the front of the card under the signature. There are aftermarket cards that Jeter has since autographed, but those are not technically as valuable.
Nice condition versions of the Classic Four-Sport autograph Jeter sell for a few thousand dollars.
1992 Little Sun HS Prospects Derek Jeter Autograph
1992 Little Sun HS Prospects Derek Jeter Autographed Card
With only 250 copies of this Jeter autograph produced by Little Sun, it is the rarest Jeter Minor League Rookie card. The autographed cards were randomly inserted in 30-card sets of Little Sun High School Prospects sets.
It is highly sought after, and a bit of a "white whale" for many Jeter collectors. A PSA 10 (Gem-Mint) copy sold for nearly $30K in 2022, and PSA 7 to PSA 9 copies on average retail for $5K to $10K.
It should also be noted that there is a Little Sun Proof card with the same sitting pose of Jeter, but without a signature.
It is believed these were leftovers that Jeter didn't sign. PSA has graded less than 15 copies and it is believed that less than 100 exist. A PSA 10 Gem-Mint copy sold at auction in 2019 for $60,000.
Many Little Sun Jeter 'Proof' forgeries have hit the market so be careful.
1992 Front Row Jeter Autograph Insert
1992 Front Row Jeter Pack Insert Auto (note the back of the card has an 'Authentic Signature Card' sticker.
Back of a 1992 Front Row Jeter Auto
Front Row was well known for its basketball draft pick sets of the day, but also produced a baseball draft picks in 1992.
The set featured 100 of the top MLB draft picks, including the likes of Jason Giambi, Jason Kendall and of course Derek Jeter. The base sets were issued in box sets (numbered to 150,000) and cards were also issued in wax packs, with random gold and silver foil inserts.
Autographed copies of Jeter's Front Row card were also randomly inserted in wax packs.
A 1992 Front Row Baseball Draft Picks Wax Box
It is unknown how many copies of the 1992 Front Jeter autograph inserts exist, but it is quite valuable, selling for multiple thousands of dollars in high grades.
1993 Classic Best Derek Jeter Autograph Insert
1993 Classic Best Jeter Autograph - numbered out of 1200
Derek Jeter Rookie Card Price Guide And Checklist
What's The Rarest Derek Jeter Rookie Card?
In terms of overall production and relative scarcity, the 1992 Little Sun High School Prospects 'Proof' card is the rarest Derek Jeter rookie card.
As a reminder, Little Sun randomly inserted 250 autographed copies of the Jeter card into its 30 card sets. The leftover, unsigned cards were used as promos or given to employees. Based on my research, the Little Sun Proof Jeter card is rarer than the actual signed version, which has a known 250 card issuance. Less than 100 proof cards are believed to exist, with PSA having graded only 15 copies.
What's The Most Valuable Derek Jeter Rookie Card?
In terms of value, a PSA graded copy of the Derek Jeter 1993 SP Foil card is his most valuable rookie card. Due to the card's foil texture, the card is easily prone to scratching, smudging and chipping. It's nearly impossible to find one in Gem Mint condition - PSA has only awarded 22 PSA 10 grades of the SP Jeter.
Recent auction values of the PSA 10 SP Jeter have trailed off a bit following his HOF induction, but in today's market, the card is still worth over $300,000.
Investing In Derek Jeter Rookie Cards
Jeter's rookie cards have dipped in value since his induction into the Hall Of Fame. Part, I'd chalk up to the overall market cooling off, and part is more to the hype and speculation dying down a bit. Now, however, there are some good values to be found for any collectors investing in Jeter Rookie cards.
Between 1992 and 1993, there were 43 different rookie cards issued for Jeter, including different variations and autograph cards. So, the wide range of options can be somewhat overwhelming.
Derek Jeter Rookie Cards To Avoid
Any of the overproduced 1993 major league baseball sets with production runs in the hundreds of thousands. This includes 1993 Topps, Score, Select, Upper Deck. I'd also avoid any of the second year minor league cards, so this includes any 1993 issues from the likes of Classic, Fleer Excel, Procards and Front Row.
Are Jeter's Second Year Minor League Cards A Good Investment?
There could be an argument ot be made that some of the 1993 minor league issues have some level of scarcity - 1993 Classic C3 is one example - however, these are Jeter's second year minor league cards and collectors, for the most part, aren't overly interested in these cards.
What Jeter Rookie Cards Should I Invest In?
The SP Jeter is the most well known and most recognized Jeter, and while the prices got ridiculously overinflated, it still should be a decent investment - but only in high grades. A PSA 10 SP Jeter is out of reach, but PSA 9's with a population of only 600 copies are a good investment.
Some of the rarer minor league Jeter rookie cards issued in 1992 should also perform well, including the Fleer Excel, Little Sun and Front Row variations.
If your budget is tight, then shoot for any PSA 10 Jeter rookie card you can afford, but use our checklist and priceguide with Population and Values to find some of the rarer rookie cards.
Derek Jeter's Playing Days
As a Red Sox fan, I naturally have a deep, dark hatred for the New York Yankees.
But I can unequivocally say that if there is one player on the Yankees that I've always admired and looked up to, it's Derek Jeter.
Jeter was a stud very early on, the top prospect coming out of high school and drafted as the sixth overall pick by the Yankees.
Today, he is considered one of the most successful players in Major League Baseball history, but he's also considered one of the best shortstops of all time.
Bill James has Jeter ranked as the fourth best shortstop of all time, behind only Honus Wagner, Alex Rodriguez and Cal Ripken.
Related Rookie Card Guides
Derek Jeter Rookie Cards For Sale on eBay
1992 TOPPS DEREK JETER ROOKIE CARD RC #98 1992 DRAFT PICK YANKEES mvp Â
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1992 Topps Derek Jeter 1992 Draft Pick Rookie Card RC #98 Yankees
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1992 Front Row Derek Jeter Minor League Rookie Card #55 Yankees Graded FGA 10
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1993 Bowman Derek Jeter Baseball Card Rookie (RC) #511 Graded GEM 10
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1992 SP Derek Jeter Rookie #279! BGS 9! 9.5 Sub Grade!
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1992 Little Sun High School Prospects #2 Derek Jeter RC Rookie HOF PSA 10
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Sports Cards / Baseball / Derek Jeter Rookie / High Quality - Collectibles...
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Derek Jeter Rookie Cards Rare 1993 Topps 1992 Draft Pick #98Â - 1 Gold Foil
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Topps Derek Jeter RC #98 1992 Draft Pick New York Yankees Rookie Card
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1992 draft pick derek jeter rookie card
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