Shaquille O'Neal needs no introduction. As the modern big man, nearly everyone knows Shaq and that extends beyond basketball fans and collectors. Although quite affordable now, the many Shaquille O'Neal rookie card releases were once part of a great chase and remain a popular option for collectors. Show
Drafted by the Orlando Magic out of LSU with the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, O'Neal eventually played for a total of six teams in his 19-year career. However, he is most remembered for his time with the Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Of course, O'Neal won three of his four titles and all three Finals MVPs with the Lakers. A bonafide star even before he played a game in the NBA, Shaq was arguably the first real example of rookie hoopla for basketball collectors in real-time, but David Robinson could also make a claim. O'Neal's early cards sold for big sums and everyone was hoping to pull one. This demand was further compounded as Classic—a 1990s prospect brand—snagged an exclusive that delayed competing producers from issuing his cards. Because of this, many brands included redemptions in their Series 1 releases hoping to tap into the excitement.
The official Shaquille O'Neal rookie cards finally arrived in the 1992-93 products that released later in the season. It is important to note that his rookies are exclusively found in the Series 2 (High Series) boxes for each brand. Part of the "junk wax era" of collecting, all are available in large numbers. Collectors can find a total of seven cards that meet the standard rookie designation. However, other early cards, including some of the most valuable 1992-93 cards for Shaq, are covered, as well. These various options, including his Beam Team insert, are documented below the official rookie card guide. For more of his noteworthy cardboard options, view our guide to the top Shaquille O'Neal cards. Buy specific cards or check completed sales values for current pricing info by using the eBay links below. 1992-93 Fleer Shaquille O'Neal RC #401
Found in 1992-93 Fleer Series 2 boxes, this is actually the only Shaq rookie to showcase the "Diesel" in his black Orlando Magic uniform. Unfortunately, most of his rookie cards feature a very dated look and Fleer is no different. The gold border and large blue/gray banner dominate the card. There is also a Slam Dunk subset card for O'Neal (#298) found in the same release. Some collectors may come across a similar card that carries card #37 instead of #401. This is the Drake's promo version originally issued in bakery items.  There is yet another iteration with the perforated Fleer card that does not have a number on the back. This comes either from the NBA Rising Stars Golden Book uncut sheet or the Gooding's Orlando Magic team stadium giveaway (SGA) sheet. The Rising Stars card has NBA stats, which is the more valuable option, while the Gooding's card shows his LSU stats. 1992-93 Fleer Ultra Shaquille O'Neal RC #328
One of several full-bleed designs, Ultra stands out amongst Shaq rookies based on the marble nameplate at the bottom. Featuring another awkward face for O'Neal, this card is the most eye-catching thanks to the green-ish color. All-Rookies and Rejectors inserts for O'Neal are also popular with collectors. 1992-93 NBA Hoops Shaquille O'Neal RC #442
Opting for a more simple look, collectors will again need to locate Series 2 boxes to obtain the 92-93 Hoops rookie for O'Neal. It's not the worst design and is the first of several to highlight a pre-dunk image for Shaq. Hoops, like many other products, features several insert options for O'Neal that outrank his RC for many collectors and those are covered below. 1992-93 SkyBox Shaquille O'Neal RC #382
Featuring one of the crisper photos and a dunk, 1992-93 Skybox is actually one of the better Shaq rookie designs. This is not a great thing. The real star of the card appears to be the large red banner that occupies over a third of design. This is even more apparent given that O'Neal is aligned to the left of the card instead of the center. 1992-93 Topps Shaquille O'Neal RC #362
Although the 1992-93 Topps Basketball rookie does offer one of the better images of O'Neal, the design screams 1990s. Most of the Shaq cards on this list present an image taken at some point during a dunk or feature him looking away from the camera. However, the Topps Shaquille O'Neal rookie card showcases a clean look at the Hall of Famer. Featuring a gold foil nameplate, the limited Gold parallel is shown below. 1992-93 Topps Stadium Club Shaquille O'Neal RC #247
While it is largely synonymous with quality images, the 1992-93 Topps Stadium Club Basketball rookie for Shaquille O'Neal actually features the most bizarre image. Holding the ball low with both hands while in mid-air, Shaq seems more concerned with getting that last bit of Gatorade off his lip than finishing the dunk. All kidding aside, the basic Stadium Club rookie is solid, but collectors are most interested in the Beam Team insert. In addition to the base and inserts for Shaq, there is also a Members Only parallel exclusive to Topps that was issued as a stamped factory set. Featuring all 400 base cards and the Beam Team insert, the full print run totals 10,000 sets. 1992-93 Upper Deck Shaquille O'Neal RC #1
The most unique Shaquille O'Neal rookie card is also the rarest. However, this is early-1990s rare, which means there are still a ton out there. Featuring a progression image of Shaq dunking, the card comes in two forms. This main rookie—labeled "#1 NBA DRAFT PICK"—was issued in Series 2 packs but is still somehow card #1. There are also multiple subset cards for O'Neal that are not nearly as popular. 1992-93 Upper Deck Trade Card Redemption Shaquille O'Neal RC #1b
More of a variation than anything else, the Trade Upper Deck redemption in Series 1 was good for a special Shaquille O'Neal rookie card. The difference between this and the pack-pulled card from Series 2 is the gold foil "Trade Card" headline at the top and the #1b numbering on the back. His Future MVP hologram insert is another card to check out. Other Key Early Shaq Cards1990-91 Big Blue Basketball Shaquille O'Neal #19
Technically Shaq's first card, this college-issued release is from Oscar Combs' Big Blue Basketball magazine. Part of the "Dream Team" subset, the perforated edition came via card panels in the magazine. There is also a non-perforated version that is the rarer of the two. The non-perforated card also has thicker stock. 1992 Classic Draft Picks Autographs Shaquille O'Neal
Classic did not just issue base cards for O'Neal, but autographs as well. Available with hand-numbered print runs in a few products, collectors can locate several signed versions featuring the earliest pack-pulled Shaq autograph cards. 1992-93 NBA Hoops Magic's All-Rookie Team Shaquille O'Neal #1
The first of two notable inserts for O'Neal in Hoops, Magic's All-Rookie Team includes the best 1992-93 rookies according to Magic Johnson. Coming as no surprise, Shaq leads things off at the first spot. Found in Series 2 boxes, the All-Rookie Team cards average 1:30 packs. 1992-93 NBA Hoops Draft Redemption Shaquille O'Neal #A
Part of a very tough redemption program in Hoops Series 1, the 10 top draft picks from 1992 were available as a set and O'Neal was included along with Alonzo Mourning and Robert Horry. A huge number by today's standards, the final print run is believed to be just under 26,000. Still, this is one of the most valuable rookie-year cards for Shaq. 1992-93 Skybox Draft Picks Redemption Shaquille O'Neal #DP1
Continuing the redemption trend, Skybox got in on the fun as well with this colorful draft image that was not too hard to pull via redemption at a reported 1:8 packs. I like to imagine the large gold name banner is there to censor O'Neal flipping the bird but I don't think this is actually the case, especially since you can see his fingers at the top. 1992-93 Skybox Head of the Class Redemption Shaquille O'Neal #/20,000
The other redemption from Skybox combines six rookies, including Shaq and Alonzo Mourning, on one card with the Head of the Class insert. Issued through a mail-in wrapper promotion, the cards are serial-numbered to 20,000 copies. 1992-93 Topps Stadium Club Beam Team Shaquille O'Neal #21
The true standout of the 1992-93 cards for Shaquille O'Neal, Beam Team is a name that still carries respect in the hobby to this day. Designed around the NBA halftime light show, the popular 1992-93 Stadium Club insert includes Shaq and Michael Jordan. It is both the most popular and valuable among Shaq's earliest cards.
How much is Shaquille O Neal's Fleer rookie card worth?We track this card in 4 grades including PSA 10, PSA 9, BGS 9.5 and BGS 9. The highest price we're tracking for Shaquille O'Neal's 1992 Fleer Ultra All-Rookies is $1,999.99 and the lowest price is $35.00. You may also find this Shaquille O'Neal card in other variations including Base #328 and Rejectors.
How much is a Shaq rookie card worth 328?The highest price we're tracking for Shaquille O'Neal's 1992 Fleer Ultra Base #328 is $750.00 and the lowest price is $20.00. You may also find this Shaquille O'Neal card in other variations including All-Rookies and Rejectors.
What is the rarest Shaquille O'Neal rookie card?1992-93 Upper Deck Shaquille O'Neal RC #1
The most unique Shaquille O'Neal rookie card is also the rarest. However, this is early-1990s rare, which means there are still a ton out there. Featuring a progression image of Shaq dunking, the card comes in two forms.
How much is a Shaquille O'Neal rookie of the Year card?Estimated PSA 10 Value: $45
The design choice is interesting and will test your eyes a bit. But, overall, this "All-Rookie" insert is a great tribute to Shaq and other rookies that year. In top grade you can find these for $45 or so.
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1993 fleer shaquille o neal rookie card
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