The 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable releases of the 1990s. With its innovative “Ultra Stock” technology which made the photos appear to jump off the card, the set captured the imaginations of collectors. Several key rookies and star players from that season are featured in the set, making many of the cards quite valuable today. Here are the 10 most valuable 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball cards based on PSA 10 Gem Mint condition:
Ken Griffey Jr. – Around $700-800 in PSA 10 condition. Griffey had already established himself as a star by 1993 but this was still one of his early Fleer Ultra rookie year cards. Always an exceptionally talented all-around player who was incredibly exciting to watch, Griffey would go on to have one of the greatest careers of all time. His popularity as a player makes his rookie cards some of the most sought after from the early 90s.
Frank Thomas – $800-900 PSA 10 value. “The Big Hurt” was coming off an MVP season in 1993 and was one of the game’s premier power hitters of the decade. He only appeared on Fleer Ultra for the one season which adds scarcity value to his rookie card. Thomas could crush a baseball as well as anyone and was consistently one of the league leaders in home runs and RBI throughout his Hall of Fame career.
Derek Jeter – $900-1000 in PSA 10 condition. Although not technically a true rookie card since Jeter debuted in 1995, this was one of his earliest mainstream releases. Jeter would go on to have an incredible career spent entirely with the Yankees, winning 5 World Series championships. He became one of the most popular and respected players of his generation thanks to his consistent production and clutch play. Any early Jeter cardholds value due to his legend status.
Manny Ramirez – Around $1000-1200 for the PSA 10. Ramirez’ prodigious talent was evident very early in his career and this served as one of his first flagship cards. He hit for both average and power with intimidating plate presence. Manny could certainly be mercurial at times over his 19 year career but there was no doubting his skills were among the best the game has ever seen. He finished with over 550 home runs and a career .312 batting average.
Greg Maddux – $1200-1400 range. Maddux was already establishing himself as one of the top pitchers in baseball by 1993, having just won the first of his 4 career Cy Young Awards. He combined pinpoint control with sneaky velocity and an unpredictable repertoire of pitches to frustrate hitters for decades. Maddux is considered one of the best control pitchers ever who finished with 355 career wins across 23 MLB seasons, most spent with the Braves. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014.
Randy Johnson – $1400-1600 PSA 10 value. “The Big Unit” got his first mainstream card in Fleer Ultra as he was breaking out with the Mariners. At 6’10”, Johnson was an imposing presence on the mound and he brought 100+ mph heat with ferocious left-handed spin. He would go on to rack up over 4,800 career strikeouts, the most all-time by a left-hander, to cement his place as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Barry Bonds – Between $1600-1800 for a PSA 10. Bonds was already a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate by 1993 but some consider this one of his more scarce early mainstream releases. He would go on to redefine what was possible for a power hitter, smashing the single season and all-time home run records. Love him or hate him, Bonds’ elite plate discipline and strength made him a force unlike anything seen before or since. He finished with 762 home runs, the most in MLB history.
Alex Rodriguez – Generally $1800-2000 range. A-Rod was one of the most hyped prospects ever and started to deliver on that promise right away. He made his MLB debut in 1994 and showcased elite power and fielding skills at a premium position. Rodriguez battled injuries some over 20 MLB seasons but still amassed over 650 home runs and 3,000 hits to become one of the game’s all-time greats. This was one of his earliest signature cards, produced before his record contract awards.
Chipper Jones – Around $2000-2200 PSA 10 value. As an Atlanta native who starred for the Braves his entire career, Jones became one of the most revered players in franchise history. He debuted in 1993 and immediately showed 5-tool ability from the left side of the plate. Injuries slowed him some later on but Jones still racked up over 450 home runs and was an 8-time All-Star and MVP. His first flagship card remains highly coveted by collectors.
Mariano Rivera – Generally $2500+ for the PSA 10. As perhaps the greatest closer in MLB history, Rivera’s rookie card sits at the top of the 1993 Fleer Ultra list. He made his debut in 1995 but this served as one of his earliest mainstream releases before he dominated batters for nearly two decades as the Yankees’ closer. Rivera owns the all-time career saves record with 652 and is considered virtually unhittable in high-leverage situations over his Hall of Fame career spent entirely in the Bronx. His card consistently tops value lists for the set.
The 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball set remains a classic of the 1990s sportscard era. Featuring rookie cards and early releases for many future Hall of Famers and all-time great players, it created a time capsule of that period. Top cards for talents like Griffey, Thomas, Maddux, Johnson, Bonds, A-Rod, Chipper Jones, and of course Mariano Rivera routinely trade hands for thousands of dollars today in pristine condition. The “Ultra Stock” photo technology alone gave it a memorable visual identity that collectors still love. Whether investing or enjoying the players, 1993 Fleer Ultra continues to enthrall and entertain decades later.
