The 1993 Leaf baseball card set was unique in that it was the final baseball card set released by the Leaf trading card company before they ceased baseball card production. With Leaf departing the baseball card scene, the 1993 set took on greater significance for completionists and collectors. While not one of the larger issues of the early 1990s, the 1993 Leaf set nonetheless contained several highly valuable rookie and star player cards that have increased markedly in value over the years.
One of the most prominent rookies featured in the 1993 Leaf set was Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. As one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history and a career-long Yankee, Jeter’s rookie card from the ’93 Leaf set is among the jewels of the vintage card world. Near mint to mint condition Jeter rookies in this set now command prices up to $15,000. What makes his card so desirable is not just Jeter’s legendary playing career spanning 5 World Series titles with New York, but also the rarity of high grade examples remaining in collectors’ hands decades after the set’s release. Few pristine Jeter rookies exist, fueling intense bidding wars whenever one crosses an auction block.
Another rookie card star of the 1993 Leaf set is Jim Thome. Thome socked 612 career home runs over a 22-year MLB career, and remains a fan favorite in Cleveland where he spent the bulk of his playing days. Thome’s impressive power numbers and consistency have made his ’93 Leaf RC highly collectible. In top condition his card now appreciates up to $2,000, but more common well-centered near mint copies can be acquired for $400-600. While not in Jeter’s stratosphere, a pristine Thome rookie is still a prized vintage find.
Perhaps the single most valuable regular issue card (non-hit, non-error variety) from the 1993 Leaf set belongs to Ken Griffey Jr. Arguably the most talented five-tool player of the 1990s, Griffey was a generational superstar for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds in his prime. His charming boyish grin and effortless skills made him a poster boy for the sport. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s base rookie now appraises between $3,000-5,000. Few exemplars exist in that lofty state of preservation after nearly 30 years of being ogled and admired in collections. Even lightly played copies trade hands for $1,000 or more due to Griffey’s legend status.
Other notable rookies and stars featured in the 1993 Leaf issue that have gained collector attention over the years include Frank Thomas, Barry Larkin, Ivan Rodriguez, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, John Smoltz, and Bobby Bonilla among others. While none have achieved the value heights of Jeter, Thome or Griffey, these players all enjoyed long, accomplished MLB tenures that sustained interest in their early baseball cards. Near mint copies of star rookies like Thomas, Larkin or Pudge routinely sell for $200-400.
In addition to sparkling rookie cards, the 1993 Leaf set contains several scarce and valuable insert subsets that entice advanced collectors. Among these are the 13-card “ProSphere” parallel subset featuring 3D lenticular images on each card front. Highly sought after parallels like the Griffey and Bonds ProSpheres command $300-700 depending on condition. Another rarity is the “Double Diamond Parallels” 3-card insert featuring John Smoltz, Mark McGwire and Jeff Bagwell. Just 30 of each were produced, making them an impossible find for most collectors.grading a strong 9, a Smoltz Double Diamond recently brought in an astounding $3,750 at auction.
While several factors influence the value of any given vintage card, including player performance, scarcity and state of preservation, it’s clear that nearly 30 years after its release the 1993 Leaf baseball set still harbors many tremendously valuable collectibles. Rookie cards of eventual Hall of Famers like Jeter, Griffey and Thomas will always be prized, while rare parallel subsets continue enticing advanced collectors. For completeness in one’s vintage leaf collection or simply to acquire classic cardboard of baseball icons, digging through the bins of ’93 Leaf offers opportunity. With its rich rookies, stars and inserts, this underrated vintage issue remains a bountiful set for finding buried treasure.
