The 1993 Post Cereal Baseball Card collection was released in boxes of cereal in the early 1990s as part of Post’s long running promotion of including sports cards with their breakfast foods. The 1993 set featured players from the 1992 MLB season and included more obscure players along with the game’s biggest stars. While not nearly as valuable as some of the more famous vintage sports card sets from the 1950s and 60s, the 1993 Post cards can still hold value for collectors today given their nostalgic appeal from childhood memories of opening cereal boxes hoping to find exciting cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the details and valuation factors surrounding individual cards and complete sets from the ’93 Post series.
Perhaps the most famous card in the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was already emerging as a superstar by 1993 after winning the rookie of the year award in 1990 with the Seattle Mariners. His rookie card in the ’93 Post set is among the more sought after modern baseball cards. In near mint to mint condition, examples of this Griffey RC have sold for over $100 with the very best specimens commanding up to $300. Condition is extremely important for higher end Griffey Jr. cards.
Another star player featured prominently is Michael Jordan. In addition to his iconic basketball cards, Jordan also had a brief minor league baseball career and appeared in several sportscard sets during that time in the early 1990s. His ’93 Post card can be found for $10-20 usually. Superstar pitchers like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine also have cards worth $5-15 depending on condition from this set. For the biggest names, consider auto or memorabilia cards which fetch far greater sums. An example would be a Griffey Jr. autographed card which could go for over $500 in good condition.
Moving beyond just the star players, there is value to be found even with lesser known guys if they pan out. For example, Derek Jeter’s rookie card from this set has increased steadily in value years later as his career achievements continued to grow. Around $50-75 is a common range for a pristine Jeter. Then there are players who had shortlived success like Joe Carter. His 1993 World Series winning home run card holds nostalgic appeal and has sold for $40-50 periodically. Cards from players no longer living can also gain collector interest over time which increases demand.
In terms of full factory sets, most examples in well-kept condition with all inserts and parallels can be acquired for $75-150. The inserts and parallels include special photo and 3D hologram style cards that spiced up the baseline roster. High grade sets with near pristine corners and edges have topped $250 at auction. Variations are another factor that influence valuation, such as black bordered cards being more scarce than standard issues. Expansive complete master set collections containing all the variations imaginable could command astronomical sums from the most diehard collectors.
When considering condition, it’s important to note that these early 90s cards lack the robustness of sturdier cardboard from the vintage 50s/60s era. They had thinner stock that was more prone to damage from friction inside cereal boxes. Still, even heavily played examples might hold value of a dollar or two each just based on nostalgia depending on the particular player featured. But collectors will pay premium prices only for pristine specimens worthy of protective sleeves and toploaders.
While the 1993 Post Cereal Baseball Card set lacks the wow factor of those earliest classic cardboard issues, there remains an enthusiastic collector base around these iconic childhood memories. Valuation comes down to discovering Condition, Variations and player performance career arcs that drive certain individual cards higher. Complete sets can satisfy the nostalgia itch for budget minded collectors. With the neverending thirst for vintage sports collectibles, I expect values for quality examples from this ’93 Post release to gradually appreciate over the long run much like other modern baseball cards from the late 80s and early 90s have.
