In the world of collecting vintage baseball cards, the coveted gem is one that grades a pristine 93 on the scale from 1-100 used by professional grading companies. Earning a 93 grade is an incredible feat, as it means the card has survived decades in nearly perfect condition. Only the most well-preserved cards from the earliest years of the hobby in the late 1800s are capable of achieving this rating.
At the top end of the scale from 80-100, graders are looking at microscopic flaws or imperfections that are barely perceptible to the naked eye. A 93 grade suggests the card has sharp corners, bright colors, and not a single crease, bend, or worn spot on either the front or back surface. The card stock must be as rigid and sturdy as the day it was originally packaged. Even the slightest ding or handling wear would knock the rating down.
Given how difficult it is to maintain such superb condition over 100+ years, 93 grade cards are exceedingly rare. The earliest baseball cards were not meant for collecting purposes, so most from the 1880s-1890s tobacco era suffered damage from constant bending, folding, and being carried around in pockets and bundles. Only the select few cards that were immediately tucked away in albums or holders had any chance of earning top grades in modern scrutiny.
One of the most famous 93 grade cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the Mona Lisa of the hobby. Less than 60 high-grade Wagner examples are known to exist today. In January 2021, a PSA 93 example sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting records. Other examples that have achieved the 93 rating include 1880s-90s tobacco cards like Cap Anson, Ed Delahanty, and Amos Rusie, as well as early 20th century stars like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Christy Mathewson.
A key part of what makes a 93 grade possible is the card stock used in a given era. The paper manufacturers and quality varied greatly in baseball’s earliest decade. Cards made from thinner, less durable papers naturally fared worse over time. The thicker card stock used starting in the 1890s with sets like Old Judge and Leaf had better longevity traits. Topps’ photolithography process debuting in the 1950s also created very resilient cards more apt to maintain sharp corners even after decades of storage.
Grading standards have also evolved over the years. PSA and BGS, the leading third-party authentication companies, did not debut until the early 1990s. Early on they may have been slightly more lenient, so some pre-1990 cards that originally earned high grades could potentially grade lower today under more stringent protocols. Likewise, restoration advances mean well-preserved vintage cards can now be carefully cleaned and conserved in a way that wasn’t feasible just a few decades ago.
For collectors, finding that elusive 93 grade card from the earliest era is the ultimate prize. Fewer than a dozen examples may exist for some rare 19th century stars. The price tag for such condition census cards can reach seven figures or more. Even common players featured in tobacco sets from the 1890s can sell for five figures or higher at PSA/BGS 93. For those seeking to build the finest possible collection, a single 93 is a tremendous accomplishment and display piece. Their scarcity and quality ensure they will remain among the most desirable items in the hobby.
A 93 grade for a vintage baseball card is about as good as it gets in terms of preservation. Only the select few cards that were immediately protected and avoided damage stand a chance at such a lofty rating after 100+ years. Their rarity makes 93s enormously valuable to collectors seeking the finest quality specimens from the earliest years of the hobby. Achieving this grade level is a testament to both the card stock and storage throughout decades.
