The 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable releases in the modern era of the hobby. Fleer Ultra was the premium brand of Fleer during the early 1990s baseball card boom and featured cutting edge photography and designs that made the cards highly coveted among collectors. With the popularity of the set and rarity of some of the rookie and star player cards, many 1993 Fleer Ultra cards have skyrocketed in value over the past few decades. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable cards from the set today:
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie – The Griffey Jr. rookie is arguably the crown jewel of the 1993 Fleer Ultra set and one of the most iconic rookie cards in baseball history. Griffey was already a huge star early in his career and his rookie card captured him at the peak of his abilities in center field for the Seattle Mariners. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of the Griffey Jr. rookie routinely sell for well over $10,000 today. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch thousands. The Griffey is the undisputed king of the 1993 Ultra set in terms of value.
Derek Jeter Rookie – Like Griffey, Derek Jeter also made his rookie card debut in 1993 Fleer Ultra. Though not as acclaimed a player as Griffey right out of the gate, Jeter would go on to have a Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees. His rookie is the second most valuable in the set, with PSA 10s selling in the $4,000-$6,000 range. Lower grades still command mid-three figure prices due to his iconic status in pinstripes. The Jeter is a strong #2 behind Griffey in terms of 1993 Ultra value.
Chipper Jones Rookie – Another star-studded rookie from the 1993 Ultra set is Hall of Famer Chipper Jones’ debut card featuring his years with the Atlanta Braves. Jones went on to have a 19-year career, all in Atlanta, winning the 1999 NL MVP and batting title. High-grade Chipper rookies have sold for over $2,000, with most PSA 10s in the $1,500 range currently. He’s among the top-5 most valuable from the vintage issue.
Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” had already won the 1990 AL MVP during his breakout season prior to 1993 Ultra. His fearsome reputation as one of the game’s most dominant sluggers is captured on his handsomely photographed card. PSA 10 Thomas cards have sold for as much as $800-$1,000 depending on market conditions. Any high-grade Thomas is a key ultra-valuable card from the set.
Greg Maddux – Maddux was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career by 1993, already having won 3 straight Cy Young Awards from 1992-1994. His smooth pitching motion and compact delivery made for an iconic visual on his Ultra card. PSA 10 Maddux can reach the $500-700 range, with most graded copies settling in the mid-$300s. He’s among the most valuable pitchers in the entire set.
Roberto Alomar – The smooth-fielding second baseman was a fan favorite and had won a Gold Glove in 1992 before appearing in 1993 Ultra. Alomar’s athleticism and flair for the dramatic play translated to a good-looking card. PSA 10 Alomars have sold for over $400. He’s one of the more valuable shortprints and stars from the release.
Ken Caminiti – Fresh off winning the 1996 NL MVP, Caminiti’s aggressive style and flair made him a fan favorite in San Diego early in his career. His Ultra shortprint is tough to come by in high grades. PSA 10 Caminitis have reached the $300-400 range. He’s among the scarcer stars from the set with strong value.
Fred McGriff – “Crime Dog” was one of the most feared sluggers in the NL in the 1990s. His smooth left-handed swing is captured perfectly on his Ultra card. High-grade McGriffs have sold in the $200-300 range. He’s among the more valuable commons from the vintage issue.
Roberto Hernandez – “Vaseline Boy” was a quirky but effective starter for the Indians and Orioles in the early 90s. His shortprinted Ultra is very scarce to find in pristine condition. A PSA 10 Hernandez recently sold for over $250 due to its rarity.
Other Notable Valuable Cards: PSA 10 Ken Hill ($225), PSA 10 Juan Gonzalez ($200), PSA 10 Moises Alou ($175), PSA 10 Paul Molitor ($150), PSA 10 Ozzie Smith ($125)
The 1993 Fleer Ultra baseball card set remains a hugely popular and valuable vintage issue decades after its original release. Headlined by the superstar rookie cards of Griffey, Jeter, and Jones, Ultra captured many of the games’ brightest young stars and biggest names of the early 90s at the peak of their abilities. With its innovative photography and memorable designs, Ultra cards aged extremely well and have proven to be a sound long-term investment for savvy collectors. The most highly-graded examples of the set’s biggest stars regularly sell for thousands of dollars today.
