The 1993 Upper Deck SP baseball card set holds nostalgic value for many collectors as it reminds them of being a kid in the 90s opening packs in hopes of finding star players. While the individual cards in the set may not hold huge values on their own, having a complete unopened factory set still carries significant worth.
Released in 1993 by Upper Deck, the SP (“special”) set totaled 264 cards and had several distinct differences from the main flagship Upper Deck release that year. The SP cards featured action photographer shots instead of traditional posed photos. They also featured lighter colored borders compared to the standard black frame. Perhaps most notably, the set only contained current major leaguers rather than a mix of MLB players and prospects.
Some key details on the 1993 Upper Deck SP release that impact its value as a complete mint unopened factory set include:
Printing: It’s estimated around 2.5-3 million total SP sets were printed by Upper Deck in 1993, making it one of the larger print runs for baseball cards during the peak of the junk wax era. Since very few were likely never opened and remained sealed in the shrinkwrap over the past few decades, finding a true mint unopened set is still relatively scarce.
Holed Packs: Like many releases from the early to mid-1990s, the packs for this set came with factory holes poked through the wrapping to allow buyers to check for chase insert cards without opening fully. While not ideal for long-term preservation, the holes do help verify packs were never searched through.
Checklist Card: Each sealed factory set box contained the standard 264 card checklist card to allow collectors to track which players they had acquired without needing to open packs. This card serves as verification an unsearched set remains sealed as well.
Box / Factory Set Configuration: Cards came in packs of 14 with 18 packs per factory box. This means a true complete unopened factory set would consist of an intact original outer box with 18 sealed packs of 14 cards apiece inside, totaling the full 264 cards of the base set.
Due to its larger overall print numbers, individual 1993 Upper Deck SP cards hold minimal single value in mint condition typically ranging from under $1 for most commons up to $5-10 for star players. Obtaining a true sealed unsearched factory set in pristine mint condition offers collectors a much greater return on investment potential.
A sampling of recent eBay sales over the past few years shows what mint sealed 1993 Upper Deck SP factory sets in the original outer box have been going for:
May 2022 – Mint sealed factory set with 18 sealed 14-card packs sold for $599
December 2021 – Near mint+ sealed set went for $475
September 2021 – Mint sealed set fetched $550
June 2021 – Sealed set graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA brought $650
April 2020 – Sealed set described as flawless sold for $480
January 2020 – Excellent-mint sealed set brought $525
As you can see, while estimates vary, finding a true complete sealed 1993 Upper Deck SP factory baseball card set in top-notch mint condition has typically sold in the $450-$650 range based on recent sales history. Condition and pack/box integrity are major factors affecting pricing.
Some additional aspects to note that could impact the value of a 1993 Upper Deck SP set include:
Presence of Chase Inserts: Rarer insert cards like Derek Jeter rookie, Cal Ripken AS Game bat cards, and Caminiti rookie added premium on top of the base set value.
Grading by Services: PSA/BGS slabbing verifies authenticity and grade of the sealed set. This provides buyers extra certainty and often lifts prices versus raw ungraded sets. A true pristine PSA 10 sealed set may push the $1000 mark for a iconic release like this.
Similar Vintage Sets: Comparing rates to sealed sets from other popular early ’90s issues puts this set’s value more in context. For example, 1992 Upper Deck and 1989 Topps are usually valued higher while some Fleer/Donruss runs were printed heavier and sell closer to $300 range.
While a large print run means individual 1993 Upper Deck SP baseball cards hold little value, a complete unsearched factory sealed set remains an attractive key item for vintage card collectors. With scarcity despite large initial numbers printed and nostalgia for the early ’90s sportscard boom, finding a pristine sealed set can still net $500-650 for patient collectors who take the time to find one in top condition. And those who pull a true “mint mint” grade may see prices climb even higher for years to come.
