The 1993 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of a new era of baseball. Barry Bonds had just broken the single season home run record with 46 homers in 1992. Ken Griffey Jr. was emerging as the new face of baseball. And a collection of young stars like Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, and Mo Vaughn were taking the league by storm.

The set contains 792 total cards, including rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, and Randy Johnson. The design featured a classic border with the player’s name and team across the top. Photo quality was excellent throughout the set. Card condition and centering were also above average compared to some Topps releases from the late 80s/early 90s period.

While not the most valuable set from the junk wax era, there are still some true gems to be found in the 1993 Topps collection. Here’s a look at some of the most desirable and valuable cards collectors seek out from the set today:

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – One of the most iconic rookie cards of all-time. Even in PSA 10 condition, Jr.’s rookie routinely fetches well over $1000. High grade copies in the $2000-3000 range are not unheard of.

Barry Bonds (#150) – As one of the game’s all-time greats, Bonds’ cards hold value even after his controversial post-playing career. His 1993 Topps is one of his more affordable rookie options around $200-300 graded.

Frank Thomas (#166) – Like Bonds, Thomas established himself as a true superstar and future Hall of Famer very early in his career. His rookie card trades for $150-250 graded.

Craig Biggio (#234) – The third baseman’s rookie card is iconic for Astros fans. High grade copies can reach $250-300.

Jeff Bagwell (#235) – Bagwell exploded onto the scene in 1991 and never looked back. His rookie is one of the most iconic from the early 90s, valued at $150-250 graded.

Derek Jeter (#326) – One of the most popular players of his generation. Even ungraded, Jeter’s stellar rookie sells for $75-100+.

Mo Vaughn (#362) – Coming off his impressive rookie campaign in 1991, Vaughn’s sophomore card holds value at $75-100 graded.

John Smoltz (#373) – The Hall of Fame pitcher’s rookie card is a bargain at $50-75 even graded.

Randy Johnson (#422) – As one of the most dominating pitchers ever, “The Big Unit’s” rookie has found new appreciation in recent years at $75-100 graded.

Cal Ripken Jr. (#444) – Not his true rookie card, but “Iron Man’s” 1993 is still iconic. Ungraded copies sell for $50-75.

Jim Abbott (#647) – The one-armed pitcher’s rookie card captured the imagination of many collectors. Even ungraded copies command $50-75.

Roberto Alomar (#661) – One of the best all-around players of the 90s. His 1993 is a solid pickup for Blue Jays fans at $30-50 graded.

David Justice (#679) – As a member of the 1995 World Champion Braves, Justice’s rookie card holds steady value of $30-50 graded.

Paul O’Neill (#742) – A key member of those Yankee championship teams. His 1993 rookie sells for $25-40 graded.

Omar Vizquel (#787) – One of the finest defensive shortstops ever. His rookie is affordable at $20-30 even graded.

While not the most expensive vintage set, 1993 Topps remains very collectible thanks to stars like Griffey, Bonds, Thomas and the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. For budget-minded collectors, there are still many affordable stars and Hall of Famers to be found to build a solid foundation for any collection. Graded examples of stars like Jeter, Ripken and Smoltz can also be obtained without breaking the bank. For fans of 90s baseball, 1993 Topps encapsulates a great era of the game.