1993 SP Foil Card Value Guide

Baseball Set

By Bob Villemure • Updated July 20, 2025

# 1993 SP Foil | Baseball Set Review & Card Values (Updated July 2025)

Set Overview

The 1993 SP Foil baseball card set stands as a milestone in the evolution of trading cards, especially revered for its ground-breaking design and the introduction of premium card stock. Released by Upper Deck, this set is primarily renowned due to the inclusion of the iconic Derek Jeter rookie card, a centerpiece for collectors and investors alike. The 1993 SP set broke traditional norms by employing a foil-based card design, a bold move that accentuated the visuals but posed challenges for preservation due to its susceptibility to surface wear and edge chipping. The set consists of 290 cards, including several key rookies like Johnny Damon and Chipper Jones. Despite its modest size, the set's all-foil composition ensures that even base cards carry a premium appeal. Collectors today view the 1993 SP Foil set as a high-risk, high-reward investment due to the difficulty in finding well-preserved cards. Its historical significance and connection to one of baseball's all-time greats, Derek Jeter, cement its status as a must-have for serious hobbyists.

Quick-Stats Panel

As of July 2025, the market for the 1993 SP Foil set remains robust. Analysis from platforms such as eBay, Goldin, and PWCC highlight the continued demand: -

Derek Jeter #279 (RC) PSA 10:

Averaging $275,000. -

Derek Jeter #279 (RC) PSA 9:

Averaging $20,000. -

PSA 7 and below:

Values drop significantly, often below $1,000. -

Unopened Boxes:

Valued around $45,000 due to extreme rarity. -

Grading Trends:

High demand for mint-condition cards; submissions to PSA and SGC remain high, yet gem mint grades are scarce. Wax boxes are becoming increasingly difficult to find, making these sealed products highly sought after. The scarcity combined with the premium associated with the foil design means collectors are willing to pay top-dollar for pristine examples.

Price Table

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	PSA 8	PSA 7
Derek Jeter #279 (RC)	$275,000	$20,000	$5,000	$1,500
Johnny Damon #273 (RC)	$3,500	$750	$250	$100
Chipper Jones #280	$2,000	$500	$150	$80
Manny Ramirez #285 (RC)	$2,300	$600	$200	$90
Mike Piazza #285	$1,800	$400	$150	$75

12-Month Set Trend Summary

The past year has seen a steady appreciation in the 1993 SP Foil set, primarily driven by the evergreen demand for the Derek Jeter rookie card. Notable spikes occurred following Jeter's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, renewing attention and interest from both veteran and new collectors. Social media influencers and prominent collectors have spotlighted the set, further fueling demand. Record-breaking sales for high-graded examples have solidified the set's reputation as a premium investment.

Chase Cards to Know

Derek Jeter #279 (RC):

The flagship card of the set and a perennial favorite among collectors.

Johnny Damon #273 (RC):

Another key rookie, offering value to collectors interested in future Hall of Fame candidates.

Chipper Jones #280:

An established Hall of Famer, making this a significant card for Braves fans.

Manny Ramirez #285 (RC):

A controversial figure but undeniably talented, contributing to collector demand.

Mike Piazza #285:

A staple for fans of one of baseball's greatest catchers, often included in investor portfolios.

Population Report + Scarcity Analysis

A look at PSA and SGC population reports reveals the challenges of obtaining high-grade cards from this set. For instance, fewer than 50 Derek Jeter rookies have achieved a PSA 10 grade, highlighting the difficulty of preserving foil cards. The high demand for these grades demonstrates strong investment potential. Cards in lower conditions are far more abundant, indicating the significant premium placed on mint copies.

Breaker Appeal & Box Value

The allure of breaking sealed boxes of 1993 SP Foil lies in the chance of uncovering a mint condition Derek Jeter rookie card. However, with prices for unopened boxes hovering around $45,000, the risk is steep. The rarity of sealed boxes contributes to their high value, and many sealed products remain secured in collections or vaults. Hit odds are low for gem mint cards, but the potential ROI keeps breaker interest alive.

Buy/Sell/Hold Outlook

From an investment perspective, the 1993 SP Foil baseball set remains a strong candidate for both short-term and long-term growth. Sealed boxes should be held due to their increasing rarity and value. Key singles like the Derek Jeter rookie card are worth purchasing, especially if found in high grades. However, patience is advised for potential market dips.

# User Questions

FAQs

Is 1993 SP Foil | Baseball Set a good set to invest in long-term?

Yes, due to its historical importance and iconic rookies like Derek Jeter.

What are the most valuable cards in the 1993 SP Foil | Baseball Set?

The Derek Jeter #279 RC, Johnny Damon #273 RC, and Chipper Jones #280 lead the value charts.

Should I grade cards from this set?

Only cards in strong condition with high visual appeal are worth grading—especially stars and short prints.

How rare are unopened boxes of 1993 SP Foil | Baseball Set?

Extremely rare. Most surviving wax is in collector hands or auction vaults, making sealed product highly valuable.

Methodology & Ethics

Data sources — Goldin Auctions closing prices, eBay Terapeak analytics, and PSA Auction Prices Realized.

Sampling window — We analyse the latest 90 days of public sales. A grade appears in our tables only when at least three verified transactions exist for that grade.

AI-grading disclaimer — MarketSnap’s grade suggestions are algorithmic and should be verified by a professional grader before you buy, sell, or submit a card.

Affiliate transparency — When you click a link to an external marketplace we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. These partnerships never influence a card’s ranking or our editorial commentary.

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