Marion Butts
Running Back · San Diego Chargers
1003 Topps Gold ##355
Year & Era
1993 — Junk Wax Era
Card Type
Gold Parallel
Grade
8.0 (NM-MT) estimated
Rarity
Common; though a 'Gold' parallel, 1993 Topps was produced in massive quantities. One Gold card was included per wax pack.
Overall Assessment
A well-preserved example of a classic 90s parallel. While not high in monetary value, it is a staple of early modern collecting history and attractive for Chargers team collectors.
Condition Grade
8.0 (NM-MT) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: 60/40 Left-to-Right, 50/50 Top-to-Bottom. Back: Not visible.
Surface Condition
Near Mint; gold foil stamping appears intact with no visible oxidation or peeling; no major scratches detected from image.
Corner Condition
Reasonably sharp; bottom-left (viewed horizontally) shows slight softening; no severe dings.
Edge Condition
Excellent; minimal chipping along white borders; card edges appear straight.
Print Quality
Standard for 1993; colors are saturated and registration is sharp. Foil stamping is well-applied.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $5.00 raw; $20.00 - $35.00 in PSA 9/10 condition.
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is slightly better than average for this set, which often suffered from severe left-to-right shifts.
Authentication Tips
Authentic 1993 Topps Gold cards feature reactive gold foil that has a distinct texture and reflective property; reprints often use flat yellow ink instead of metallic foil.
Grading Recommendation
SGC or PSA; however, grading is only recommended if the card is a personal favorite, as grading fees will exceed the market value of the card.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; card stock and foil appear consistent with era-specific production.
Provenance Notes
Originally distributed in 1993 Topps football wax, cello, and rack packs. Part of the first few years Topps utilized the 'Gold' parallel format.
Historical Context
Marion Butts was a powerhouse back of the early 90s, known for his physical style and being a two-time Pro Bowler (1990, 1991).
Market Trends
Stable/Low; common cards from the early 90s remain at floor pricing unless in gem mint (grade 10) condition.
Investment Potential
Low; mass production of the junk wax era limits long-term growth for non-Hall of Fame players.
Similar Cards
1993 Topps Gold Natrone Means RC, 1993 Topps Gold Jerome Bettis RC.
Display & Preservation
Penny sleeve and top loader are sufficient; avoid high-UV environments to prevent the gold foil from dulling.
Interesting Facts
The 1993 Topps set was notable for its clean horizontal photography on many veteran cards, a departure from the traditional vertical portrait layouts.