Topps, a frontrunner in the trading card industry, has set a new benchmark with the unveiling of its 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. This luxury product, valued at a hefty $8,000 per box, is a tribute to the NBA’s rising star, Victor Wembanyama. Each box boasts a treasure trove of eight cards, featuring two autographs, fragments of game-worn jerseys, and a selection of rare chase cards that will make collectors’ hearts skip a beat.
Dubbed the inaugural release in the Topps Mercury lineup, this collection capitalizes on Topps’ exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama and integrates relics from his rookie season. Encased in magnetic shells and enveloped in foil, each card exudes an aura of sophistication, cementing its status as a premium offering.
A standout gem in the ensemble is a dual autograph card showcasing Wembanyama alongside NBA legend LeBron James, both adorned with their sought-after signatures due to exclusive deals with Fanatics. The set also includes red parallels, appearing in just five copies, and a unique SuperFractor card, making it a coveted treasure trove for avid collectors.
Furthermore, the collection features ten distinct autograph cards, some boasting personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards encapsulate pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie journey, capturing instances like his electrifying NBA debut and the game where he notched his 1,000th point.
The fervor surrounding this collection is palpable, especially considering the staggering $762,000 fetched by Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey at auction last year, setting the stage for the allure of the game-worn relics in this assortment.
The amalgamation of Wembanyama with basketball icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football sensation CJ Stroud in dual autograph pairings further heightens the exclusivity of the set. Limited to a mere ten copies each, these dual autograph cards promise rarity and enduring value.
In addition to the autographs, the collection encompasses 20 base cards spotlighting pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. With French-printed short prints limited to 45 copies each, and a distinctive “Specimen” super short print edition restricted to 15 copies, the collection pays homage to Wembanyama’s French heritage and renowned “Alien” moniker. Serial numbers on all 20 base card parallels will not exceed 99.
Delving deeper into the realm of this opulent collection, enthusiasts will encounter ten unique insert designs, with notable mentions like “Cote to Coast”, a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, the 1971 Topps Chrome, and the Wingspan series, some of which will come adorned with autographs.
While Topps has ventured into single-athlete sets previously, such as the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) release in 2023, the unveiling of the Wembanyama collection marks Topps’ most expansive solo-athlete offering to date.
Enthusiasts can lay their hands on these coveted boxes through Topps.com and select hobby shops, with a special preview on Fanatics Live a day prior to the official release on October 9. The Topps Mercury brand is set to embark on a continued journey beyond Wembanyama, with Topps plotting future single-athlete products commemorating athletes’ inaugural professional seasons. Brace yourselves, collectors, for a saga of high-end releases celebrating the stars of tomorrow.
