Topps is disrupting the trading card industry once again with its latest release, the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. Priced at a premium $8,000 per box, this exclusive set is all about celebrating the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, in style.
Each box of the collection comprises eight meticulously crafted cards, with highlights including two sought-after autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a selection of rare chase cards designed to dazzle collectors. Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama is not just any ordinary card set; it’s a lavish tribute to the rising basketball star.
What sets this collection apart is the incorporation of Wembanyama’s exclusive autograph deal with Topps, ensuring fans get their hands on truly unique memorabilia. The inclusion of jersey relics from his rookie season adds a personal touch to the set, making each card a precious memento for enthusiasts.
One of the crown jewels of the collection is a dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama and basketball legend LeBron James, both of whom have exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, stirring excitement among collectors. Moreover, the set boasts red parallels, limited to only five copies each, and a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor card, elevating its desirability among avid fans.
For autograph aficionados, Topps has curated ten distinct autograph cards, some of which feature personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards in the collection capture pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season, such as his NBA debut and the game where he achieved the milestone of scoring his 1,000th point.
Last year’s staggering $762,000 sale of Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey set the bar high for the anticipation surrounding the game-worn relics in this collection, promising valuable additions to any collector’s portfolio. The set also offers other dual autograph pairings with NBA icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jason Kidd, as well as an unexpected cameo from football star CJ Stroud, another exclusive athlete under Fanatics.
In addition to the autographs and relics, the collection features 20 base cards showcasing significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. To honor his French heritage, the base short prints are crafted in French and limited to just 45 copies each. Fans will also discover a rare “Specimen” super short print version, restricted to a mere 15 copies, commemorating Wembanyama’s “Alien” moniker. Serial numbers on the parallels of all 20 base cards are capped at 99 for added exclusivity.
Adding depth to the set are ten distinct insert designs, with notable inclusions such as “Cote to Coast”, a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan inserts, some of which will be available with autographs, enhancing the allure of the collection.
While Topps has previously dabbled in single-athlete sets like the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) release in 2023, the Wembanyama collection marks a significant milestone as Topps’ “most widely distributed single-athlete set” to date, promising broader accessibility for fans and collectors alike.
Collectors can mark their calendars for the official release date of October 9, with boxes set to be available for purchase on Topps.com and select hobby shops. An exclusive early debut via Fanatics Live adds an extra layer of excitement for enthusiasts eager to get their hands on this prestigious collection.
As the first in the Topps Mercury line, the Victor Wembanyama collection sets a high standard for future single-athlete products, hinting at more deluxe releases to come for budding sports stars on their professional journeys. Whether you’re an avid collector or a die-hard fan, this exclusive set is a must-have for anyone captivated by the world of sports memorabilia.
