Grading in the trading card world is not a new phenomenon, but the recent surge of interest in grading has stirred memories of the mass production days of the Junk Wax Era. At the center of this resurgence is Victor Wembanyama, a basketball prodigy whose rookie card has taken the grading world by storm.
According to the latest data from PSA in 2024, Wembanyama has not only dominated the grading charts but has also set a new record with his 2023 Prizm rookie card. With a staggering 24,244 PSA 10 grades and counting, his card has officially become the highest PSA 10 population card of all time, a feat previously thought unattainable in the modern hobby.
The rapid rise of Wembanyama’s rookie card is reminiscent of the Luka Dončić craze, with his Prizm rookie card surpassing 20,000 PSA 10 grades in record time. Wembanyama now joins an elite group of cards with over 20,000 PSA 10 grades, including the likes of Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Even Fernando Tatís Jr.’s rookie card is on the cusp of joining this exclusive club.
Panini added more fuel to the grading frenzy by collaborating with Monopoly to release a special Prizm card set featuring another Wembanyama rookie. This Monopoly version has already amassed over 10,000 PSA 10 grades, further solidifying Wembanyama’s dominance in his rookie year.
Combining the numbers of the base Prizm rookie card and its Monopoly counterpart paints an impressive picture. With over 40,000 total graded cards and a high gem rate producing thousands of PSA 10 grades, Wembanyama’s rookie cards are setting new records in the hobby. However, they still fall short of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr., whose cards from the late ’80s hold astonishing grading numbers.
The surge in graded cards for Wembanyama may evoke memories of the Junk Wax Era for seasoned collectors, a time when mass-produced cards flooded the market. While Wembanyama’s cards may not be rare, the emphasis on high grades, particularly PSA 10s, mirrors the grading frenzy of the ’90s, albeit with a modern twist thanks to Panini’s production capabilities and collectors’ reliance on grading companies.
The question arises whether Wembanyama will eventually challenge Ken Griffey Jr.’s all-time record numbers, given the trajectory of his grading volumes. His 2023 Prizm rookie card has solidified its status as a hobby legend, achieving milestones in months that other cards took years to accomplish.
Wembanyama’s unprecedented rise in the grading world signifies both excitement and caution for collectors. While his cards showcase the growing popularity of basketball and the global appeal of emerging stars, the sheer volume of graded cards raises concerns about long-term value, prompting discussions about the modern Junk Wax Era.
In conclusion, Wembanyama’s cards have undeniably made history in the grading world, emphasizing the importance of rarity and condition for long-term value in the hobby. As collectors revel in the phenomenon of this rookie sensation, the grading world continues to evolve, shaping the future of the trading card market.
