Topps, the renowned trading card company, has raised the bar with its latest release, the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. Priced at a hefty $8,000 per box, this exclusive set is a celebration of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Each box is a treasure trove containing eight cards, including two autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a selection of rare chase cards curated to delight collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The collection draws on Topps’ privileged autograph agreement with Wembanyama and incorporates jersey relics from his debut season in the NBA. Every card is meticulously encased in a magnetic holder and elegantly wrapped in foil, further enhancing the luxurious essence of the collection.
A standout gem in this assortment is the dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama alongside NBA legend LeBron James, both of whom have exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics. Additionally, red parallels limited to just five copies and a unique SuperFractor card add allure to the collection, making it a coveted item for collectors.
Not stopping there, Topps has specially crafted ten distinctive autograph cards, some of which include personalized inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards in the set immortalize pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie journey, including his NBA debut and the memorable game where he marked his 1,000th point.
In a nod to the escalating fever of the trading card market, Wembanyama’s inaugural NBA jersey fetched a staggering $762,000 at auction last year. This sets the stage for the anticipation surrounding the game-worn relics showcased in this exclusive collection.
Further enriching the set are other dual autograph pairings featuring Wembanyama alongside NBA icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football star CJ Stroud, all of whom have exclusive deals with Fanatics. With no more than ten copies of each dual autograph in circulation, these cards are not just collectibles but also investments in rarity and value.
The product also comprises 20 base cards spotlighting significant moments from Wembanyama’s debut season. Embracing his French heritage, the base short prints are printed in French and limited to 45 copies each. Moreover, a “Specimen” super short print variation, restricted to 15 copies, pays homage to his “Alien” moniker. All 20 base card parallels will bear serial numbers capped at 99.
Apart from the autographs and base cards, the set presents ten meticulously designed insert themes. Among the notable inserts are “Cote to Coast,” paying tribute to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan, some of which will be available with autographs.
While Topps has previously unveiled single-athlete sets, like the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) set in 2023, the Wembanyama release is set to be Topps’ “most widely distributed single-athlete set” thus far.
Collectors can acquire these sought-after boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive pre-launch event on Fanatics Live a day before the official release on October 9. The Topps Mercury label is poised to extend its legacy beyond Wembanyama, promising future single-athlete products dedicated to budding sports stars, ensuring a continued legacy of premium releases for collectors and fans alike.
