Grading cards has taken the spotlight once again, reminiscent of the mass production era known as Junk Wax, and at the heart of this resurgence is basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. According to PSA’s 2024 data, Wembanyama dominated the grading charts, accounting for six of the top 10 most graded cards of the year. However, one card stands above the rest.
Wembanyama’s 2023 Prizm rookie card has set a new standard in the hobby world. With a staggering 24,244 PSA 10s and counting, it has officially become the highest PSA 10 population card of all time, a feat previously thought unattainable in the modern era.
The rise of Wembanyama’s card echoes the frenzy seen during Luka Dončić’s time. Just as Luka’s 2018 Prizm rookie card surpassed 20,000 PSA 10s, Wembanyama shattered that ceiling in less than a year. Joining an elite group, Wembanyama’s card stands alongside other high population cards like those of Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto.
The collaboration between Panini and Monopoly only added fuel to the Wembanyama grading frenzy. The Monopoly version of Wembanyama’s rookie card has already seen over 10,000 PSA 10s, solidifying his dominance in the rookie card market. Combining the base and Monopoly versions, Wembanyama’s rookie cards have seen over 40,000 total graded, with a remarkable 60-61% gem rate.
While these numbers are impressive, they fall short of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance in the late ’80s, with his iconic 1989 Upper Deck rookie card leading the pack. Wembanyama’s high graded numbers may trigger memories of the Junk Wax Era for long-time collectors, where overproduction flooded the market but also heightened availability.
The modern twist in Wembanyama’s grading surge lies in Panini’s production capabilities and collectors’ reliance on grading companies, enabling record-breaking submission volumes and gem rates not possible in the ’90s. With over 40,000 graded cards in just a year, Wembanyama is poised to challenge Griffey’s all-time numbers, pending Panini’s production volume.
While Wembanyama’s rise signals excitement in the collecting world, it also raises concerns about long-term value as some dub it the modern Junk Wax Era. Collectors are reminded that rarity and condition will remain crucial in determining long-term value. For now, the hobby celebrates a rookie phenom whose impact on grading history is undeniable.