Topps has once again upped the ante in the trading card world with the launch of the highly anticipated 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. This exclusive high-end product is dedicated entirely to celebrating the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Priced at $8,000 per box, this collection is not for the faint of heart, but for those serious collectors who desire the crème de la crème of trading cards.
Each luxurious box contains a total of eight cards, ensuring a treasure trove of collectible items for enthusiasts. Among the eight cards included are two autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a sprinkling of rare chase cards that will have collectors clamoring for more. This launch marks the inaugural release in the Topps Mercury line, promising a new era of premium trading cards from Topps.
One of the standout features of this collection is the incorporation of exclusive autographs from Victor Wembanyama himself, made possible through Topps’ partnership with the rising NBA star. Additionally, the inclusion of jersey relics from Wembanyama’s rookie season adds a tangible connection to the player’s journey, making each card a precious memento for fans.
A particular gem within this collection is a dual autograph card showcasing Wembanyama alongside none other than NBA legend LeBron James. With both players having exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, this card is a true rarity. The collection also boasts red parallels, limited to just five copies, and a unique one-of-a-kind SuperFractor, making it a must-have for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Furthermore, collectors can look forward to ten distinctive autograph cards in the set, with some featuring personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards within the collection capture pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season, including his memorable NBA debut and the game where he achieved the significant milestone of scoring his 1,000th point.
Notably, Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey from last year fetched an extraordinary $762,000 at auction, setting a high benchmark for the value of game-worn relics associated with the talented player. This collection taps into that excitement by offering fans a piece of Wembanyama’s history through these exclusive jersey relics.
In addition to the coveted autographs and relic cards, the set comprises 20 base cards that spotlight pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. Paying homage to the player’s French heritage, the base short prints are presented in French and limited to just 45 copies each. For fans of the “Alien” nickname associated with Wembanyama, there is a special “Specimen” super short print version, restricted to only 15 copies. Adding to the exclusivity, all 20 base card parallels will have serial numbers capped at 99.
Beyond the autographs and base cards, Topps has included ten captivating insert designs in the set. Highlights among these inserts include the “Cote to Coast,” a reference to the Cote d’Azur, as well as the 1971 Topps Chrome and Wingspan inserts, some of which will be available with autographs for an extra touch of rarity.
While Topps has previously released sets focused on individual athletes like the Topps x J-Rod set featuring Julio Rodriguez in 2023, the Victor Wembanyama collection marks a significant milestone as Topps’ “most widely distributed single-athlete set” to date, promising a broad reach among collectors.
Enthusiasts can look forward to acquiring these premium boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops. For those eager to get their hands on this exclusive collection early, a special debut will take place via Fanatics Live one day before the official release date of October 9. As the Topps Mercury brand continues to evolve, fans can anticipate more high-end releases dedicated to future sports stars making their mark in the industry.