Topps has revolutionized the trading card game with the introduction of the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. This exquisite collection is priced at a staggering $8,000 per box and is dedicated entirely to the NBA’s rising star, Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year. Each meticulously curated box contains eight cards, two of which are autographed by Wembanyama himself. The collection also includes game-worn jersey pieces alongside a selection of rare chase cards, setting a new standard in the world of card collecting.
Drawing on Topps’ exclusive autograph deal with Wembanyama, the collection incorporates invaluable jersey relics from the player’s inaugural NBA season. Every card is housed in a magnetic case and encased in foil, emphasizing the luxurious and premium quality of this set.
One of the standout cards in the collection is a dual autograph card featuring not only Victor Wembanyama but also the iconic NBA superstar LeBron James. Both players boast exclusive autograph partnerships with Fanatics, adding an extra layer of prestige to these limited-edition cards. Additionally, the set includes red parallels, limited to just five copies, as well as a unique one-of-a-kind SuperFractor card, further enhancing the desirability and rarity of the collection for passionate collectors.
Among the highlights are ten distinctive autograph cards, some of which feature personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards in the ensemble capture pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie campaign, including his remarkable NBA debut and the exhilarating game where he achieved his 1,000th point milestone.
The buzz surrounding Wembanyama soared last year when his debut NBA jersey fetched an astonishing $762,000 at an auction, setting the stage for the anticipation surrounding the game-worn relics showcased in this exclusive collection.
Beyond the thrilling dual autograph pairings with basketball legends like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jason Kidd, the collection also includes a surprising collaboration with football sensation CJ Stroud, an exclusive with Fanatics. With no more than ten copies produced for each dual autograph, these cards promise unmatched rarity and enduring value.
The set encompasses 20 remarkable base cards that chronicle memorable moments from Wembanyama’s breakthrough rookie season. To pay homage to his French heritage, the limited edition base short prints are elegantly printed in French, restricted to just 45 copies each. Moreover, a unique “Specimen” super short print version commemorating his “Alien” moniker, limited to 15 copies, adds a whimsical touch to the collection. All 20 base cards will have parallels with serial numbers capped at 99, ensuring their exclusivity.
Complementing the autographs and base cards are ten thoughtfully designed insert collections. Noteworthy inserts include “Cote to Coast,” paying homage to the Cote d’Azur, as well as the 1971 Topps Chrome and Wingspan series, some of which will be available with autographs for lucky collectors.
While Topps has ventured into single-athlete sets in the past, such as the Topps x J-Rod collaboration with Julio Rodriguez in 2023, the Wembanyama release marks a milestone as the “most widely distributed single-athlete set” by Topps to date.
Enthusiasts can look forward to purchasing these coveted boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive debut scheduled via Fanatics Live one day before the official release date of October 9. The Topps Mercury brand is set to continue its journey beyond Wembanyama, promising more luxurious single-athlete products linked to future stars’ debut seasons, redefining the art of collecting for fans and connoisseurs alike.