Grading has made a triumphant return to the forefront of the collectibles world, reminiscent of the mass production days of the Junk Wax Era, with Victor Wembanyama taking center stage. According to the latest data from PSA in 2024, the basketball prodigy has taken the grading world by storm, with six of the top 10 most graded cards of the year bearing his name. However, it is one particular card that has set a groundbreaking record:
The 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama RC Base has seen a staggering POP COUNT of over 24,400 PSA 10s. This number continues to climb, solidifying its position as the highest PSA 10 population card in modern hobby history—a feat previously thought unattainable.
Wembanyama’s meteoric rise heralds a new era in grading, reminiscent of the frenzy surrounding Luka Dončić’s rookie card. Just as Luka’s card surpassed the 20,000 PSA 10 mark, Wembanyama has shattered that record in under a year. The Wembanyama Prizm rookie card now stands among elite cards with 20,000+ PSA 10 populations, including Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Even Fernando Tatís Jr.’s card is on the cusp of entering this exclusive club.
Panini’s collaboration with Monopoly further fueled the Wembanyama grading craze, introducing a special Prizm card set featuring the rookie phenom. The Monopoly version has already garnered over 10,000 PSA 10s, solidifying Wembanyama’s rookie year dominance.
When combining the base 2023 Prizm rookie card with the Monopoly edition, the numbers are staggering: 40,788 total graded base Prizm rookies with over 24,000 PSA 10s and 17,000 Monopoly rookies with more than 10,000 PSA 10s. While impressive, these figures fall short of Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance in the late ’80s, with his iconic 1989 Upper Deck rookie card leading the pack with 116,000+ graded copies.
The surge in Wembanyama’s card numbers evokes memories of the Junk Wax Era, characterized by overproduction and flooded markets. While his cards may not be scarce, the emphasis on high grades, particularly PSA 10s, mirrors the grading frenzy of the ’90s, albeit with a modern twist. Panini’s production capabilities and collectors’ penchant for grading services have facilitated record-breaking submission volumes and gem rates that were unattainable in the past.
With over 40,000 graded cards in a single year, Wembanyama is poised to challenge Griffey’s all-time records—if Panini’s production volume sustains this trajectory. For now, his 2023 Prizm rookie card has cemented its status as a hobby legend, achieving in months what others took years to accomplish.
Wembanyama’s ascent in the grading universe signifies both excitement and caution for collectors. While showcasing the surging appeal of basketball and rising stars globally, the sheer volume of graded cards raises concerns about long-term value, ushering in what some dub the modern Junk Wax Era.
In essence, collectors are reminded of the enduring significance of rarity and condition in determining long-term value. While Wembanyama’s cards undeniably make history, the essence of rarity and mint status remains paramount. The hobby revels in the brilliance of a rookie sensation who has etched an unforgettable mark on the grading world.
