Topps, the renowned trading card company, has raised the stakes in the collectibles market by introducing the highly anticipated 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. Priced at a hefty $8,000 per box, this premium product is a treasure trove for sports memorabilia enthusiasts, dedicated entirely to the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Each box is packed with eight meticulously crafted cards, including two autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a selection of rare chase cards that will leave collectors clamoring for more.
This luxurious collection marks the debut of the Topps Mercury line, promising a series of elite releases in the future. Topps has capitalized on its exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama, incorporating jersey relics from his rookie season into each meticulously sealed card. Each card is housed in a sleek magnetic case, further enhancing the exclusivity of the set, and wrapped in foil to add a touch of sophistication to the unboxing experience.
At the heart of the collection lies a dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama alongside none other than NBA legend LeBron James, both of whom boast exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, adding an unparalleled level of prestige to the set. Additionally, the inclusion of red parallels, limited to a mere five copies, and a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor, elevates the rarity and desirability of this collection, making it a coveted addition to any collector’s portfolio.
Enthusiasts will also be captivated by the ten unique autograph cards on offer, some of which feature personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards in the set capture pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season, including his NBA debut and the milestone game in which he notched his 1,000th point, providing fans with an authentic glimpse into the rising star’s journey.
With the fervor surrounding Wembanyama reaching new heights, evidenced by the staggering $762,000 garnered by his debut NBA jersey at auction, the incorporation of game-worn relics in this collection adds an extra layer of allure for collectors seeking a piece of basketball history to call their own.
Furthermore, the set boasts additional dual autograph pairings, pairing Wembanyama with NBA icons such as David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football sensation CJ Stroud, all of whom are part of the exclusive Fanatics roster. These dual autographs are strictly limited to ten copies each, ensuring their scarcity and increasing their investment value over time.
In addition to the premium autographs and relic cards, the collection includes 20 base cards highlighting significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. Paying homage to his French heritage, the base short prints feature French language text and are limited to just 45 copies each. A special “Specimen” super short print variant, celebrating Wembanyama’s “Alien” moniker, is also included, with only 15 copies in circulation. Each of the 20 base card parallels will be serial-numbered, capped at 99.
Exploring beyond the autographs and base cards, the set showcases ten distinct insert designs, with standout choices like “Cote to Coast,” a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan inserts, some of which will be available with autographs for an added layer of exclusivity and excitement.
While Topps has previously dabbled in single-athlete sets, such as the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) release in 2023, the Wembanyama collection marks their most expansive single-athlete set to date, promising widespread distribution and accessibility to eager collectors worldwide.
Collectors can secure their boxes from Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive early release scheduled via Fanatics Live one day before the official launch on October 9. As the inaugural release under the Topps Mercury brand, this collection sets a high standard for future single-athlete products, hinting at more opulent and exclusive releases to come for budding sports stars in the years ahead.
