Topps is stirring up a whirlwind in the trading card world with the unveiling of its opulent 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection box. Priced at a staggering $8,000 per box, this exclusive product is a tribute to the NBA’s shining star, Victor Wembanyama. Bursting at the seams with eight cards in each box, collectors can uncover two sought-after autographs, snippets of game-worn jersey relics, and a handful of rare chase cards. This box marks the inaugural release under the Topps Mercury line, setting the bar high for what’s to come in the future.
The collection capitalizes on Topps’ special autograph partnership with Wembanyama, integrating swatches of jersey relics from his rookie NBA season. Enclosed in a magnetic case and enveloped in foil, each card exudes luxury and sophistication, elevating the set to a premium status.
A standout gem in this collection is a dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama alongside basketball legend LeBron James. Both stars boast exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, adding an extra layer of allure to this particular card. The set also boasts red parallels, limited to just five copies, as well as a unique SuperFractor card, ensuring that collectors have a chance to own some truly rare and coveted pieces.
Within the collection are ten distinct autograph cards, some with personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards within the set capture pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie journey, including his NBA debut and the game where he notched his 1,000th point.
Last year, Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey fetched an astonishing $762,000 at auction, creating a buzz around the game-worn relics showcased in this collection. Dual autograph pairings extend beyond LeBron James to include icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football sensation CJ Stroud, another exclusive under Fanatics. With no more than ten copies of each dual autograph in existence, the rarity and value of these cards are inherently preserved.
The collection also boasts 20 base cards that chronicle significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. In a nod to his French heritage, the base short prints are inscribed in French and are limited to just 45 copies each. To commemorate his “Alien” moniker, a “Specimen” super short print variant, restricted to only 15 copies, adds a unique touch. Parallel versions of all 20 base cards will carry serial numbers capped at 99, enhancing their exclusivity.
In addition to autographs and base cards, the set showcases ten distinctive insert designs. Standout inserts include “Cote to Coast,” paying homage to the Cote d’Azur, the 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan, some of which will be available with autographs.
While Topps has rolled out single-athlete sets previously, such as the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) collection in 2023, the Wembanyama release marks Topps’ most widespread single-athlete set to date. The boxes will hit stores via Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive sneak peek on Fanatics Live one day ahead of the official release on October 9.
The Topps Mercury brand is set to continue beyond Wembanyama, with plans for future single-athlete products tied to their inaugural professional seasons. Collectors can anticipate similar high-end releases spotlighting upcoming stars, as Topps continues to redefine the trading card landscape.
