Topps has elevated the trading card game with the introduction of the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection, a luxurious product solely dedicated to the NBA’s acclaimed Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Priced at a hefty $8,000 per box, this exquisite collection comprises eight cards showcasing two autographs, game-worn jersey fragments, and a selection of rare chase cards that will leave collectors in awe. This release marks the inauguration of the Topps Mercury line, promising more opulent collections in the future.
This collection capitalizes on Topps’ exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama and integrates relics sourced from his inaugural NBA season. Each card is meticulously encased in a magnetic holder and enveloped in foil, enhancing the set’s premium allure and making it a coveted item among enthusiasts.
Among the most sought-after gems in this collection is a dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama alongside basketball maestro LeBron James, both of whom boast exclusive autograph contracts with Fanatics. The inclusion of red parallels, limited to a mere five copies, and a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor card further enhances the desirability of this set, establishing it as an invaluable asset for collectors.
Topps has crafted ten distinct autograph cards, some of which feature personalized inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards within the collection encapsulate pivotal moments from Wembanyama’s rookie journey, including his NBA debut and the match where he achieved his milestone 1,000th point.
Notably, Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey from the previous year raked in an astonishing $762,000 at auction, setting a precedent for the excitement surrounding the game-worn relics showcased in this collection.
The set boasts other remarkable dual autograph pairings, such as Wembanyama paired with NBA 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 slated for production, these cards are destined to be treasured for their rarity and worth.
In addition to the autographs and base cards, the set presents a series of ten unique insert designs. Standout inserts include “Cote to Coast,” a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, the 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan. Some of these inserts will be available with accompanying autographs, adding an extra layer of allure to the collection.
While Topps has unveiled single-athlete sets in the past, such as the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) in 2023, the Wembanyama release marks the most expansive “single-athlete set” by Topps to date.
Enthusiasts can secure their boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive pre-launch via Fanatics Live scheduled one day prior to the official October 9 release date.
The Topps Mercury brand is poised for a lasting legacy beyond Wembanyama, with future plans to curate similar high-end single-athlete products saluting emerging talents in their rookie seasons, ensuring that collectors can anticipate more sumptuous releases for budding sports stars ahead.
