Topps has raised the bar in the world of trading cards with the launch of its latest creation – the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection box. This high-end product is dedicated entirely to the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, and carries a hefty price tag of $8,000 per box. Inside each box, collectors will find a treasure trove of eight cards, including two sought-after autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a variety of rare chase cards.
This marks the inaugural release in the Topps Mercury line, setting a new standard for premium sports memorabilia. The collection is a celebration of Topps’ exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama, featuring jersey relics from his rookie season. Each card is elegantly encased in a magnetic holder and wrapped in foil, enhancing the luxurious feel of the set.
Among the highlights of the collection is a dual autograph card showcasing both Wembanyama and NBA legend LeBron James, both of whom have exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics. In addition, collectors can hunt for the elusive red parallels, limited to just five copies, and a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor, adding even more allure to the collection and making it a must-have for enthusiasts.
Topps has crafted ten unique autograph cards for this set, some of which include personalized inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards feature memorabilia from pivotal moments in Wembanyama’s rookie season, such as his NBA debut and the game where he reached the milestone of 1,000 points.
In a nod to the escalating excitement in the sports memorabilia world, where Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey fetched an eye-watering $762,000 at auction, the inclusion of game-worn relics in this collection is sure to captivate collectors and fans alike.
The dual autograph pairings in the set extend beyond LeBron James, featuring Wembanyama alongside NBA luminaries like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football prodigy CJ Stroud. With a maximum of only ten copies produced for each dual autograph, these cards are set to be highly coveted for their rarity and collectibility.
Aside from the autographs and relic cards, the collection also boasts 20 base cards commemorating significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie journey. To pay homage to his French heritage, the base short prints are printed in French, limited to just 45 copies each. Furthermore, a “Specimen” super short print edition, restricted to 15 copies, pays tribute to his “Alien” moniker. The serial numbers for the parallels of all 20 base cards will be capped at 99, adding a layer of exclusivity to the collection.
In addition to the base cards, the set showcases ten unique insert designs, including standout pieces like “Cote to Coast”, a reference to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan inserts, with the possibility of some featuring autographs.
Though Topps has previously released single-athlete sets like the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) in 2023, the Wembanyama collection marks their most extensive single-athlete release yet. Enthusiasts can get their hands on these exclusive boxes through Topps.com, select hobby shops, and a special debut event on Fanatics Live, happening one day before the official release date of October 9.
Looking ahead, the Topps Mercury brand is set to make waves beyond Wembanyama, with plans for future single-athlete products tied to the debut professional seasons of rising sports stars. Collectors can anticipate more high-end releases featuring the next generation of athletic talents to add to their prized collections.