Grading in the sports card collecting world has taken a nostalgic turn, reminiscent of the mass production days of the Junk Wax Era. At the forefront of this resurgence stands basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama, whose rookie card has taken the hobby world by storm. According to the latest data from PSA in 2024, Wembanyama’s cards have dominated the grading charts, with six of the top 10 most graded cards of the year attributed to him. However, one card in particular has set a new milestone in the hobby:
The 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama RC Base card has seen a staggering surge in popularity, with a current count of over 24,400 PSA 10 grades and counting. This card has officially become the highest PSA 10 population card of all time, achieving a feat previously thought unattainable in the modern collecting scene.
Wembanyama’s rise in grading parallels that of past basketball sensations like Luka Dončić. The rapid escalation of Wembanyama’s Prizm rookie card echoes the excitement seen during the Luka Dončić card frenzy, where Dončić’s card surpassed 20,000 PSA 10 grades and was hailed as a groundbreaking moment. Wembanyama has shattered that record in less than a year, ushering in a new era of grading in the hobby.
Joining the ranks of elite cards with over 20,000 PSA 10 grades, the Wembanyama Prizm rookie card stands alongside the likes of Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. Even Fernando Tatís Jr.’s rookie card is on the cusp of joining this exclusive club, highlighting the growing trend of high-grade populations.
Panini and Monopoly have added fuel to the grading frenzy by releasing a special Wembanyama Prizm card set in collaboration. This Monopoly version has already amassed over 10,000 PSA 10 grades, further solidifying Wembanyama’s dominance in the rookie card market. When combined with the base Prizm rookie, the numbers become even more astounding, with over 40,000 total graded cards and significant gem rates.
Despite the impressive numbers, Wembanayama’s cards fall short of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance from the late ’80s. Griffey’s iconic 1989 Upper Deck rookie card still holds the record with over 116,000 graded copies, followed by his 1989 Topps Traded and 1989 Fleer rookie cards.
The surge in Wembanyama’s card populations draws parallels to the mass production era of the Junk Wax Era. While his cards may not be considered rare, the pursuit of high grades, particularly PSA 10s, resembles the grading explosion of the ’90s. However, with modern production capabilities and increased reliance on grading companies, record-breaking submission volumes and gem rates are now achievable.
In just one year, Wembanyama has amassed over 40,000 graded cards, approaching Griffey’s monumental numbers. The question remains whether Panini’s production can sustain Wembanyama’s trajectory to challenge the all-time records. While Wembanyama’s cards have undeniably made a mark in the hobby, collectors are reminded that rarity and condition will always be key factors in determining long-term value.
Amidst the excitement and caution surrounding Wembanyama’s grading records, his ascent in the hobby world underscores the global appeal of rising stars and the significance of rarity and condition in card collecting. As collectors navigate through what some call the modern Junk Wax Era, Wembanyama’s cards serve as a reminder of the hobby’s ever-evolving landscape.