Topps is revolutionizing the world of trading cards with its luxurious 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection box, a top-tier product dedicated entirely to the NBA’s standout Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Priced at a premium $8,000 per box, collectors are in for a treat with each box containing eight distinctive cards, including two prized autographs, pieces of game-worn jerseys, and a selection of rare chase cards. This release marks the debut of the Topps Mercury line, with promises of more extravagant releases in the future.
The collection capitalizes on Topps’ exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama, incorporating jersey relics from his rookie season for an added touch of authenticity. Every card is meticulously sealed in a magnetic case and encased in foil, accentuating the deluxe feel of the set.
A standout gem in the collection is a dual autograph card featuring the young prodigy Wembanyama alongside NBA legend LeBron James, both of whom have exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics. Limited to just five copies are the coveted red parallels, along with a one-of-a-kind SuperFractor, adding to the allure of this collection and making it a must-have for avid collectors.
In addition to this, Topps has crafted ten distinctive autograph cards, some of which feature personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards showcase memorable moments from Wembanyama’s rookie year, including his NBA debut and his milestone 1,000th point game.
Last year, Wembanyama’s inaugural NBA jersey fetched an astonishing $762,000 at auction, setting the stage for the excitement surrounding the inclusion of game-worn relics in this collection.
Furthermore, the set features dual autograph pairings such as Wembanyama with basketball icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football star CJ Stroud, a fellow Fanatics exclusive. With a maximum production of ten copies for each dual autograph, the cards retain their rarity and intrinsic value.
The product also comprises 20 base cards that chronicle significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. Adding a touch of French flair, the base short prints are printed in French, limited to 45 copies each. A “Specimen” super short print variant, restricted to 15 copies, pays homage to his “Alien” moniker. The parallels of all 20 base cards will include serial numbers capped at 99, enhancing their collectibility.
Beyond the autographs and base cards, the set boasts ten captivating insert designs. Among these inserts, the notable mentions are “Cote to Coast,” a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan, some of which will be offered with autographs.
Though Topps has previously unveiled single-athlete sets such as the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) set in 2023, the Wembanyama release marks Topps’ most extensive single-athlete offering thus far.
Enthusiasts can purchase these coveted boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops, with an exclusive preview hosted via Fanatics Live a day before the official release on October 9.
The Topps Mercury brand will persist beyond Wembanyama, as Topps intends to utilize it for forthcoming single-athlete products linked to athletes’ debut professional seasons, hinting at similar deluxe releases for upcoming rising stars.