Topps has stepped up its game in the world of trading cards with the launch of the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. Priced at $8,000 per box, this exquisite collection is dedicated solely to the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Each box contains a total of eight cards, including two autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a selection of rare chase cards that will leave collectors eager to get their hands on this exclusive set.
This release marks the inaugural edition of Topps Mercury, promising a new era of high-end trading cards for avid collectors and enthusiasts. The collection capitalizes on Topps’ exclusive autograph agreement with Wembanyama, featuring jersey relics from his remarkable rookie season. Each card is meticulously sealed in a magnetic case and meticulously wrapped in foil, emphasizing the premium quality of the set.
An undeniable highlight of the collection is a dual autograph card featuring Wembanyama alongside NBA legend LeBron James, both of whom have autograph partnerships with Fanatics. The set also includes red parallels, limited to just five copies, and a unique one-of-a-kind SuperFractor, ensuring its desirability among collectors looking for rare and valuable cards.
In addition to the standout dual autograph cards, the collection boasts ten distinct autograph cards, some of which include personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The relic cards in the set capture significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season, including his NBA debut and the game where he reached his 1,000th point milestone.
Notably, Wembanyama’s debut NBA jersey from the previous year fetched an astonishing $762,000 at an auction, setting the stage for the excitement surrounding the game-worn relics showcased in this exclusive collection. Dual autograph pairings in the set feature Wembanyama alongside NBA icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football star CJ Stroud, another exclusive under the Fanatics umbrella. With only a maximum of ten copies produced for each dual autograph card, collectors can expect exceptional rarity and value.
The product also includes 20 base cards that spotlight key moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season. To honor his French heritage, the base short prints are printed in French and limited to just 45 copies each. Furthermore, a rare “Specimen” super short print version, restricted to only 15 copies, pays homage to his “Alien” moniker. Parallels of all 20 base cards will be serialized with numbers capped at 99.
Apart from autographs and base cards, the set offers ten unique insert designs. Standout inserts include “Cote to Coast,” a tribute to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan, some of which will be available with autographs for an added touch of exclusivity and collectibility.
Although Topps has previously released single-athlete sets like the Topps x J-Rod (Julio Rodriguez) set in 2023, the Wembanyama collection marks Topps’ “most widely distributed single-athlete set” to date, promising broad accessibility for collectors worldwide.
Collectors can acquire these exclusive boxes on Topps.com and selected hobby shops, with an exclusive early release scheduled via Fanatics Live one day ahead of the official launch on October 9. The Topps Mercury brand is set to extend beyond the Wembanyama collection, with future plans to introduce similar high-end single-athlete products commemorating the debut professional seasons of emerging sports stars. Prepare to embark on a luxurious journey into the world of exclusive trading cards with Topps Mercury.
