Topps, the industry leader in trading cards, has just raised the bar with the highly anticipated release of the 2023-24 Topps Mercury Victor Wembanyama collection. This premium product is a lavish affair centered around none other than the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, Victor Wembanyama, and comes with a hefty price tag of $8,000 per box. Inside each meticulously crafted box, collectors will find eight carefully curated cards featuring exclusive autographs, game-worn jersey pieces, and a selection of rare chase cards that are sure to delight any avid collector.
This collection marks the debut of the Topps Mercury line, set to be the first of many luxurious releases from the brand. Leveraging their exclusive autograph deal with Wembanyama, Topps has spared no expense in bringing fans a truly unique and premium product. Each card is elegantly sealed in a magnetic case and wrapped in foil, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the set.
One of the crown jewels of this collection is a dual autograph card showcasing none other than Victor Wembanyama and basketball legend LeBron James. Both players have exclusive autograph deals with Fanatics, further enhancing the desirability of this limited edition card. Additionally, collectors will be on the hunt for the rare red parallels, limited to just five copies, and the highly sought-after one-of-a-kind SuperFractor card, making this set an absolute must-have for enthusiasts.
Topps has also introduced ten unique autograph cards, some of which feature personal inscriptions from Wembanyama himself. The inclusion of jersey relics from pivotal moments in Wembanyama’s rookie season, such as his NBA debut and his milestone 1,000th point game, adds a layer of authenticity and excitement to the collection.
Last year, the debut NBA jersey of Victor Wembanyama fetched an astonishing $762,000 at auction, setting the stage for the incredible value attached to game-worn relics. Fans can expect similar fervor surrounding the exclusive relics featured in this collection, making them a prized possession for any serious collector.
In addition to the dual autograph featuring LeBron James, the set includes pairings with NBA icons like David Robinson, Tony Parker, Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Kidd, and even football star CJ Stroud, all limited to just ten copies each to maintain their rarity and exclusivity. The product also boasts 20 base cards capturing significant moments from Wembanyama’s rookie season, with a special nod to his French heritage through limited edition French-printed short prints.
Furthermore, a “Specimen” super short print version pays tribute to Wembanyama’s “Alien” nickname, limited to only 15 copies. Parallels of all 20 base cards will have serial numbers capped at 99, adding an extra layer of exclusivity for collectors.
Aside from the autographs and base cards, the collection showcases ten unique insert designs, each bringing its own flair and style to the set. Notable inserts include “Cote to Coast”, a nod to the Cote d’Azur, 1971 Topps Chrome, and Wingspan, with some available featuring autographs for an added touch of luxury.
While Topps has previously released single-athlete sets like the Topps x J-Rod collection, the Victor Wembanyama release stands out as the “most widely distributed single-athlete set” from the brand, attesting to the widespread appeal of this rising NBA star.
Collectors and fans alike can get their hands on these exclusive boxes on Topps.com and select hobby shops, with a special early release scheduled via Fanatics Live one day before the official launch on October 9. The Topps Mercury brand is set to continue its legacy beyond Wembanyama, with plans for future single-athlete products celebrating upcoming talents’ first professional seasons, promising a future of luxurious and high-end releases for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.
