Grading has made a grand comeback, reminiscent of the Junk Wax Era frenzy, and Victor Wembanyama sits at the epicenter of this whirlwind. PSA’s 2024 data reveals that the young basketball star has taken the grading world by storm, occupying six of the top 10 most graded cards in the year. However, it is one particular card that has stolen the limelight:
The 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama RC Base has shattered records with over 24,400 PSA 10 grades and counting. This card has now claimed the title of the highest PSA 10 population card ever, a feat previously deemed unattainable in the modern card collecting realm.
Wembanyama’s meteoric rise in the grading scene draws parallels to the Luka Dončić craze of yesteryears. Just like Dončić’s rookie card, which crossed the 20,000 PSA 10 mark, Wembanyama’s Prizm rookie card has surpassed this milestone in a remarkably short span.
Joining the exclusive club of 20,000+ PSA 10 population cards, alongside the likes of Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto, Wembanyama’s card is a force to be reckoned with. Even Fernando Tatís Jr.’s card is inching closer to this elite group, highlighting the dominance of these modern-day phenoms.
Panini and Monopoly have fueled the fire with a special Prizm card set featuring another Wembanyama rookie. The Monopoly edition has already seen over 10,000 PSA 10 grades, solidifying his rookie year supremacy. When combined with the base Prizm rookie card, the numbers are staggering, reflecting the immense popularity of Wembanyama’s cards.
While the figures are impressive, they still fall short of the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card dominance in the late ’80s. Griffey’s iconic Upper Deck rookie leads the pack with over 116,000 graded copies, followed by his Topps Traded and Fleer rookies, showcasing a level of dominance that remains unmatched.
The echoes of the Junk Wax Era reverberate through Wembanyama’s grading numbers, harkening back to the days of mass-produced cards flooding the market. However, with modern production capabilities and collectors’ penchant for graded cards, the market is witnessing submission volumes and gem rates that were inconceivable in the ’90s.
With over 40,000 graded cards in just a year, Wembanyama is on track to challenge Griffey’s legendary numbers, provided Panini’s production can keep up. While his rookie card has secured its place as a hobby legend, questions loom over the long-term value amidst what some dub as the modern Junk Wax Era.
Wembanyama’s ascent in the grading universe signals a mix of thrill and caution for collectors. While celebrating the card’s historic significance and the surge in basketball popularity, collectors must ponder the importance of rarity and condition for sustained value. The hobby revels in the brilliance of a rookie sensation who has etched his name in grading history.
