The hobbyist world is abuzz with the resurgence of a phenomenon reminiscent of the Junk Wax Era, and at the heart of it all is none other than basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. According to PSA’s 2024 data, Wembanyama has taken the grading world by storm, with six of his cards making it to the top 10 most graded cards of the year. However, one card stands out above the rest, setting a new record in the industry.
Wembanyama’s 2023 Prizm rookie card has seen a staggering number of PSA 10 grades, with the count surpassing 24,244 and continuing to rise. This feat has established it as the highest PSA 10 population card in history, a title once thought unattainable in the modern hobby.
The rise of Wembanyama in the grading world mirrors the Luka Dončić frenzy that enthusiasts experienced in the past. Just as Dončić’s card surpassed the 20,000 PSA 10 mark, Wembanyama’s rookie card has shattered that record in under a year, ushering in a new era of grading dominance.
Joining an elite group of cards with over 20,000 PSA 10 populations, Wembanyama’s 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 entering this exclusive club, further highlighting the significance of Wembanyama’s achievement.
Panini’s collaboration with Monopoly has only added fuel to the fire, with a special Prizm card set featuring another Wembanyama rookie garnering over 10,000 PSA 10s. The combined numbers from both the base Prizm rookie and the Monopoly edition paint a staggering picture of Wembanyama’s rookie year dominance.
While these numbers may evoke memories of the Junk Wax Era’s mass production, they fall short of Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance in the late ’80s. Griffey’s iconic 1989 Upper Deck rookie card holds the all-time record with over 116,000 graded copies, showcasing a level of popularity that remains unmatched.
Wembanyama’s unprecedented success in the grading world prompts speculation about whether he will challenge Griffey’s records in the future. With over 40,000 graded cards in just a year, the prospect seems possible if supported by Panini’s production volume. For now, Wembanyama’s rookie card has etched its place as a legendary collectible in the hobby.
The meteoric rise of Wembanyama in the grading world offers both excitement and caution for collectors. While his cards symbolize the growing allure of basketball and the global fascination with budding stars, concerns arise regarding the long-term value of cards in an era some are likening to the modern Junk Wax Era.
As collectors navigate this evolving landscape, the importance of rarity and condition remains paramount in determining the long-term value of cards. Wembanyama’s historic cards may have reshaped grading history in just a few months, but they serve as a reminder of the enduring significance of rarity and condition in the world of collectibles.
