Grading in the card collecting world has taken a turn reminiscent of the mass production days of the Junk Wax Era, with a new shining star at the forefront – Victor Wembanyama. The basketball prodigy has taken the grading charts by storm, dominating six of the top 10 most graded cards in 2024, but it’s one card in particular that has set the hobby abuzz.
The 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama RC Base has reached a staggering 24,400+ PSA 10 grades, a number that continues to climb. This card has surpassed all others to become the highest PSA 10 population card of all time, a feat previously thought unattainable in modern collecting.
Wembanyama’s rapid rise in the grading world echoes the frenzy seen during Luka Dončić’s era. Luka’s Prizm rookie card from 2018 created waves when it crossed the 20,000 PSA 10 mark. Fast forward to today, and Wembanyama has shattered that milestone in less than a year, propelling himself into an elite group of cards with 20,000+ PSA 10 populations.
Adding to the frenzy, Panini collaborated with Monopoly to release a special Prizm card set featuring another Wembanyama rookie. The Monopoly version has already amassed over 10,000 PSA 10 grades, solidifying Wembanyama’s dominance in his rookie year.
When combining the base Prizm rookie card with its Monopoly counterpart, the numbers are staggering. With over 40,000 graded in total and high gem rates, Wembanyama’s cards are setting new records in the hobby. While not reaching the heights of Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance in the late ’80s, they are making a significant mark in the modern era.
Wembanyama’s rise in the grading world may harken back to the overproduction days of the Junk Wax Era, characterized by flooded markets and reduced scarcity. Despite the lack of rarity in Wembanyama’s cards, the drive for high grades, especially PSA 10s, mirrors the grading explosion of the ’90s, albeit with a modern twist due to enhanced production capabilities and grading company reliance.
The question now looms – can Wembanyama challenge Griffey’s all-time record numbers? With the pace he’s on and Panini’s production volume, it’s a possibility. For now, his Prizm rookie card has solidified its status as a hobby legend, achieving monumental milestones in a fraction of the time it took other cards.
As collectors navigate this new era, excitement and caution are palpable. Wembanyama’s rise showcases the appeal of basketball and budding stars, yet the high volume of graded cards raises concerns about long-term value, leading some to dub this period the modern Junk Wax Era. The lesson for collectors remains clear – while Wembanyama’s cards are historic, rarity and condition are crucial factors in determining lasting value. The hobby basks in the brilliance of a rookie phenom, leaving an unforgettable mark on grading history.
