Victor Wembanyama has taken the world of grading by storm, with PSA’s 2024 data showing his unparalleled domination in the grading charts. This basketball prodigy has not just made waves; he has seemingly caused a grading tsunami. The rise of Victor Wembanyama’s rookie card echoes a time that older collectors might find all too familiar—the Junk Wax Era.
At the heart of this craze is the 2023 Prizm Victor Wembanyama RC Base card. With a staggering 24,244 PSA 10s and counting, this card has shattered all previous records to become the highest PSA 10 population card in modern hobby history. The numbers keep climbing, showcasing the fervor surrounding this young basketball sensation.
Wembanyama’s rapid ascent to grading superstardom draws parallels to the Luka Dončić frenzy of years past. Just as Luka’s 2018 Prizm rookie card broke records with over 20,000 PSA 10s, Wembanyama has leapfrogged that milestone in less than a year, ushering in a new era of grading dominance.
Joining the elite ranks of cards with 20,000+ PSA 10 populations, Wembanyama’s Prizm rookie card sits alongside the likes of Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and even the impending entry of Fernando Tatís Jr. Collectors and enthusiasts alike are witnessing history in the making.
Delving deeper into the numbers, Panini’s collaboration with Monopoly for a special Prizm card set featuring Wembanyama’s rookie card has only fueled the grading fervor. The Monopoly version has already garnered over 10,000 PSA 10s, solidifying his rookie year dominance.
When combining the base Prizm rookie card with its Monopoly counterpart, the sheer scale is mind-boggling. With over 40,000 total graded cards and gem rates exceeding 60%, Wembanyama’s cards are setting new benchmarks in the hobby. While impressive, these figures still fall short of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance from the late ’80s.
Longtime collectors may feel a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of the Junk Wax Era when overproduction flooded the market. Wembanyama’s cards, while not rare in traditional terms, are fueling a frenzy for high PSA grades akin to the ’90s grading explosion.
The question on every collector’s mind remains: will Wembanyama surpass Griffey’s legendary records? With an astounding 40,000+ graded cards in just a year, the prospect isn’t far-fetched. The modern twist lies in Panini’s production capabilities and the collectors’ reliance on grading companies, facilitating record-breaking submissions and gem rates.
Wembanyama’s meteoric rise signals both excitement and caution for collectors. While his cards symbolize the fervent love for basketball and the global allure of rising stars, the sheer volume of graded cards raises concerns about long-term value in what some dub as the modern Junk Wax Era.
In the ever-evolving world of collecting, one thing remains clear: rarity and condition will always reign supreme in determining long-term value. For now, the hobby revels in the glow of a rookie prodigy who has carved out a special place in grading history. Victor Wembanyama’s journey is not merely a saga; it’s an era-defining phenomenon.
