Grading in the world of sports cards has taken a monumental turn with the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama’s 2023 Prizm Rookie Card. The basketball prodigy has not only dominated the grading charts but has also set a new standard by achieving a staggering number of PSA 10 grades, echoing the mass production days of the Junk Wax Era.
With a jaw-dropping count of over 24,000 PSA 10s and still climbing, Wembanyama’s rookie card has secured its place as the highest PSA 10 population card of all time. This remarkable feat has propelled him into the spotlight, reminiscent of the frenzy surrounding Luka Dončić’s rookie card in past years.
The surge in grading numbers has ushered in a new era, where Wembanyama’s Prizm rookie card joins an elite group of cards with over 20,000 PSA 10 populations. This exclusive club includes the likes of Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto, with Fernando Tatís Jr.’s card on the brink of joining them.
Panini added fuel to the grading frenzy by teaming up with Monopoly to release a special Prizm card set featuring Wembanyama. The collaboration has seen over 10,000 PSA 10s, further solidifying his rookie year dominance. When combined with the base Prizm rookie card, the numbers are staggering, with a total of over 40,000 graded and a high gem rate.
While the numbers are impressive, they still fall short of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card dominance in the late ’80s. Griffey’s iconic cards hold the all-time records for total graded copies, highlighting a different era in the hobby.
The resurgence of mass-produced cards and high gem rates in grading echo the Junk Wax Era of the ’90s. While Wembanyama’s cards may not be rare, the emphasis on top grades mirrors the grading explosion from that era. However, modern production capabilities and collectors’ reliance on grading companies have led to record-breaking submissions and gem rates, changing the landscape of the market.
As Wembanyama continues to challenge records with his ever-growing graded card count, questions arise about the long-term value of his cards. His rapid ascent signals both excitement and caution for collectors, underscoring the importance of rarity and condition in determining value.
For now, the hobby celebrates the historic impact of Wembanyama’s rookie cards, acknowledging the blend of global appeal, rising basketball stars, and the changing dynamics of the modern grading world. The legacy of his record-breaking accomplishments will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the world of sports card collecting.