Alright folks, buckle up, because I'm about to dive into my recent adventure chasing after Victor Wembanyama rookie cards. It's been a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and a whole lotta cardboard.
It all started when I saw the hype online. Wemby this, Wemby that. Everyone was talking about him being the next big thing. So, naturally, my collector's senses started tingling. I thought, "Hey, maybe I should snag a rookie card or two. Could be a fun little investment." Famous last words, right?
The Hunt Begins:
- Step 1: Research. I started by hitting up eBay, COMC, and a few other online marketplaces. Just trying to get a feel for the prices, what sets were out there, and which cards were considered the "grails." It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest. So many options!
- Step 2: Budget. I knew I couldn't go crazy, so I set a budget. I decided I was willing to spend maybe $200-$300 total. Yeah, I know, rookie numbers compared to some of these high rollers, but hey, gotta start somewhere.
- Step 3: Local Card Shop. I decided to hit up my local card shop. It's a small, family-run place, but they usually have a decent selection. Plus, I like supporting local businesses. The owner, a guy named Tony, gave me some good advice about what sets to look for and what to avoid.
The Pack Rip Frenzy:
Tony convinced me to buy a few packs of 2023-24 Panini Prizm. He said it was a popular set and had a decent chance of pulling a Wemby. I bought three packs. The adrenaline was pumping as I tore into those packs! Nothing. Seriously, not even a base Wemby. Disappointment washed over me.
eBay Auctions and the Near Misses:
Discouraged by my pack luck, I turned to eBay. I started bidding on a few Wemby base rookies. I was sniped at the last second on one auction – heartbreaking! I almost threw my phone across the room.
The Big Score (Maybe?):
Then, I saw it: a Victor Wembanyama 2023-24 Panini Hoops rookie card. It was a Buy It Now listing for $45. Seemed reasonable, so I pulled the trigger. It arrived a few days later. Looked legit! Centering was decent. No obvious flaws. I felt like I had won the lottery!
The Reality Check:
But then I thought I should get it graded. I sent it off to PSA. Waited weeks. Finally got the results: a PSA 8. Not bad, but not a 10. Still, I was happy. Turns out the card is worth around $60-$70 so I made a few bucks. Not retiring early, but it was a fun experience.
Lessons Learned:
- Patience is key. Don't get caught up in the hype and overpay.
- Do your research. Know what you're buying and what it's worth.
- Don't expect to get rich. Collect for the love of the game, not just for the money.
So yeah, that's my Victor Wembanyama rookie card story. It was a fun little adventure, and I learned a lot along the way. Now, I'm just waiting for the next big thing to chase!
