This month, Heritage Auctions is set to debut a remarkable collection of Venezuelan Topps baseball cards that will surely capture the attention of collectors worldwide. Consisting of 117 lots spanning the years 1959 to 1968, this collection is a true treasure trove of baseball nostalgia. What sets these cards apart from their counterparts is not only their rarity but also their exceptional state of preservation.
During the post-World War II era, baseball saw a surge in popularity, and Topps responded by partnering with Benco, a South American printing company, to produce Venezuelan Topps cards. These cards, produced exclusively for the South American market in limited quantities, quickly became sought-after gems. However, the passage of time has not been kind to most surviving examples, with the cards bearing the scars of deterioration. Despite these challenges, this collection stands out for its superior condition.
One of the unique features of the Venezuelan Topps cards is the noticeable differences in cardstock and print quality compared to their regular counterparts. The absence of a glossy finish and the use of coarse, inexpensive cardboard meant that these cards were prone to rapid deterioration. Furthermore, the limited production and distribution, as well as the local collector’s trend of affixing cards into specially designed albums, have made finding near-mint or better condition cards exceptionally rare. In fact, PSA, the card grading authority, has never given a “GEM MINT” 10 rating to any Venezuelan Topps card.
However, this summer, Heritage Auctions unveiled a collection that defied the odds, including cards that are the highest-graded examples known. Some highlights include a 1959 Mickey Mantle (PSA 5), a 1960 Carl Yastrzemski rookie card (PSA 5.5), a 1964 Ernie Banks (PSA 8), and a 1964 Mantle (PSA 6). Heritage Auctions praised this collection as the culmination of decades of steadfast commitment to the art of collecting.
One particular fascination of the later issues of the Venezuelan Topps cards is the inclusion of players who never appeared on an MLB card. These sets introduced future stars like Dave Concepcion, who made their first appearance on Topps cards in Venezuela before being featured on any U.S.-issued Topps rookie cards. Up for auction is the 1967 Venezuelan Concepcion, graded 6, from this set. The same set also paid homage to “Retirado” (retired) legends, including Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Sandy Koufax, who had recently retired after the 1966 season.
In addition to these remarkable cards, the auction will also feature other high-grade cards, such as a PSA 8 1967 Mantle, a PSA 7 1967 Mantle, a PSA 6 1968 Johnny Bench rookie, a PSA 5 1964 Pete Rose, a PSA 6 1964 Willie Mays, a PSA 4 1964 Hank Aaron, and cards of luminaries like Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Roger Maris, and other stars and Hall of Famers of the era.
The bidding for these pieces of baseball history is scheduled to conclude on November 16, during the Heritage Fall Sports Collectibles Auction. This event promises to be a landmark occasion, providing collectors with a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball’s international legacy and celebrate the storied past of the sport’s memorabilia. Each card in this collection represents a fragment of history, showcasing the global reach of America’s pastime and the enduring allure of collecting. For those who value the heritage of the game and the artistry of card collecting, this auction presents an unmissable opportunity to acquire a slice of baseball card lore.
