This month, the auction world is buzzing with excitement as a remarkable collection of baseball cards hits the auction block. Consigned by a South American collector, the Venezuelan Topps collection is a treasured trove spanning the years 1959 to 1968. With over 1,200 cards presented in 117 lots, this collection stands out not only for its size but also for its exceptional preservation.
The Venezuelan Topps cards were produced through a partnership with Benco, a South American printing company. They were created exclusively for the South American audience in limited quantities, making them rare gems today. Unlike their regular counterparts, these cards are distinguishable due to the differences in cardstock and print quality. They lack the glossy finish and are made of coarse cardboard, which unfortunately led to rapid deterioration for most surviving examples. However, this collection defies the norm, offering cards in superior condition.
Topps’ first Venezuelan issue mirrored the first two series of their 1959 set but was produced specifically for the South American market. Over the next decade, Topps continued to release Venezuelan versions of their cards, culminating in the 1968 series, which is known for its elusive and highly coveted cards.
Finding Venezuelan Topps cards in excellent condition is a challenge, as they were prone to deterioration and scarce due to limited production and distribution. Local collectors often affixed the cards into specially designed albums, further reducing the chances of finding well-preserved specimens. In fact, the card grading authority PSA has never given a “GEM MINT” 10 rating to any Venezuelan Topps card.
However, this summer, Heritage Auctions received a collection that defied the odds. It featured cards that stand as the highest-graded examples known, including notable highlights such as 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 the collection as the culmination of decades of steadfast commitment to collecting.
Notably, the later issues of the Venezuelan Topps cards feature players who never appeared on MLB cards. Future stars like Dave Concepcion made their first appearance on Topps cards in Venezuela before being featured on any U.S.-issued Topps rookie cards. The auction includes a 1967 Venezuelan Concepcion card (graded 6), along with a rare set that pays tribute to “Retirado” (retired) legends such as Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Sandy Koufax, who had just retired after the 1966 season.
Aside from these exceptional cards, the auction will also feature other high-grade cards, including a 1967 Mantle (PSA 8), a 1967 Mantle (PSA 7), a 1968 Johnny Bench rookie (PSA 6), a 1964 Pete Rose (PSA 5), a 1964 Willie Mays (PSA 6), and a 1964 Hank Aaron (PSA 4). Additional cards of luminaries like Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Roger Maris, and other stars and Hall of Famers from the era will also be up for bidding.
The bidding for these pieces of baseball history is scheduled to conclude on November 16th at the Heritage Fall Sports Collectibles Auction. This event promises to be a landmark occasion, offering collectors the chance to own a piece of baseball’s international legacy and celebrate the storied past of the sport’s memorabilia. Each card represents 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.
