This month, Heritage Auctions is set to unveil a treasured collection of Venezuelan Topps baseball cards, consigned by a South American collector. Spanning the years 1959 to 1968, this remarkable assortment captures the essence of an era when baseball was gaining popularity, and Latin stars were making their mark in the Major Leagues. With over 1,200 cards divided into 117 lots, this collection stands out for its exceptional preservation, defying the usual wear and tear associated with these cards.
The Venezuelan Topps cards were produced in limited quantities in partnership with Benco, a South American printing company. While most surviving examples show signs of age and deterioration, this collection stands apart with its superior condition. The cards’ unique characteristics, such as the absence of a glossy finish and the use of coarse cardboard, contributed to their rarity and fragility. Additionally, local collectors often affixed these cards into specially designed albums, making it even harder to find well-preserved specimens. In fact, PSA, the renowned card grading authority, has never awarded a “GEM MINT” 10 rating to any Venezuelan Topps card.
However, a collection has recently surfaced at Heritage Auctions that showcases the highest-graded examples of these elusive cards. Among the highlights are 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 describes this collection as the result of decades of unwavering dedication to the art of collecting.
Notably, the later issues of the Venezuelan Topps cards introduced players who had not yet been featured on MLB cards. Future stars, like Dave Concepcion, made their first appearance on Topps cards in Venezuela before appearing on any U.S.-issued Topps rookie cards. The auction includes a 1967 Venezuelan Concepcion (graded 6) as well as cards paying homage to retired legends such as 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 extraordinary cards, the auction features a range of other high-grade cards. Among them are 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 more cards showcasing luminaries like Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Roger Maris, and other stars and Hall of Famers from that era.
Bidding for these invaluable pieces of baseball history will conclude on November 16 as part of the Heritage Fall Sports Collectibles Auction. This event promises to be a landmark occasion for collectors, providing them with an opportunity to own a piece of baseball’s international legacy and celebrate the storied past of the sport’s memorabilia. Each card represents a fragment of history, showcasing the global reach of America’s pastime and the timeless allure of collecting. For those who appreciate 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.
