This month, Heritage Auctions is set to debut an extraordinary collection of Venezuelan Topps baseball cards consigned by a South American collector. Spanning from 1959 to 1968, this treasure trove comprises 117 lots and over 1,200 cards, distinguished by their unparalleled preservation.
Representing the surge in baseball’s popularity after World War II and Topps’ keen response to the rise of Latin American stars in Major League Baseball, the Venezuelan Topps cards were printed in limited quantities through a partnership with South American printing company Benco. Today, these cards are considered rare gems. While most surviving examples show signs of aging, this collection stands out for its exceptional condition.
The initial Venezuelan Topps issue mirrored the first two series of the 1959 set, but it was exclusively produced for the South American audience. Over the course of the following decade, Topps continued this initiative, culminating in the highly sought-after 1968 Venezuelan series, which boasts some of the most elusive baseball cards in Topps’ storied history.
Distinguishing the Venezuelan Topps cards from their regular counterparts is the noticeable difference in cardstock and print quality. These cards lack the glossy finish and are printed on coarse, inexpensive cardboard, making them prone to rapid deterioration. Limited production and distribution, coupled with a local collector trend of affixing cards into specially designed albums, further contribute to their scarcity. As a result, finding Venezuelan Topps cards in near-mint or better condition is exceptionally rare. In fact, no Venezuelan Topps cards have ever received a “GEM MINT” 10 rating from PSA, the card grading authority.
However, this summer, Heritage Auctions uncovered a truly remarkable collection that defied the odds, including cards that rank as the highest-graded examples known. Some of the 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). The collection has been hailed as a testament to decades of steadfast commitment to the art of collecting.
Particularly noteworthy are the later issues of the Venezuelan Topps cards, which feature 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. Among the lots up for auction is the 1967 Venezuelan Concepcion, graded 6. The same set also pays homage to retired legends such as Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, and Sandy Koufax, who had recently ended his career after the 1966 season.
In addition to these unique cards, the auction will also feature other high-grade cards, including 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, and a PSA 4 1964 Hank Aaron. Collectors will have the opportunity to bid on cards of luminaries like Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Roger Maris, and many other stars and Hall of Famers from the era.
The bidding for these pieces of baseball history is scheduled to conclude on November 16 in the Heritage Fall Sports Collectibles Auction. This event will be a significant occasion, offering collectors the chance to own a slice of baseball’s international legacy and celebrate the storied past of the sport’s memorabilia. Each card represents a fragment of history—an embodiment of the global reach of America’s pastime and the timeless allure of collecting. Don’t miss the opportunity to acquire your own piece of baseball card lore.