Topps Venezuelans

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

Wow, WOW!!

Everyone look out! DBesse's gonna blow!!!!

[DBesse27]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

Everyone look out! DBesse's gonna blow!!!!

My 2 biggest collecting passions: Yaz and Venies!

[whiteymet]

Hi Gang:

Is there anything "special" about card #1 Wynn, #3 Adcock or #13 Post in the 1960 Venezuelan set?

I am trading with a guy looking for them. If anyone can help PLMK.

Thanks!!

Fred

[DBesse27]

The wynn can be pricey

[Savemethegum]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

My 2 biggest collecting passions: Yaz and Venies!

I feel very fortunate to have been able to get my hands on this. I'm considering crossover because pretty much my entire Red Sox rookie PC is PSA. For now, I just like looking at it

[Mariner]

Some great Venies posted here everyone!

Fred, just sent you an email.

Don

[reddog4063]

Never really understood the facination with venies. Is it just rarity? Maybe some people grew up there and remember these fondly? Seems pretty esoteric otherwise.

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by reddog4063

Never really understood the facination with venies. Is it just rarity? Maybe some people grew up there and remember these fondly? Seems pretty esoteric otherwise.

Thrill of the hunt, it's the next phase for a player collector or a team collector who has finished with all of the easily found Topps cards and semi easily found OPC cards. Had to pay a small fortune for this little booger, might not see another one in ten years.

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by reddog4063

Never really understood the facination with venies. Is it just rarity? Maybe some people grew up there and remember these fondly? Seems pretty esoteric otherwise.

For me it's a couple of factors. First, they are beautiful cards by my standards. They primarily all look well loved and are kind of mini works of art as a result. Second, it's cool to me that Topps would release these in the 50s and 60s in a far away country. Some boy or girl would treasure it for years. And then it would somehow make its way to me--typically directly thorough Venezuela. If you want one of these, you generally have a limited number of people you can get them from. Third, these cards actually matter. You've picked up a 1960 Mantle from Topps. Not impressive and not something I can't do by turning to eBay and spending a $100. Oh, it has great centering. Fantastic. Here's a $130 for it. Well, if you want a 1960 Venezuelan Mantle you are going to have to message Larry from Florida and get on his radar. Your also going to have to try Mark from Brooklyn and send a note to Kelly. Maybe one of them gets one in and messages you. Maybe a random, one off seller posts one on eBay and you are able to hit buyitnow before one of the numerous other people that need it get it. Well, you now have a card that not every can get. That's pretty cool. Fourth, they are fantastic conversation pieces and a number of people--including my local card shop when I lived in NY--were completely unaware the issue even exists. Finally, no player collection is complete without them.

Collect what you love. For me, my favorite cards are my Venezuelans.

[DBesse27]

It's the scarcity. Like others have said, you're not a serious player collector or team collector if you're not hunting for these.

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by reddog4063

Never really understood the facination with venies. Is it just rarity? Maybe some people grew up there and remember these fondly? Seems pretty esoteric otherwise.

Well, I found out about them through this thread. I have this goal of collecting every Topps Braves base card, so these and OPCs seemed like a natural thing to collect. As I started collecting VZs, my appreciation for them grew and now I feel very lucky that I was able to collect them all. VZs are a shining example of the love for baseball around the world, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised they aren't more popular.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

Well, I found out about them through this thread. I have this goal of collecting every Topps Braves base card, so these and OPCs seemed like a natural thing to collect. As I started collecting VZs, my appreciation for them grew and now I feel very lucky that I was able to collect them all. VZs are a shining example of the love for baseball around the world, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised they aren't more popular.

I'm glad they are not more popular, the prices are already high enough for nice cards.

[DBesse27]

Agreed!

[Bestdj777]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

It's the scarcity. Like others have said, you're not a serious player collector or team collector if you're not hunting for these.

Inaccurate. I'm a serious player collector and have found all of them

[reddog4063]

Thanks guys for sharing info on why you love the Venezuelans. Some of you are really passionate. I looked on the bay and you are right...some cards only 1 or 2 for sale on the whole site and high grade looks to be super scarce.

[hcv123]

I am a Clemente collector.

PSA has graded 2,666 copies of his 1967 card. There are 66 unqualified PSA 9's and 2 PSA 10's.
For Clemente's 67 Venezuelan card (arguably one of the toughest in all of collecting Venezuelan's!) PSA has graded 8 copies - Top of the pop's - 2 PSA 5's, following a PSA 3, 4 PSA- 1's and 1 Authentic. rarer than a T206 Wagner and just a bear of a card to find!
Even his most "common" 1966 Venezuelan - Topps - 2,156. graded copies, Venezuelan - 56 graded copies.
I was introduced to the Venezuelan cards when I met John R at the Willow Grove show. I was very skeptical about their authenticity when I first saw them. I bought a few cheap ones. Learned more about them. Bought a few more. Wish I knew then what I know now - He had almost every major star card - I think the priciest among them was a Ryan rookie probably a PSA 3-4 at $1,000.

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by hcv123

I am a Clemente collector.

PSA has graded 2,666 copies of his 1967 card. There are 66 unqualified PSA 9's and 2 PSA 10's.
For Clemente's 67 Venezuelan card (arguably one of the toughest in all of collecting Venezuelan's!) PSA has graded 8 copies - Top of the pop's - 2 PSA 5's, following a PSA 3, 4 PSA- 1's and 1 Authentic. rarer than a T206 Wagner and just a bear of a card to find!
Even his most "common" 1966 Venezuelan - Topps - 2,156. graded copies, Venezuelan - 56 graded copies.
I was introduced to the Venezuelan cards when I met John R at the Willow Grove show. I was very skeptical about their authenticity when I first saw them. I bought a few cheap ones. Learned more about them. Bought a few more. Wish I knew then what I know now - He had almost every major star card - I think the priciest among them was a Ryan rookie probably a PSA 3-4 at $1,000.

Wow, great story! Thanks for sharing

[Rrrlyons]

I buy most of my Venezuelans from Venezuelan sellers. I purchased a big lot of 350 cards from varies years from a guy who has been my main supplier for quite awhile two weeks ago. Still haven't gotten them yet so I email him and he said fedex and dhl have stopped operations from Venezuela now and can't send them until they reopen. So beware of buying from them because you probably won't receive your cards. He said he would wait for awhile and if nothing changes he would send my money back. Rick

[DBesse27]

Rick, I hope you get that lot! Sounds amazing.

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by Rrrlyons

I buy most of my Venezuelans from Venezuelan sellers. I purchased a big lot of 350 cards from varies years from a guy who has been my main supplier for quite awhile two weeks ago. Still haven't gotten them yet so I email him and he said fedex and dhl have stopped operations from Venezuela now and can't send them until they reopen. So beware of buying from them because you probably won't receive your cards. He said he would wait for awhile and if nothing changes he would send my money back. Rick

I would probably try to get your money back and have him message you when shipping resumes. I recently got a card and had to wait a few weeks for it because of everything that's going on in Venezuela. Right now is definitely not the time to be buying anything from sellers who reside in Venezuela, especially in Caracas.

[Thecafewha]

I am currently waiting on 2 shipments from Venezuela. Both sellers are in constant contact but no idea if / when they will get sent. I have gotten every item from Venezuela up to this point although I have had to wait weeks sometimes. Once it gets to FedEx or DHL it gets here in a few days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[clydepepper]

I have never owned a Venezuelan card, so I'm unfamiliar with the actual physical dimensions of those cards.

I have shied away from them as I have always assumed that the card stock was much thinner than cards produced domestically and, that, plus the naturally smaller production run is why card condition is such an issue.

Is that assumption correct?

[Rrrlyons]

Originally Posted by Thecafewha

I am currently waiting on 2 shipments from Venezuela. Both sellers are in constant contact but no idea if / when they will get sent. I have gotten every item from Venezuela up to this point although I have had to wait weeks sometimes. Once it gets to FedEx or DHL it gets here in a few days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes I will add I too have gotten every package from Venezuela up to this point also. He is making it sound like they won't reopen anytime soon.

[DBesse27]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

I have never owned a Venezuelan card, so I'm unfamiliar with the actual physical dimensions of those cards.

I have shied away from them as I have always assumed that the card stock was much thinner than cards produced domestically and, that, plus the naturally smaller production run is why card condition is such an issue.

Is that assumption correct?

Everything you said is correct. Combine that with the fact that many were glued into albums, and finding a clean-ish copy is extremely difficult.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by Rrrlyons

I buy most of my Venezuelans from Venezuelan sellers. I purchased a big lot of 350 cards from varies years from a guy who has been my main supplier for quite awhile two weeks ago. Still haven't gotten them yet so I email him and he said fedex and dhl have stopped operations from Venezuela now and can't send them until they reopen. So beware of buying from them because you probably won't receive your cards. He said he would wait for awhile and if nothing changes he would send my money back. Rick

Thanks for that info. I guess I'll stick to American dealers for now. Heres my most recent pickup, very tough common .

[DBesse27]

Picked up this lot of 64 Venies on eBay:



It's about 50/50 between ones I'm going to keep/grade and the ones I plan to resell. There are other keepers in the group, but the 4 below are already on their way to PSA.



The Wynn is a RC.

[Rrrlyons]

Dan
I really needed that Banks card down to two cards to finish the set but didn't think the lot would go that high. My bad! I did just get that big lot from Venezuela 45 direct hits to my sets from 59-68. The seller said dhl and fedex had to negotiate a new contract with the government to reopen so assuming packages will start following again. Rick

[DBesse27]

Rick, I was thrilled to win the Banks, but it's bittersweet knowing that I outbid you. Are there any others you need from the lot? Depending on the ones, I would be interested in some trading. Congrats, though, on that huge lot! What will you do with your dupes?

[Rrrlyons]

Besides the Banks I need one leader card and Kaline so no I don't need any of the others. I trade a few to other collectors but most I sell to other members of OBC. Rick

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

Picked up this lot of 64 Venies on eBay:



It's about 50/50 between ones I'm going to keep/grade and the ones I plan to resell. There are other keepers in the group, but the 4 below are already on their way to PSA.



The Wynn is a RC.

Lovin' the Banks, my man! Great pick-up.

[DBesse27]

I now have all three 68 Venz league leader cards with Yaz on them.

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

I now have all three 68 Venz league leader cards with Yaz on them.

Wow!!! Congratulations, DB!!!! Enjoy it for a good while, my friend, and get onto the OPCs ;-)

[DBesse27]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

Wow!!! Congratulations, DB!!!! Enjoy it for a good while, my friend, and get onto the OPCs ;-)

I've got one of the OPC and am buying another today.

[MCoxon]

Picked up my first Venezuelan. Had near misses in auctions on a few others, glad to get this one

[DBesse27]

Wow Mike, nice one!

[MCoxon]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

Wow Mike, nice one!

thanks a lot, dan! have a great friday/weekend

[Thecafewha]

Originally Posted by MCoxon

Picked up my first Venezuelan. Had near misses in auctions on a few others, glad to get this one

Nice start!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

I've got one of the OPC and am buying another today.

I had no doubt.

There isn't an OPC thread, so by all means, please post them here. I'd love to see 'em.

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by MCoxon

Picked up my first Venezuelan. Had near misses in auctions on a few others, glad to get this one

Congrats, Mike, on your first VZ! Do you have a specific goal in mind that you're shooting for?

[MCoxon]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

Congrats, Mike, on your first VZ! Do you have a specific goal in mind that you're shooting for?

Hi there, I usually player collect, so hoping to find others for players I collect which include Clemente, Aaron, Maris, Oliva, Colavito

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by MCoxon

Hi there, I usually player collect, so hoping to find others for players I collect which include Clemente, Aaron, Maris, Oliva, Colavito

Fantastic! Good luck with collecting the Aaron's. The '68 is a beast to get.

Also, here's a question. Where do you stand on the 67s? Real Topps cards or not?

[MCoxon]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

Fantastic! Good luck with collecting the Aaron's. The '68 is a beast to get.

Also, here's a question. Where do you stand on the 67s? Real Topps cards or not?

I never quite know on the 67s, but I think I actually like the Venezuela look better than the Topps view...!

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by MCoxon

I never quite know on the 67s, but I think I actually like the Venezuela look better than the Topps view...!

GTFO of here!!! LOL, just kidding

[RayBShotz]

Originally Posted by MCoxon

Picked up my first Venezuelan. Had near misses in auctions on a few others, glad to get this one

Gorgeous first card add.
Love the Maris!
RayB

[DBesse27]

Originally Posted by TheNightmanCometh

I had no doubt.

There isn't an OPC thread, so by all means, please post them here. I'd love to see 'em.

OK, here are my 2 OPC LL, followed by all 3 Venz:







Below are some recent Venz PSA returns. I think I showed these all raw.







And finally, a couple of recent raw purchases:

[TheNightmanCometh]

Originally Posted by DBesse27

OK, here are my 2 OPC LL, followed by all 3 Venz:







Below are some recent Venz PSA returns. I think I showed these all raw.







And finally, a couple of recent raw purchases:

Fantastic!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.

I got a soft spot for that '68 Alou. Always thought he looked boss int hat photo, like he's about to f up the pitcher, LOL.

[glynparson]

Lots of demand on the venezuelans at the national this week.

[DBesse27]

Glyn were you set up as a dealer at the Natty?

[tdawg]

Some of the demand at the National was me... I asked virtually every dealer if they had any Venezuelan Topps cards... I'm guessing that prompted some dealers to ask around themselves... But also, ran into several eBay dealers and other Venezuelan collectors who were no doubt doing the same... The good news is I was able to find 3 or 4 folks who are "off the grid" who have Venezuelans... Gonna be interesting what I find as I follow up...

[toppcat]

Well I need a couple of 59 variations, a 67 back variation and the impossible 1960 Tatoo to complete the run but I did upgrade to this for my type set of "Topps" Venezuelans: