Topps Venezuelans

[Rob D.]

A couple of years ago there was a 1967 Lajoie "Retirado" on eBay. I thought I put in a snipe that would be more than enough -- by a lot. Turns out I was wrong. Maybe it was a case of there being one other person out there who was as goofy as I was with a snipe, but I've yet to come across another example.

[RayBShotz]

Originally Posted by Rob D.

A couple of years ago there was a 1967 Lajoie "Retirado" on eBay. I thought I put in a snipe that would be more than enough -- by a lot. Turns out I was wrong. Maybe it was a case of there being one other person out there who was as goofy as I was with a snipe, but I've yet to come across another example.

Rob - 1967 Retired Players seem to be hugely sought after by "player collectors" and thereby have an unusally higher demand.

[hcv123]

Ray,

The good news is that the 66's are the easiest to find AND are possible in better grades as my understanding is there was no album issued for them to be glued into that year. Don't overpay for lower grade (PSA 3 or lower), but don't be afraid to pay for higher grade stars - the demand SIGNIFICANTLY overshadows the supply on the stars - commons on the other hand should be a pretty good deal as previously mentioned, not many woring on sets. Me, I'm trying to put together a collection of some of the superstars from 1959-1972. Have a good start from 10 years ago, but still need plenty of them. Happy collecting.

-Howard

[a761506]

I wouldn't read into the population reports too much and think that 1966 was the easiest year to find. The 1966 population report has been beefed up largely by me. There absolutely was a 1966 album (I own one) and the cards were glued in the albums like crazy in 1966. I dug high and low to get the 1966 cards that I have, which are responsible for close to 75% of the higher grade material in the 1966 pop. report, but most cards are not found that nice. 1966 Venezuelan cards were printed on the best quality card stock they used for any Venezuelan set, and the stock has allowed the cards to survive a little better.

I personally think finding 1964 cards is easier than 1966 cards, but finding cards with no surface damage is easier in 1966. The 1964 cards are on terrible card stock, and the black backs make finding clean examples from this year a huge undertaking.

[hcv123]

Thanks Josh. Obviously got my facts wrong. For those who don't know - Josh is "THE" man when it comes to Venezuelans.

[RayBShotz]

Josh - Thanks for chiming in. Your knowledge on this subject is invaluable and always appreciated. Do you have a 66' Album? Just curious what they look like.
RayB

[yazfan08]

Josh is definitely the resident authority on Venezuelans. I used to collect them somewhat extensively, but now only have what is depicted below: every Yaz Ven.

Good topic.