As was the case with prior issues a selection of cards from the 1968 Topps baseball set - in this case the first 370 cards - were reproduced in South America for sale in Venezuela. The cards are virtually identical to their American cousins with the exception of being printed on lower-quality non-glossy paper stock and are emblazoned with "Hecho en Venezuela - C.A. Litoven" in "mouse type" on the reverse. The Venezuelan cards rarely found in high grades are far more scarce than any of their mainstream Topps counterparts with values consistent with such scarcity. The key card in the 1968 Topps issue is unquestionably the rookie card of popular Hall of Fame fireballer Nolan Ryan. One of the most highly sought-after cards in the American issue the Venezuelan issue is virtually impossible to find. In addition the Venezuelan cards are nearly impossible to find in conditions greater than EX. Presented here is what is likely to be the most beautiful Venezuelan Ryan rookie known. Despite the fact that several examples exist in slightly higher grade this card truly boasts the visual appeal of a NM card. Accurately graded a barely visible wrinkle in Ryan's cap accounts for the downgrade. However the corners edges and centering along with the card's rich color are exceptional. So exceptional in fact that many collectors who examined the card in our showcase at three recent card shows did not realize the card was a Venezuelan Topps issue until we told them - they thought we were displaying the card as an ironic example of a grading company error. This is truly an extraordinary example one unlikely to be bested from the standpoint of eye appeal. Furthermore with the higher-graded examples safely tucked away in high-ranking Nolan Ryan player sets none of those specimens are likely to become available in the hobby in the near future. This is indeed a unique card a beautiful example from a rare issue easily the key card in the set.