VENEZUELA. 500 Bolivares, 1975. NGC PROOF-68 Ultra Cameo. KM-Y-54; Fr-9. Mintage: 100. An intensely desired modern issue, struck to commemorate the nationalization of the countrys oil industry. Attractively stylized, the right side of the obverse displays the leftward facing bust of liberator and forefather, Simon Bolivar, in a sunken and reflective semi-rectangle, while the remaining surfaces, which possess a satin appearance, provide the date and mention of the event. A similar technique appears on the reverse, with two oil derricks within a sunken reflective window at left and the country, denomination and weight in the surrounding fields. A RARE item in any quality, the combined NGC and PCGS population reports reflect only 19 appearances. Of those seen, many show notable handling, spots or discoloration. This piece however is free from those distractions, and must be considered among the finest surviving. Accordingly, it is tied with two other examples in this penultimate grade with only two pieces grading a point higher at 69. A seldom-equaled opportunity for the passionate collector as such! From the Oro del Nuevo Mundo Collection.
