I happened to compare the Venetian gold card I got last week with one I got from WalterD a few weeks ago. I see the earlier card has the facade of the buildings in the background in a reflective, textured gold surface. There appear to be no other differences, front or back. This is a definite variety, but don't see a listing in the Wells/Lamb book for it.

I wonder if the regular player cards have the same two varieties? Mine all have the plain printed appearance.