In an exhilarating turn of events for avid sports memorabilia collectors, a trove of approximately 2,000 unopened 1963 Exhibit “stat back” baseball cards has recently surfaced. Encased in their original brown packaging, these cards are a significant find within the hobby, especially due to their untouched state. The discovery was brought to light through a captivating social media post featuring a vintage arcade machine reminiscent of the ones that once dispensed these precious cards.
Bill Mendel, a seasoned professional in the sports memorabilia industry, expressed his astonishment upon hearing about the find from an acquaintance on the east coast. This contact had connections to the arcade business and acquired the cards from Mike Munves in New York, a renowned distributor and repairer of arcade machines during the 1950s and 60s. The presence of these sealed packages, bearing Exhibit Supply’s Chicago address, confirmed their authenticity and historical significance.
Representing Memorabilia Experts, a Las Vegas-based memorabilia store and auction house, Mendel swiftly organized the consignment of these priceless treasures. These unopened bricks, which likely contain multiple complete sets of the 64-card series, could fetch thousands of dollars each, given their pristine and uncirculated condition. Additionally, the haul included a partially opened fifth package and hundreds of loose cards, including ten Hank Aarons, ten Willie Mays, nine Mickey Mantles, and other baseball legends, intensifying the extraordinary nature of this discovery.
The 1963 “stat back” cards, notable for their career statistics printed in red, are highly sought after due to their size and quality. While loose cards from this era and series are relatively common, finding them in unopened vending packages is exceptionally rare, leading to hefty prices on the collector’s market.
This collection, comprising both the unopened bricks and loose cards, is slated for auction and has already generated significant interest and bids. The upcoming auction not only provides a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire these rare gems but also pays homage to the history and nostalgia of baseball card collecting, transporting enthusiasts back to a time when acquiring a card was as simple as inserting a coin into a machine.
For Mendel and Memorabilia Experts, securing these items for auction marks a notable achievement, spotlighting the ongoing allure and excitement of unearthing sports memorabilia treasures. Whether these packs will be opened or kept sealed remains a decision for the winning bidders. However, the mere existence of these cards in their original state is undoubtedly a win for collectors and historians alike, celebrating the rich legacy of baseball’s past.
